John Wick: Chapter 2 review

The sequel to the 2014 hit John Wick is out and seems to be making quite the statement at the box office. Directed by Chad Stahelski and written by Derek Kolstad, John Wick: Chapter 2 revolves around the former hit man John Wick (Keanu Reeves), who is dragged out of retirement once again. He is forced to honour the blood oath he once made to Italian mobster Santino D’Antonio (Riccardo Scamarcio). Attempting to find peace, the boogeyman had no other choice but doing what he does the best, “get things done.” The Continental Hotel which is a mystical neutral sacred ground where no “business” is allowed, the mysterious gold coins through which the assassins make trade, the betrayals, revenges and dark humours are still there just like in its prequel. The similarities in the two story lines is probably one of the reasons why so many people are disappointed with the sequel. In spite of that, everything about John Wick: Chapter 2 feels grander. This may sound a little exaggerated but the long-phased, choreographed action sequences are so brilliantly tied up with just the right amount of awkward conversations, that it never feels redundant or monotonous. The sets, the performances, the action sequences is even more dramatic and undeniably appealing. John Wick: Chapter 2 does remain committed to its “Gun-Fu.” The term, which was coined by the director of the film, refers to choreographed Kung-Fu that is intertwined with traditional gun-play. It seems as if the second edition comes close to perfecting the art of Gun-Fu. The fight scenes, while just as intense, aren’t as consistently loud. There are times where the Gun Fu moments are worthy of adoration in their execution, the time span of the fight scenes give the audience a better chance to appreciate the work that goes into each choreographed routine. It might not be the ideal action film but it has all the proper ingredients needed and in perfect quantity. In many ways, John Wick: Chapter 2 is more daring and bolder than its prequel. Old faces Ian McShane and Franco Nero’s efforts are praiseworthy. Reeve’s Matrix co-star Laurence Fishburne is incredible as crime lord, Bowney King who uses men masquerading as homeless bums and pigeon carriers to rule New York City. The movie ends in a manner that we can easily anticipate that there will be a third one. Let’s wait and see how badass the third chapter will be!