It would come as no surprise that if you didn’t like the
first John Wick movie, chances are you won’t like ‘John Wick: Chapter 2’. However,
for fans of the first part, it will come as a pleasant surprise that the second
instalment not only lives up to expectations, but ups the ante and delivers a
high octane thrill ride that surpasses its predecessor.
I’ll try not to give too much away. The movie kicks off
right after the first one ends. John Wick is contacted by a former associate to
honour an agreement he had made to get out of the assassin business. Trouble
ensues once John, who initially refuses, reluctantly takes up the job. Not long
after, there is a contract on him and all of the other assassins are after his
life. So it’s up to John to use all his gun-fu expertise to survive and exact
vengeance on the villains.
The best thing about John Wick: Chapter 2 is that it takes
the formula that works and revs it up. There’s no attempt to overhaul the
vehicle – instead the movie just take the action to the next level, and also corrects
some of the flaws its predecessor had. The world the movie is set in is more
fleshed out – and though some parts are a little silly, it adds to the charm of
the whole thing.
There is not much in terms of plot here, but you’re too busy
having a good time to notice. The fight choreography is innovative and very
well executed (special mention for the portion where John is being targeted by
a lot of people, there is some shooting in public but not the kind you’d
expect, and a pencil comes in handy). The light touches of humour that worked
so well in the first movie are here as well. And certain moments like the
meeting of Laurence Fishburne and Keanu Reeves feels like fan service for Matrix
buffs.
A word of mention for Keanu Reeves, who is pretty much there
in every scene of the movie. His commitment to the film is exceptional, and he
also manages to stay to the character by adding depth and vulnerability, and
not just the physical exertions the role requires.
I would highly recommend ‘John Wick: Chapter 2’. Even though
it is a sequel, the movie feels fresh and exciting. Action fans will love it. If
you were in any doubt; yeah, he’s back!
