John Wick: Chapter 2

2014’s “John Wick” was such a pleasant surprise. It delivered the rapid-fire action and bone-crunching stunts we crave when stepping into an action film. We also got a compelling protagonist with a story that, while not deep, certainly made you care about what was happening when the guns were cooling off. I’m not sure I can say that this sequel tops the first but I’m seriously considering it. "John Wick Chapter 2" showcases a number of impressive sequences and – most pleasantly of all – expands on the previously established universe.

Set about two weeks after the first film, John Wick (Keanu Reeves) is brought back into the world of assassins and soon finds himself with a bounty on his head.

You can’t believe Keanu Reeves is 52 and still pulling off these kinds of moves. Not until you see the film. We’re talking about prolonged takes, shot from a distance that allows you to clearly see what is happening and makes it evident that he does his own stunts. Not big explosions and special effects all over the screen, no quick edits to make Hollywood actors who have no business throwing kicks look good. It’s people scraping on the ground, getting dirty, using anything and everything at their disposal to scrape together an advantage and ensure the person that’s at the other of the gun barrel ends up dead. You thought the Joker could kill a man with a pencil? Oh man, you’ve got no idea.

What’s even better (or at least as good) than the action is the way this series builds on itself. The actions of the first movie have logical consequences. We learn more about the politics of a secret society of assassins, the rules these people have to abide by and what happens to them. That ambition to be more, to grow, is gratifying. The passion is as evident as a gunshot wound to the forehead.

Ruby Rose (who appeared earlier this year in “xXx: Return of Xander Cage" and "Resident Evil: The Final Chapter") has a small part, but reminded me of the hammer girl from “The Raid 2: Berandal”. Despite her limited screen time, you’re mesmerized. Little details throughout, like the rules of this universe, the quirky characters and the way it keeps coming up with top-notch superbly choreographed action sequences is dynamite.

When I first heard of a planned sequel to "John Wick", I wondered how they could pull it off. Could they really think of a reason to keep going? Yes, they did. Director Chad Stahelski and writer Derek Kolstad have not been wasting the 3 years since the first film. Let's hope we don't have to wait that long for the next collaboration."John Wick: Chapter 2" is one satisfying sequel. (Theatrical version on the big screen, February 14, 2017)