#REVIEW: “JOHN WICK: CHAPTER 2”

Review by Jonathan Godfrey for Mr. Will Wong

Bad men have a boogeyman and his name is John Wick. Like a pale horse rider he kills the wild beasts of the earth… and his efforts are far from exhausted. John Wick: Chapter 2 begins where the first Film left off, with John in pursuit of his stolen car. Like the first Film, John engages in knife fights, gun fights, and fist fights of the first order. Keanu Reeves underwent five more months of training to endure John’s latest outing, and the results are extraordinary.

After acquiring his car John is asked to make good on a forgotten promise. The old rules of the underworld compel John to come through, so he sets off to Rome in compliance. His actions in Rome lead him further down the rings of hell, and he marks his descent with the corpses of killers. As we delve deeper into John’s world we learn more about the cinematic crime syndicate he fights for… and against, the High Table.

The High Table are a stylish lot who collect art from all ages and hire killers of all kinds. John is revealed as their greatest killer, but he is nevertheless a pawn in the game. That said, pawns can kill kings, and along the way can kill others, and so this unlikely game unfolds on the screen brilliantly. It’s also beautiful, and builds upon the incredible cinematography of the first Film. In fact, the massacre in the room of mirrors is one of the most captivating action sequences in contemporary cinema. It’s gripping. It’s impressive. It’s quite an incredible sequel.

There are many children of Bond in Film today, but none is as worthy of praise as is John Wick. Returning Director Chad Stahleski proves here that his formula works. This is a Film that is meticulously-crafted and easily-digested, leaving it open and able to win over a wide audience. Only its gratuitous violence will turn viewers away, but it’s so perfectly portrayed that it is more awe-inspiring than it is eye averting. For fans of the first Film, as well as fans of quality Film in general, be sure to see John Wick 2.

eOne Films release JOHN WICK: CHAPTER 2 Friday, February 10, 2017.