Hand-to-hand combat? Check.
Epic car battles? Check & Check.
John Wick continuing right where he left off in 2014 by being the most badass of badass assassins? Check…thrice.
Going into John Wick: Chapter 2 I knew there was going to be an abundance of insane fight sequences, more close-range headshots, and of course, John and his newly liberated puppy. However, there are even more things added to the sequel to keep the initiated engaged and fully immerse the newcomer.
First and foremost, the world becomes a much larger place for John Wick and removes him from the comfy confines of the East Coast. We now get to see how expansive such an indelible assassin’s life has been… and how many “friends” he has made throughout his worldly career.
Secondly, the humor added to the sequel keeps the mood light and airy just enough to set you up for a heavy helping of gray matter splatter a few seconds later. We’re still treated to the “killing 3 men with a pencil” anecdote that permeated the first movie but are finally teased to see how something so viciously simply could be accomplished.
Finally and most importantly, we finally get to know more about Wick’s previous dealings through the cast of characters added to the story. Bringing Lawrence Fishburne into the mix as the patriarch of a hobo assassins guild immediately boosts the appeal of the film and of course, Ian McShane’s “Winston” adds a calming beacon to an otherwise swirling entropy of bullets. Throw in Cassian (portrayed by Common) & Ares (the broodingly stunning Ruby Rose) and you are in for one hell of a shoot-’em-up “gun-fu” movie.
John Wick: Chapter 2 accomplishes exactly what it sets out to do: assault your senses with a fury of bullets and non-stop action.
Is it the perfect movie? No.
But it’s pretty damn close.
John Wick: Chapter 2 opens in theatres this Friday, February 10th.
