Masterclass Action Sequel

Rating: 10/10 (10 February 2017)

John Wick: Chapter 2 is an action film that seldom misfires. For quick context, John Wick came as a surprise return to form for Keanu Reeves in 2014. Two elements stood out to separate John Wick from the rest of the action pack. The first is in the excellent casting of the protagonist. The quite actor transformed his usual persona into a role of one who, instead, takes extreme action. In extra- textual awareness, loss seemingly haunts the misunderstood actor. The solemn introspective nature of Reeves gives the character of Wick a believable sense of unchained rage. Frankly, John Wick fits Keanu like a glove. A second unique feature of the original is in how the film introduced audiences to the vague world of assassins. John Wick 2 continues the process of world building without conceding a sense of mystery. The film flirts with its own idiosyncrasies knowing full well maintaining the atmosphere is what makes the franchise unique. For example, rules are cited without explaining the full body of the source. Odd artifacts localized to a high ranking assassin will find the camera's attention. In addition, the sequel is a far more cinematically complex film over the first in the series. John Wick: Chapter 2 explores the dichotomy of agency against the externalities in life. Wick constantly conforms to the rules of the assassin world despite a desire to break free. The dangers of breaking free are made explicitly known to the audience and Wick. As a result, the film's plot is the rare action film which focuses on the awareness of limitations in one's environment. The story constantly finds humor in the juxtaposition of action to dialogue/scenario. An intense fight will cease in due part to some odd universal assassin code. A shootout occurs during a concert at one point early in the film. Wick shoots an adversary in the head to an ignorant audience's entertainment. The cited moment gives the viewer a meta moment to ponder their attraction to extreme violent imagery. Speaking of universal codes, the film often uses noir elements to heighten emotions or reflect states of danger. Soft blue and red lighting clash throughout the film. Red often illuminates the screen during the more intense shootouts of the film. Conversely, the color blue offers Wick precious few moments to cool down and collect himself. The depth of the assassin world adds a heightened sense of danger to our protagonist. Wick ceases being able to recognize fellow assassins from civilians among the throngs of New York. (Minor spoiler) The entire environment literally turns against John during the final surprisingly unnerving moments of the film. The action is top notch and will satisfy anyone who simply wants to witness masterfully executed action. The hand to hand combat does get a bit stale during the final fights of the movie. Ultimately, John Wick: Chapter 2 is the cinephiles fun action romp.