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★★★★
Directed by Chad Stahelski
Starring Keanu Reeves, Ruby Rose, Laurence Fishburne, Ian McShane, Riccardo Scamarcio, & Common
Film Review by Amaliah S. Marmon-Halm
After appearing on our screens in 2014, it was confirmed that John Wick was the badass we needed in our film lives. He was cool, decked head to toe in black, the hand-to-hand combat scenes were actually convincing and he had headshots down to an art. As action films went, John Wick was a very well done piece of filmmaking and entertainment. And everyone could relate to him. If someone killed the dog my dead partner had given me, I’d probably think of doing something similar.
John Wick: Chapter 2, as a result of a very good first film, had the heavy task of achieving the almost impossible – be a sequel that can compete and stand up with the first. As good an actor has Keanu Reeves is, his track record for film sequels left audiences a bit nervous. I’m happy to report that these fears were not necessary. This is a riot from start to finish and is the type of film you can’t help but have fun watching. That was not just because Keanu Reeves graced my screening with his seemingly-ageless presence, although I’ve never heard a screen full of media and press people scream so loudly.
Chapter 2 starts where the first exciting instalment ended – with him rescuing his beloved car and leaving a trail of bodies in his wake. Hoping to enjoy some well-deserved peace and quiet with his new doggy named Dog (he picked him up at the end of the last film), John gets an unexpected visit from Santiago D’Antonio (Riccardo Scamarcio), the keeper of his gold marker. It was time to repay a debt but John was just enjoying his rest. Of course, there would be a series of events that would make John don his trademark scowl and want to go spread some red and justice of his own.
Watch the official Movie Trailer for John Wick: Chapter 2 above.
With additions of Ruby Rose playing the head of his henchman hoard who also happened to be deaf, Common who plays a fellow assassin with a grudge and Ian McShane who's in charge of the secret society that lets assassins rest, play, repair and get fancy suits in his chain of hotels and services, the supporting cast really adds to the thrill and enjoyment of this film. And let’s not forget all the poor henchmen that get their blood splattered everywhere. One of the highlights would be the exchange between John Wick and Laurence Fishburne’s mysterious character. See if you play along in a game of spot the reference.
John Wick: Chapter 2 may not have the emotional drama that the first instalment had but it definitely brings all kinds of fun and blood to the screen. It’s funny, it’s bloody and it’s just a great example of what an action film should be.
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