Before I dive into my original views on ‘John Wick: Chapter 2‘, let me wet your appetite with the film’s official plot synopsis: Keanu Reeves returns in the sequel to the 2014 hit as legendary hitman John Wick who is forced to back out of retirement by a former associate plotting to seize control of a shadowy international assassins’ guild. Bound by a blood oath to help him, John travels to Rome where he squares off against some of the world’s deadliest killers.
This was above and beyond the most satisfyingly “over the top” action film I’ve ever had the pleasure of viewing. Both this entry and its predecessor, ‘John Wick,’ have become a sort of Kodachrome for the action genre. From the gorgeous cinematography, and the momentum based action/stunt choreography for Reeves’s fight sequences, my attention has never been so glued to the screen from shot to shot. And speaking of shots, the sound effects of this movie need an Oscar nomination–From every punch thrown, landed, and every gun shot that either hits its target or sheers off a piece of cement, the sound mix here invigorates the senses like never before.
As far as the story goes– well, like the synopsis reads, Wick is forced out of retirement (like in the first film) again, but in a way that it puts him into an incredibly tight spot by the time the credits roll. Yes, make no mistake about it, it has that “Empire Strikes Back” vibe which all but seals the deal for a 3rd chapter. Now, this isn’t some ultra-dynamic story per se, and it doesn’t have to be! More importantly, what really makes this iteration shine, is Keanu Reeves delivering his best John Wayne aura from scene to scene– Case in point, he’s not really acting but more so “reacting” to everything he anticipates or anticipates doing to others. It’s really quite brilliant when you recognize what he’s able to project throughout the picture, all the while showing he’s as convincing an action hero as you’ll find in the modern era of filmmaking.
It should also be noted that the choreography you see in this film hands down obliterates anything we’ve seen in some of the recent James Bond flicks– The execution of movement really ups the ante to the point I almost felt like there’s no way to surpass it in the next scene, but big surprise, the filmmakers managed to make it happen more often than not. Are there some moments where maybe you might think, sweet Jesus, this is egregiously violent?? Absolutely. But it’s that suspension of disbelief that allows your brain to embrace the chaos. It’s like watching a “Superman” cheat death at every turn.
Honorable mention also goes to Laurence Fishburne— The man always adds such pure personality to every role he’s in, and in this case, while playing a former acquaintance of Wick named Bowery King, he’s his usual charming self.
Bottom line, this is an action film for guys that truly love a pulse pounding and relentless two hours of escapism at its finest!! By the time you see Wick running off with his “nameless” Pitt Bull (fantastic dog) into uncertain times, it’s impossible to not be rooting for he and his pooch to circumvent the darkness that lies ahead. Bring on ‘John Wick: Chapter 3’!! Nuff said.
4 out of 4 stars
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