John Wick returns for another ride of visceral action sequences with higher stakes

Rating: 8/10 (16 February 2017)

If John Wick proved anything upon its release in the fall of 2014, it is not only that the action genre is still far from its deathbed but also that Keanu Reeves still holds his action adrenaline muscle he boasted during his years in the 'Matrix' trilogy. To say the least, it was a hyper-kinetic thrill ride that truly delivered. With Chad Stahelski returning to the director's seat, this film continues this story of the title character with a solid blend of frenetic action sequences and visual style. Similarly to the first film, this one delivers a heavy load of brooding action set pieces that mostly play roles in propelling the plot but nonetheless vend the thrills moviegoers deserve. However, it is Keanu Reeves that stands as the driving force for this action-packed vehicle. While the improvement upon the predecessor is rather thin to spot out, this film nevertheless gets the job done. Reeves reprises the role of John Wick who has shed away his gun, hoping to fully retire from his life as an assassin. However, when he is paid a visit by an Italian mobster Santino D'Antonio (played by Riccardo Scamarcio) who forcibly extorts him into doing one last mission, Wick is suddenly pulled into a crime underworld where he must travel to Rome to take out crime syndicate D'Antonio's sister (played by Claudia Gerini). He is appointed by the orders of a Continental Hotel owner and crime boss Winston (played by Ian McShane).
This film doesn't quite improve upon the previous film beyond its action sequences and maybe a slightly more constructed plot. Overall, director Chad Stahelski and Keanu Reeves still successfully breath life into this continuation of the predecessor. The stakes are higher, the gunfights are bloodier, and the plot is perhaps on a bigger scale. The film opens with the title character already on the streets mowing down the bad guys, and the scene progresses into an intense car chase sequence punctuated with brutal hand-to-hand combat and countless gunshots to the head. This scene however, only marks the beginning of the lead character's gun-blazing rampage -- and there is quite a lot of it here. The plot takes on a globe-trotting journey to Rome where a good portion of the action sets stone, and from there John Wick comes face-to-face with some ruthless villains. Before too long, what evolves from a wild "trust no one" mission turns into a violent, bloody showdown where gunfire fills the screen almost non-stop and tensions are sky high. And shall I mention the amazing cinematography done by Dan Laustsen who captures the striking visual beauty of both the action and the light-soaked environment of the downtown areas. As for the performances, Keanu Reeves is still strong and pulse-pounding as ever in the titular role; especially when showing off his action-charged testosterone. Riccardo Scamarcio does quite well and breaths plenty of life into the antagonist. As for Laurence Fishburne, Ian McShane, and John Leguizamo who are stranded in more minor roles, they each certainly do their part for better or worse.
John Wick: Chapter 2 is an entertaining action thrill ride packed with a hodgepodge of exhilarating action sequences, and striking thrills, and at best makes a worthy sequel for the 2014 surprise hit. It doesn't quite blow the first film out of the water as it stands rather neck-and-neck in terms of quality. But still, there is plenty of entertainment to be handed here. Among the films release in this early (and predictably lackluster) quarter of the year, this one stands out quite well.