John Wick goes international! Much like a series of novels, the next chapter simply tells a new story and expands on the world we've already fallen in love with. "John Wick: Chapter Two" is definitely a great second chapter in this hitman's coming out of retirement party. The first "John Wick" was a pleasant surprise back in 2014. A simple action film that felt like a modernized version of 80's action. The bad guy with an accent, the unstoppable hero, and the kick-ass action all bottled up into one. "Chapter Two" takes the first chapter and dials it up to 11 in this adrenaline filled thrill ride from start to finish. From the opening scene to the *thrilling* finale, John Wick reloads and fires until all the smoke from the gunpowder is clear from the air. In expected fashion, Keanu Reeves shines once more in this role, despite the unneeded range to even play such a character. That isn't a fair criticism though because Reeves' passion and commitment to this character is unprecedented. He isn't quite the caliber of a Tom Cruise, but when Reeves is locked in, watch out. The story here isn't quite as personal as the first, and the dialogue comes across a bit too clunky for my liking (especially compared to the first), but the action is the true superstar of "Chapter Two". Chad Stahleski (co-director of "John Wick") takes over as the lone director and directs some of the 21st century's finest action in an American made film. You feel every punch, every whoosh of a knife blade, every bullet rip past your ears, and every shard of glass shatter across the ground. Action hasn't been directed this well since 2015's "Mad Max: Fury Road" and even though that's not even two years ago, there has been a lot of action films releasing between now and then. Many action films, or films with heavy doses of action, believe that quick edits, shaky cam, and handheld cam are the truest forms of action direction. This couldn't be any further from the truth. In a franchise like Jason Bourne, that style works because it is used well. The sound editing and mixing of a magazine slapping some goon in the face works because every piece in that scene is utilized well. Directors that attempt grandiose and exciting action are the highly revered Russo Brothers. The directors of Captain America: Civil War and Winter Soldier have received endless amounts of praise for their action in those respective films. Truth be told...and this can be our little secret...they don't direct great action. The reason they don't is because their scenes either A) Hold no emotional weight or B) Cut whenever Captain America (or insert any other Avenger here) is about to punch a hydra agent. This gives off the idea that you don't believe your action is good enough anyways to showcase kicks and punches landing. It's a poor way of shooting action in comparison to "Chapter Two" because Stahleski here uses medium shots to keep Wick and other assassins in frame during combat. He showcases brutal, exciting, thrilling, and gritty action by believing in his performer to deliver believable action. Stahleski is truly one of the best action directors working today and he's only two films into his career! "Chapter Two" truly is a fantastic film beyond the action. The story is exciting and it expands on so much more that we love about this universe. The Continental hotel is back and better than ever, more of John's past is slightly revealed, but never in full, thus giving us more angles in this universe to talk about wanting to see. I cannot believe how well they've handled this world. This film could have easily been a simple ho-hum action sequel just to make a quick buck. Instead, Stahleski, Reeves, and everyone else who stayed on board have worked hard to deliver another great film. They've added copious amounts of talent and given us more of what we love. This is how you continue a franchise and all films aspiring to be franchises should take notes. Much like Harry Potter, Star Wars, and Lord of the Rings, the reason they stayed relevant in the landscape was because they simply gave us what makes the universe so great, and expand upon that. John Wick and this universe is destined to be apart of cinema for another decade at least. The amount of stories they can play with already is endless. Maybe even a John Wick prequel could be set in motion in due time. I wouldn't like any of these films to be made anyways simply because it would ruin the mystery behind a lot of it, but it's Hollywood, you know they're thinking about it. In conclusion, much like the first film in many ways, "John Wick: Chapter Two" is an absolute success in every way. Back and bigger and louder than ever, John Wick delivers on what an action sequel should, and sets us up for *possibly* the best third film in a trilogy ever.
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