A bold and adrenaline-fuelled sequel that expands excellently on the first, setting up what could be one of the greatest action trilogies ever.

Rating: 8/10 (2 March 2017)

'John Wick Chapter 2' explodes onto the big screen shamelessly loud and exhilarating, opening with Keanu Reeves' John Wick tracking down his stolen 1969 Ford Mustang Mach 1, bombarding it out of the chop shop it was stored in, killing a good many goons along the way. This truly does set the tone for the entire film; bigger, more badass, and leaving a longer line of dead bodies after all the turmoil.
These sorts of action films rarely exemplify such artistic flair, but director Chad Stahelski, who co-directed the original with David Leitch, gives us a fantastic spectacle to behold. The experienced stunt director provides some more immensely choreographed car chases, thrilling fight scenes, contrasting with intense sequences of drama with unique style. The inspiration here is more based on martial arts films from the likes of Hong-Kong, intricate yet fluidly flowing between shots, differentiating the Wick franchise from the likes of 'Bourne' or 'Bond'. Additionally, there's an incredible section in the final showdown in a hall of mirrors, which is just visually spectacular. The tension is masterfully sustained, and while this is an aspect that is present throughout, it is remarkably prevalent there, making it one of the most surprisingly gripping set pieces in the film and an absolute joy to watch.
Extraordinarily for this sort of film, it is a wholly justified sequel that doesn't damage the game-changing legacy of the first. Still as hard-hitting, still as intriguing and still as fresh in its approach, 'John Wick Chapter 2' does what the likes of 'Taken' could not, or rather chose not to; it proudly returns embodying the tone and feel of the previous, flowing naturally between the two instalments (which may be down to the fact that this is set only days after the first). For fans of the original, this film serves sufficiently on every front. 'Chapter 2' develops on the premise of the first, delving deeper into the criminal underworld with intriguing outcomes. It introduces some interesting characters, notably combining 'The Matrix' veterans, Reeves and Lawrence Fishburne (who plays the campy crime lord Bowery King), for the first time since 'Revolutions', along with the familiar faces of the first, Ian McShane (as the owner of the New York Continental hotel, Winston) and Lance Reddick as Charon, both with larger and more captivating parts to play.
Like the original film however, 'Chapter 2' requires a substantial deferral of disbelief. But this does not deter from the brilliance of the gracefully streaming narrative, or the awesome impact of the action sequences on the viewing experience.
But at the essence of it all, John Wick is without a doubt the worst retiree ever. Yet I don't expect anyone to complain about that besides him really, and maybe those who attempt to stop him in future. 'Chapter 2' is fantastic escapism entertainment, establishing a franchise that promises to be enticing to the last. Here's to chapter three being just as breathtaking.