John Wick: Chapter 2 is a 2017 movie, which is a sequel to the 2014 action film simply titled 'John Wick'. It is directed by Chad Stahelski and written by Derek Kolstad.
The movie stars Keanu Reeves as John Wick, reprising the role of the ex-hitman, Riccardo Scamarcio, Common, Laurence Fishburne, Ruby Rose, and Ian McShane in main roles.
John Wick: Chapter 2 starts off where the first movie left off. Starting with a stylish prologue that reminds you of what you're getting into, it later takes you to a John that is still keen on retirement and avoiding trouble. John has a new dog and is trying to adjust back into his life, but everything goes south when he is forced to do another task back in the assassin world due to a dept unpaid to a powerful Italian crime lord, and afterwards, a bounty is put on John's head that makes every assassin that can find him attempt to murder him. John Wick is then left with no choice but to fight for his life on every corner, and get revenge on the person who put the bounty on him.
The story of the movie; much like the first one, is not a strong point. It's there, it makes sense and it works out. Not poorly written, and nothing you haven't seen before. But it's the atmosphere it sets for the movie, as well as the fact how beautifully it's executed, does not make you feel that it's lacking at all.
The movie is very well structured, and it only expands on everything that the first movie set up. The lore increases further, and the action is even better this time around, featuring longer fight scenes instead of quickies, all the while maintaining the atmosphere set up for the franchise, although arguably it's slightly toned down this time as it aims more for faster progression rather than the sometimes slow but stylized progression of the first film, but it is not a drawback and actually provides a fresher feel for the movie that makes it stand out as a worthwhile experience of it's own. The serious tone of the movie is not compromised for humor; but there's sly hints of moments that would make you laugh; as it did with me and the audience I was watching with.
The acting of the movie is definitely no Oscar-runner, but is regardless solid with good performances with the entire cast. The new additions to the cast really lighten up with movie, with Common as Cassian, Ruby Rose as Ares and Lawrence Fishburne finally appearing on the screen at the same time as Keanu Reeves for the first time since The Matrix trilogy. Speaking of Common's character Cassian, the first fight scene that John Wick has with Cassian is perhaps my most favourite part of the movie.
The soundtrack, composed by Tyler Bates and Joel J. Richard, is just as good as the first one, although it may not be every person's cup of tea. But for John Wick, it is perfect and blends in beautifully, setting up a sense of intensity and 'shit going down' for every scene, while providing a more calmed feel for the scenes that call for it. The sound effects of the movie in general were very good, and every shot was music to my ears, while the sound of John Wick's ride burning through the road just ceases to get old.
The action of the movie is very well choreographed and fun to watch, taking on the standard set up by the first movie, and made it even better and longer, making you feel that John Wick really is getting challenged, no longer against people he'd easily have a cakewalk through. More hand-to-hand is added to match up with the gun-fu, and it is such a welcomed addition. As I mentioned earlier, the fight scene with Cassian was my favourite part of the movie, and absolutely I loved the intensity to the fact that John is fighting against someone who appears to be of equal skill to him; and that is something that was extremely entertaining to watch because John's other kills tend to be very quick. That is not to say that the others were not entertaining, the entire movie is full of beautifully choreographed action and every scene makes you subconsciously want to be kicking some assassin ass.
Final Verdict:
John Wick: Chapter 2 is a 9 out of 10.
The movie most definitely lives up to the hype created by the first movie, and if anything, expands on that experience featuring action on an even larger scale, while expanding the lore as well and setting up more opportunities for future films.
If you haven't watched it already, you shouldn't wait any longer and jump into it right away, it's worth more than every dollar you'd be spending on it.
Muhammad Junaid
Muhammad Junaid is the writer of Entertainment Ghost. He writes articles, reviews, previews and entertainment news about gaming, technology, the media and so on. You can follow him on Twitter @Mr_MJunaid and Facebook MJunaid
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