John Wick: Chapter 2

Had the best scene been at the end and not in the first half, John Wick 2 would have been the best action movie ever, at least for me (to this day, that title belongs to Face/Off). The set design, editing and camerawork capturing all of the events in Rome are the pinnacle of the genre, overshadowing the best of John Woo. The visual elegance of the original film universe and its dark and gritty tone. The disarming cadence of luxuriously edited and properly brutal action. Dignity and detailed portrayals of all characters. Fatal, neo-noir Keanu Reeves, who seems impossible to dislike, both as an actor and as a person. This movie was a perfect fit for me; I enjoyed every sequence of shots, whereas in other action thrillers, I barely get to enjoy the climax. A rare treat I will be watching on repeat. (22/03/2017)

Poetry in motion. John Wick is a delightfully straightforward action movie that is constantly surprising and incredibly stylish with every shot. It is a film of movement that should theoretically satisfy fans of Buster Keaton, Akira Kurosawa, Sergio Leone, John Woo and video games. The comic-bookishly exaggerated world with a taciturn western hero (who, however, is skilled at expressing himself with a pen) makes more sense than in the first film thanks to the elaboration of the mythology, but a halting rhythm is the price paid for the second instalment’s longer runtime. The wheels come off the film for a moment after Laurence Fishburne, the king of New York vagabonds, appears (too late) on the scene (I believe he will be better utilised in the sequel) and just needlessly burns minutes towards the end (the return “home”). Though the first John Wick wasn’t so long that it would start repeating itself, and I will watch it again with greater enthusiasm, but from now on I will be happy to use the second instalment of John Wick, alongside Sherlock Jr., as a prime example of the fact that action doesn’t have to be created only through editing, but also through movement in thoughtfully composed shots. Who would have said a few years ago that the most respect-worthy action hero of the 21st century, whom you believe has a love for a nameless dog, distinctive taste in clothes, an understanding of intelligent modern art (you never know when a properly adjusted mirror might save your life) and the ability to shoot up the entire Camorra without batting an eye, would be Keanu Reeves in his fifties? 80% (23/02/2017)

An escalating copy of the non-functional first one, in which most of the participants make fools of themselves and the local reviews make a fool out of me. For me, a  bunch of slick head shots do not make for an unforgettable action flick, and if it weren't for the unusual initial destruction of the car, the only scene where Wick maintains the position of an honest worker, I would rate it even lower. Derek Kolstad has made too many foolish decisions this time, cramming bits of Kingsman into the mythology and having the main characters recite ridiculously trivial life mottos. The peak of all the confusion comes with Laurence Fishburne, whose performance and the entire subplot make a bold leap into the toilet. The rescue comes at the very end, which finally justifies the long-standing lack of compromise, but an open ending is a risk that is just begging for a proper punch in the face in the event a sequel is never made. (07/06/2017)

At first, the second John Wick is pretty much the same as the first, but that's not a bad thing, and as time goes on (especially during the riveting part set in Italy) it becomes clear that this film really is bigger and in some ways even more imaginative than its older brother. I really liked the more elaborate world of all the killers, the big hunt for John Wick and the mirror finale that reminded me of The Man with the Golden Gun. I believed in Keanu Reeves with everything, and his castmates (the charmingly badass Ruby Rose) certainly didn't get put to shame. I'd quite like it if Chad Stahelski did a Bond movie in the future, because he's as good at action scenes as he is at non-action ones, and the result would definitely be interesting. (25/02/2017)

If I'm going to tell someone in 30 years what action movie was hot in 2017, John Wick 2 will come out of my mouth without fail! This film is absolutely revolutionary for the action genre and features everything a proper action movie should have. It is highly elegant, sumptuous, opulent, modern and stylish in its visuals. I even enjoyed the view of the statues and fountains, and they made very good use of the monuments of Rome. The fast cars, solid suits and the decent selection of weapons are also cool. I have no complaints at all about the action itself, it meets the strictest criteria with aplomb. Interesting locations alternating, solid music playing, the camera is clear, the R-rating is perfect and besides the excellent headshots that were in the first one, the second one is spiced up with shotgun shooting or very good fights that the first one lacked. Of course Keanu Reeves can't compare to the elites from Asia in fights, he seemed too robotic at times, but the martial arts capable bad guys save the day. Big praise goes to Common, whom I noticed already in Run All Night and here he proves again that he is not only an excellent villain, but also a great fighter. And second praise goes to the discovery of the year, Ruby Rose, who is not only attractive but can even move (even with a knife!), being deaf and expressing everything in very elegant sign language only enhanced her performance. Story-wise, the film may be simpler, but I personally can't think of a better theme for the action genre than a group of dangerous assassins going after the main character. I'm very satisfied. A threequel is in the works. Anyone who gives less than 3 stars is old-fashioned and without balls in my book. There hasn't been more intense action porn since The Raid. 90%. (22/02/2017)