Wow

Rating: 10/10 (12 February 2017)

The first John Wick film was a modern action masterpiece. When I saw it in the theater, I was absolutely blown away. I loved it. Given my adoration for the film, I was a little bit worried when a sequel was announced.
If you, like me, had any reservations about the sequel not living up to the original, you can set those fears aside. John Wick Chapter 2 maintains all the exquisitely-choreographed action scenes and gripping story elements you could ever ask for.
Not that surprising, since director Chad Stahelski and writer Derek Kolstad both return to collaborate on the film.
(Possible Spoilers Ahead) Chapter 2 begins shortly after the events of the first film, with Wick tracking down his sexy Mustang (A plot hole I was concerned about after the events of John Wick). After that, everything kicks in to even higher gear. (End Spoilers)
The story is excellent. Without spoiling anything, I can say that it expands the mythology of the film's world to great effect, something that I found incredibly exciting as a fan. I can also safely say that the plot is much more interesting than I expected it to be.
The action scenes are also excellent. Said scenes are choreographed within an inch of their life and most of them are shot in single-take wide shots with very little editing which allows the audience to enjoy the action without being bombarded by constant edits and headache- inducing sound effects. I appreciate this quite a lot, as action bits in several other films over the last few years have suffered from these afflictions. This is a trend that John Wick ignores in favor of showing off the skill of the choreographers and stunt people.
(More possible spoilers) The last bit of the film is also quite gripping and manages to set up a third film without feeling ham-fisted or awkward in any way. If there is to be a sequel, I simply cannot wait. (End spoilers)
All in all, John Wick Chapter 2 is about as perfect as a sequel fans could hope for. If you liked the first, then the second will please you just as much, if not more, than the original.
Fans of John Wick and fans of action in general will be pleased.
10/10