John Wick: Chapter 2 Review – Twice the Gun Fu Twice the Fun

John Wick: Chapter 2, in a rare occurrence, proves to be a very entertaining sequel that deftly builds upon the original. Using creative visuals and expanding its scale, this follow-up is enjoyable for both fans and new audiences.

We get to see more and beyond The Continental. Chapter 2 offers more film locations, creating a fully realized world that was wisely hinted at in the first installment. The script doesn’t stuff us with information in one sitting that action movies tend to do to get it out of way. Instead, it lets the plot show us more about its inner workings.

The cinematography and production design elevate this cliched backdrop. The world of assassins has an old-world design that contrasts with hypermodern action set pieces. An underground network system uses old ’70s computers to disseminate information to assassins.

Later on, a shootout in the catacombs leads to a subway platform with white walls and subtle neon lines. Intense colors and lighting contrasts elevate action sequences are executed to give a comic book narrative style.

The fight scenes are blunt, consistent, and colorful, giving the John Wick franchise its own flair. Camerawork and wide-angle shots create a perceptible sense of intensity. The movie borrows from the Hong Kong-style fight choreography, instead of the smash and bash that you often see in big-budget Hollywood action films. While Jason Bourne capitalizes on his surroundings and James Bond relies on gadgets, John Wick uses his enemy’s weapons against them to land decisive hits.

Keanu Reeves makes this character his own – a lone wolf that is enjoying the hunt more than he’s willing to admit, lending some deadpan humor to the violent proceedings.

The movie extends its comic book-styled narrative to quirky characters that complement Wick’s superhuman endurance. They’re functional figures in the plot, but each is given a distinct trait.

The Bowery King and his secret subway Kingdom, Ares and her perpetually calm focus, and Winston as a father figure of sorts to Wick hint at an untold personal journey. The cast chews up the scenery but does so in interesting ways.

When the story culminates into a thrilling showdown in one part mirrored art installation and one part maze, it’s a satisfying finish.

Chapter 2 expands on the simplest B-movie elements imaginable that the first movie used – a mythical now recluse legend who keeps getting sucked into a life that he left for the love he lost.

By balancing action with lean plotting and using creative ideas with technical flair, John Wick: Chapter 2 is as much of a highly entertaining shoot’em flick as its predecessor. It’s a B-movie with an A-list treatment.

John Wick is shaping up to be a solid action franchise that knows what it’s supposed to do and executes its minimalistic elements with aplomb. John Wick: Chapter 2 ends with a beginning to a trilogy, and again in a rare occurrence, makes us look forward to what it has to offer.