John Wick: Chapter 2

Disappointment. Not big, but disappointment nonetheless. John Wick 2 is still way ahead of other action movies, but in the fights and the shootouts, it sometimes runs out of breath and starts to repeat itself a little. Fortunately, the lead is so great that it doesn't matter that much. The bigger problem is with the story, which is taken deadly seriously this time, lacking the lightness and wit of the first one, and, above all, going in a direction that I personally don't consider to be completely fortunate. While John Wick used to be a myth, a legend, and a specter whose name terrified every mafia member, now he is just one of many assassins who lost their uniqueness somewhere between the first and second film. The myth is gone. Moreover, the film thoughtlessly divulges all the secrets of the world of assassins, which was previously so attractive precisely because it kept those secrets. Quite a shame. John Wick 2 is an above-average action movie that unfortunately comes with a boring story that somewhat loses itself. Oh, and also with a rather weak lineup of antagonists. Sorry, but next time I want more. Although maybe I'll prefer to wait less. (15/05/2017)

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)

This sequel is visually more finely honed. It doesn’t suffer the usual pitfalls of sequels, while it enjoys all of the advantages. There’s more action, at least equally good, ingenious and surprising, even though it has lost the moment of surprise that part 1 had. The gloomy feeling remains, the creators not allowing themselves to be sucked into mistakes. Reeves enjoys every minute in this role. Lots of powerful moments… I want to visit Rome this year. (28/02/2017)

I really liked the first film despite its flaws. All I can say about the second installment is that I really liked it despite its flaws. I don't even feel like dissecting the film too much, it's simply a well-made action movie. I’ve got to give props to the sound engineer for making me enjoy every gunfight. In addition to the excellent Ian McShane, there was a point in the film where I wasn’t sure what was real and what was the Matrix, so kudos to the creators for that. (21/08/2017)

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)