Quick – name the first Keanu Reeves role that comes to mind. Up until three years ago, there likely would’ve been one dominant answer, but nowadays Neo has some serious competition. John Wick is on another rampage, and this time it’s not to avenge his dead dog. Does the reason really matter anyway? Perhaps not. John Wick: Chapter Two is a well made sequel that ups the body count, expands on lore, and preserves a lot of what made the first chapter a blast. Much of the credit goes to returning director Chad Stahelski, the stunt team, and Reeves, who did a lot of his own dirty work. Reeves has often been criticized for a lack of range throughout his career, but competently playing the silent, badass hero is certainly within his acting capabilities.
Once again, the premise is fairly simple. After some loose ends from part one are wrapped up, John’s ordeal finally looks to be done, until it isn’t. Crime boss Santino D’Antonio (Riccardo Scamarcio), who helped John accomplish his infamous “impossible task” to get out of the game, decides that it’s time to pay him back through their blood oath by carrying out an assassination. Of course, things don’t go as planned. While Santino doesn’t have us wishing for his comeuppance anywhere near as much as John’s former boss’ son Iosef did, he’s fairly slimy in his own right. And to be fair, he isn’t guilty of anything as personal as killing one’s dog. John is pretty much a one-man army, but he does encounter a few allies along the way. Wise Continental owner Winston (Ian McShane), stoic concierge Charon (Lance Reddick), and loyal chop shop owner Aurelio (John Leguizamo) return. Laurence Fishburne’s role as a wild card crime lord is minor but has a lot of potential in the likely sequel; any overt Matrix references are nowhere to be found. Maybe Carrie Anne Moss or Hugo Weaving could add to the reunion next time?
John Wick: Chapter 2 features several standout firefights in varied settings, from dark catacombs to a bright, mirror-filled art exhibit. Just like in part one, the camera shots are kept steady and wide angled so that viewers can fully appreciate the choreography as John battles through a seemingly endless stream of baddies. A couple of one-on-one encounters with Cassian (Common), a fellow assassin who has his own score to settle with John, are also impressive and similarly shot. The sleek cinematography and ridiculously efficient marksmanship lend a satisfying elegance to the mayhem. Despite John’s aimbot powers, he doesn’t have the typical action hero’s ability to fire dozens of rounds without reloading.
The world of John Wick is full of such contradictions, appearing grounded in some aspects and totally cartoonish in others. They’re the source of its charm, as long as you accept that armed enemies are generous enough to rush in a few at a time instead of advancing steadily in numbers, that law enforcement is inexplicably absent, and that an organization can be so powerful yet also unknown to the public. John Wick: Chapter 2 provides further glimpses into this underground world. Secretaries are shown speaking on rotary phones and making contracts official using typewriters. There are mentions of a high table composed of 12 members who have ultimate power. In an amusing sequence, John prepares himself for a job by visiting a tailor and sommelier who offer very atypical services.
The first John Wick established that no “business” is to be conducted on Continental grounds, and the second introduces a second guideline that’s to blame for dragging John back in again – markers (blood oaths) must be repaid upon request. This is a series that takes its lore seriously, and as a result the audience feels the same dread its characters do when a crucial rule is broken. And like them, we’re also bracing for the severe consequences. John Wick: Chapter 2 ends on a cliffhanger, with all indications pointing to much bigger stakes in Chapter 3. The thin story is more of an excuse to relive a bullet and blood-soaked journey, but it’s hard to complain too much when the world-building and execution (no pun intended) are so entertaining. At one point, John yells, “You wanted me back… I’m back!” Yes, Mr. Wick, a lot of action fans did, and we’re grateful for it.
Dogomon 