John Wick Chapter 2 Review.

Rating: 5/10 (18 June 2017)

It pains me to write this review. After the brilliant surprise hit of the first film, i was highly anticipating where the series would go next. Instead i found John Wick chapter 2 to be Incredibly disappointing. This film is a shining example that more doesn't equate to being better.
Despite the multiple amounts of gun fights and action sequences, they all blend from one set piece to another. There's no real fluidity or stand out moments except for the pencil scene, but even that felt more like fan service then originality. This is an Issue that crops up multiple times in the film. The action scenes in this film are again well shot and choreographed. They're also edited better then most action films of the last decade. Chad Stahelski and his stunt team deserve credit for delivering a competent, well shot action film.
The problem however is that it's nothing we haven't all ready seen from the first film. There's not a whole lot of difference other then the fact there are far too many action sequences that felt over the top in this film. They were so frequent the audience is barley given any time to process the moment. Whereas The first film had three main set pieces which all felt unique, with the first film building itself up to the central set piece of the film, the nightclub scene which was exhilarating and a joy to watch. There aren't any moments like that in this film, it just moves from one action scene to the next, and most action scenes aren't as engaging or given any payoff. The film also retains none of the humour or levity from it's predecessor, instead the film felt nastier and cynical.
The biggest complaint i have with this film though, was there was too much plot exposition and focus on the underworld element. The fact that nearly everyone in the city is somehow connected with the underworld was bordering on the ludicrous. This was a really cool element in the first film because it was kept in the background. The underworld felt mysterious and somewhat alluring, in this film it takes centre stage and takes a lot of focus away from the characterisation of John Wick.
The film was also missing any form of emotional attachment to John Wick. In the first film we were given a clear and precise emotional hook, that allowed the audience to feel guilt free and root for John, when he goes on his murderous quest for vengeance. In this film he's given no choice by the main antagonist that is played by Riccardo Scamarcio. Who's given no character development and felt incredibly dull. The side characters in the film, Ares(Ruby Rose) and Cassian(Common) are given more to do, and do a better job feeling like an actual threat to John. They both give terrific physical performances, and the film would of benefited far more if they were made the primary antagonists.
I went into this film with a lot of excitement after being blown away by how much fun i had with the first film. Unfortunately the director was unable to catch lightning in a bottle twice. There are good sequences in the film. Overall the film felt too self-indulgent. Whilst i respect the films ambition to be more then the sum of it parts, and blossom into a franchise that can go in many different directions with It's underworld development. This film felt too much of a set up for future films, TV series, spin-offs etc.