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John Wick: Chapter 2 Movie Review

John Wick: Chapter 2 is a 2017 neo-noir action thriller film directed by Chad Stahelski and starring Keanu Reeves. It’s a solid sequel that still isn’t better than the original.

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“Somebody, please!

Get this man a gun!“

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Renowned assassin John Wick sets out for Rome to duel with some of the deadliest killers to fulfill a vow he made. However, he soon learns that there is a huge bounty on his head. My main issue is the plot obviously. The movie has no plot. The first film at least had a dog to give the protagonist some much-needed agency and an emotional hook, but this one is just him on the run and encountering many forgettable opponents with only a couple standing out.

Cassian and Gianna are the only memorable characters in this movie and they provided some very solid action scenes. Others are all rather forgettable and very slightly developed with the exception of Laurence Fishburn who is quite fun himself. But Keanu Reeves himself continues to be great in what remains the best casting decision for this whole franchise. He is very believable and quite cool in the main role. He elevates the material stupendously.

There is a lot to be said about the movie’s epic qualities. There is no doubt about it – it is bigger and more expansive than its pulpy and somewhat limited in scope predecessor. The hotel itself is beautifully realized here and the cinematography and fight choreography continue to be outstanding and by far the highlights of each entry in this franchise.

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However, I would controversially argue that John Wick: Chapter 2 is inferior to the original because it is bigger as I preferred the original’s more restrained and realistic scenarios and action. Still, even I have to admit that in terms of audio-visuals, this one is so cinematic to the point that it can be enjoyed even by non-action fans. It’s quite colorful and gorgeously realized in all of its technicalities.

John Wick: Chapter 2 is inferior to its predecessor as it lacks an emotional hook and gone is the simplicity of the original, but this sequel is more expansive and definitely technically superior with solid mythology, excellent cinematography and stupendous fight choreography.

My Rating – 3.5