John Wick: Chapter 2 (2017)
Director: Chad Stahelski
Starring: Keanu Reeves, Ian McShane, Common, Riccardo Scarmacio
Primary genre: Action
Secondary genre: Thriller
Third genre: Neo-noir
Following the tradition of bigger, meaner and better sequels, “John Wick Chapter 2” is the first movie on steroids. Returning director Chad Stahelski delivers an expansive second installment that doubles down both on the mythology of the suit wearing and stoic looking assassin as well as his inventive skirmishes with other baddies.
Acting the same way “Aliens” (1986) and “X-Men 2” (2003) did, “John Wick Chapter 2” bears and respects the original’s DNA but proceeds to transform into its own cinematic cocoon, offering fresh ideas in its action presentation and in its minimalistic story progression. While the original was a self-contained revenge story, “Chapter 2” continues the trope of “every action has consequences” when Wick is forced to fulfill a pledge he made a long time ago. In a nice twist, Wick would not have been called to act upon on it had he been stayed “retired” and this is used to smartly expand the rule book and structure of this underlying world of assassins. Derek Kolstad offers just enough snippets of information about a high table, its much desired seats and related coronations, markers, golden coins, cleaners, tailors, a Rome version of the Continental and more to keep us occupied and make us use our imagination to fill in the blanks, all appropriately complemented by savoir vivre manners, the source of the film’s black humor.
As a sequel, it is only logical to seek to outdo what came before. Stahelski and his creative team are up to the challenge and able to conceive some absolutely bonkers set pieces while referencing every great director in the action genre; a nasty skirmish within the walls of an art museum is perhaps among the best movie fights of all time, a catacomb shoot out impresses (and convinces) with its meticulously detailed close quarters combat and a cat and mouse game inside a mirror hall is a high tech upgrade of Bruce Lee’s legendary confrontation in “Enter the Dragon” (1973). Cementing front and center a display of authentic and surgically precise stuntwork that does not downplay the audience’s intelligence, the choreography is tighter, more fluid and nastier. Keanu and co excel in their minimalistic roles that require increased levels of fitness and martial arts professionalism resembling the good old days of 80s Hong Kong cinema. It is a credit to the talents of the production crew for not selling out to cheap special effects and banal thrills.
If action cinema can (and should) be considered art, “John Wick Chapter 2” is among the frontrunners of representation both visually and audio wise. The ex-stuntman’s composition is filled with beautiful and impeccable lighting sources that alter the HRD palette in real time under exquisite sound design too. Cinematographer Dan Laustsen (e.g., “Brotherhood of the Wolf” (2001), “Silent Hill” (2006), “The Shape of Water” (2017)) is the new MVP here bringing a hyper-stylish neon vibe to the on-screen mayhem contrasting saturated blues, greens and reds with deep blacks, praising the shadows which engulf the outline of real locations and the remarkably sophisticated producing design of Kevin Kavanaugh the way Tanizaki described in his book (“In Praise of Shadows”) in 1933. A look at the coronation scene (with cameos from Ciscandra Nostalghia, composer Tyler Bates and Le Castle Vania) is undisputed proof of how mesmerizing a rock opera concert that be.
Keanu Reeves finds additional layers to subtly explore in his now beloved (and borderline synonymous with him) character, hinting Wick’s high intelligence, pain durability and larger than life stoicism. Moving past the revenge trope, this is Wick at his best (when forced) surrounded by an expansive roster of henchmen, friends and frenemies all serving their own agenda. Ian McShane, a surrogate father figure for “Jonathan”, has more to do this time around as Winston and the reunion of Reeves/Fishburne 14 years after “The Matrix” trilogy (1999-2003) is cinematic heaven. Similarly to the previous installment, the lack of a strong antagonist who could pose a physical threat to John Wick is strongly felt. Although Common and Ruby Rose have some screen presence, they are not given much to work with (especially Rose) despite their sharp characterization and while Riccardo Scarmacio can be effectively sleazy, his villain cannot escape a cliché, cookie cutter origin.
Moving at a brisk pace from location to location and balancing several characters efficiently nonetheless, “Chapter 2” is an efficient and highly entertaining thrill ride boasting tremendous sequences made by people in love with martial arts and gun fu while sharing a deep appreciation for the work of stuntmen and women. It is dazzling but for some Keanu Reeves reason, it feels intimate, making a strong case for an alternative and modern Greek tragedy where swords have been replaced by guns and the gods by mobsters, all bound by the mistress that is fate who interconnects them in ironic ways and unexpected results.
Revitalizing and rich in mythology action cinema
+Out of this world set pieces
+Dazzling cinematography
+Top notch production design
+Expansive and intricate mythology
+Practical and realistic action
+Wick remains a fascinating character
+Colorful supporting cast
-Action overload
-Lack of a physically imposing villain