The film John Wick: Chapter 2 proves that John Wick (2014) was no fluke. Directed once again by stuntman turned director, Chad Stahelski (who previously co-directed with now producer David Leitch), and starring Keanu Reeves once more as former hitman Jonathan ‘John’ Wick, this thrilling neo-noir sequel is two hours of stylish non-stop exhilaration. This in an age where quality action films are as rare as gold dust.  

The secret is that John Wick: Chapter 2 maintains the formula of its predecessor of keeping it simple and voguish, much like Keanu Reeves who looks as sharp as a sleek Glock 34 in his dark combat-customised fitted suits. The production budget for the film was reportedly a mere 40 million dollars, which in the age of XXX and Fast and Furious is fairly low. Yet John Wick: Chapter 2 has already made its money not many days after release.  

John Wick: Chapter 2 wows you with its beautifully-choreographed action sequences

I really can’t imagine not being bored by any other film packed by non-stop gun-play scenes, but no two action scenes are the same in JohnWick: Chapter 2. Thanks to the fantastic direction by Stahelski and incredible editing by Evan Schiff, the set-pieces and hand-to-hand combat choreography make just about every moment unique, and will wow you at every other turn. I particularly enjoyed how John Wick flowed, almost like a snake uncoiling with the finesse of a viper and striking with lightning quick movements. Clearly, this film was made by filmmakers who love the action in action films.

Of course, a stylish action film wouldn’t be complete without exotic cinematography, and Dan Laustsen’s incredible work really helps John Wick: Chapter 2 pop on the silver screen. Particularly aesthetically pleasing are the night scenes in Rome early in the story, where John Wick has been forcefully sent to assassinate crime queen Gianna D’Antonio (Claudia Gerini) by her brother Santino D’Antonio (Riccardo Scamarcio), so that the sibling can claim her vacated seat on the council of high-level crime lords. Interestingly enough, these sequences, coupled with the pulsating soundtrack, carry a surreal quality, and for all the brutal violence being depicted on screen they come across as art.

In fact, there is a strangely surreal feel to all of John Wick: Chapter 2, perhaps even more so than John Wick. Like its predecessor; the narrative of John Wick: Chapter 2 also maintains that there is a secret society of sophisticated assassins who walk among others almost invisibly. But whereas John Wick offered this theme tongue-in-cheek, John Wick: Chapter 2 plays it straight, and very effectively so, lending it a fantastical feel. No, there are no elves, knights, werewolves, vampires or magic in John Wick: Chapter 2, but this is certainly a fantasy film.

My main concern with the storytelling was that although the characterization of the titular hero was good, it didn’t carry as much emotional weight as the first film. It was also confusing how Wick is forced to work for Santino D’Antonio through a technicality he must respect, but has no hesitation committing a cardinal sin in the society of assassins at the end of the film. But these issues are like small creases on an otherwise splendid new suit.  John Wick: Chapter 2 is worth a watch for every other reason, especially for fans of The Matrix (1999), who are treated to an on-screen reunion of Keanu Reeves and Laurence Fishburne.

MPAA: Rated R for strong violence throughout, some language and brief nudity.

Published in Dawn, ICON, March 5th, 2017