bigger action, scope, slightly improved story, and more Keanu Reeves badassery

Rating: 7/10 (3 November 2019)

Building on its predecessor, John Wick: Chapter 2 expands the mythos of its titular protagonist with bigger action, scope, slightly improved story, and more Keanu Reeves badassery.
Chapter 2 follows John Wick in the wake of the consequences in the original's story. The Russian Mafia Wick battled is but a member of a large group of a connected mob, with their own rules and code. Wick is once again forcibly drawn back to his previous profession when he is tasked by an influential mob boss to kill his sister.
Like the original, themes of brotherhood, loyalty, greed, and power are explored. Many of the hinted aspects of the criminal underworld Wick is a part of is expanded. A larger group called High Table makes decisions every mob and bosses follow. The High Table is composed of mob bosses themselves.
Wick is drawn to the task because he swore a blood oath, an unbreakable pact that must be honored. The mob boss, Santino D'Antonio, is driven by greed and greater power because his sister, Gianna D'Antonio, is a member of the High Table and he is not. Gianna commits suicide when confronted by Wick to end her life in her own terms. Before Gianna could kill herself, she poses Wick a dilemma that by killing her, a woman, wouldn't he remember the memory of his deceased wife. Wick proceeds anyway, but not before she committed suicide. Upon completing the task, to deflect any suspicion, Santino has Wick assassinated, with a hefty bounty, to no avail. Failing to assassinate Wick, Santino becomes the prey. The chase lands both Wick and Santino at New York Continental Grounds which prohibits "business" within hotel grounds. Wick violates the oath and kills Santino, rendering him excommunicado not just in Continental but the entire criminal enterprise. The bounty on his head is doubled and becomes international, but not before Winston gave him a 1-hour head start of distance. The killing of Santino signifies Wick's full return into his old profession but as a lone wolf.
Compared to its predecessor, Chapter 2 has a slight improvement in character development, but not enough to be considered emotionally fulfilling. There is a jarring tonal shift between the film's two halves wherein the first is mainly about Wick's loss and the assassination job while the second half is him on the run. The world-building is really impressive, presenting how big the criminal enterprise Wick lives in. The fight scenes are spectacular. One standout, in particular, is the hall of mirrors fight, which is inspired by Sam Mendes' Skyfall. The amount of car crashes Wick survives in this particular film shows what a legend he is. His reputation as an assassin extends beyond New York. Keanu Reeves is great once again showing some real acting chops by performing different languages, both verbal and sign. The direction is sleeker. Somehow, Chad Stahelski manages to improve Chapter 2 in spectacle and direction while remaining faithful to the original.
John Wick: Chapter 2 is a very good follow-up but one where the sequel may improve upon with better writing.
7/10