The Boogeyman Returns in John Wick 2, and People Are Happy about It
As the surprise hit of 2014, it is no wonder fans eagerly await the next chapter of mystery assassin savant John Wick. Although the first film was not a smasher in the box office, it garnered viewer attention and praise through its non-stop, adrenaline-fueled-action sequences. The stunt coordinators-turned directors, Chad Stahelski and David Leitch, brought the full weight of their previous disciplines to the first film, since proving that they have great creative lenses.
Of course it helps that Keanu Reeves is a dedicated actor who went through military training for this role. Let’s see how the talents of the returning ensemble hold up in John Wick: Chapter 2. Here are the early reviews:
Variety – Peter Debruge
“As in 2014’s surprise hit, this elegantly choreographed action sequel elevates its brutal confrontations to a dazzling form of modern dance.”
THR – Justin Lowe
“Reeves is back in fine form, confirming how indispensable he is to the franchise with his lithe physicality, no-nonsense demeanor and impressive skillset, as he again performs many of his own driving and martial arts stunts.”
Forbes – Scott Mendelson
“Summit and Lionsgate’s John Wick Chapter 2 gives us exactly what it promises and exactly what we want, for (mostly) better or for worse.”
LA Weekly – Bilge Emir
“Without that crucial emotional element, John Wick: Chapter 2 is a somewhat more distanced affair. But it’s still an impressively dizzying symphony of carnage.”
The Wrap – Robert Abele
“There’s no lack of expertly choreographed kung fu and gun-fu here, as the canine-loving, sartorially splendid liquidator returns”
Polygon – Julia Alexander
“The beauty of John Wick: Chapter 2 is it combines all of the ingredients that made the original spectacular, but adds in enough self-awareness about its ridiculousness that it feels both smarter and funnier than the first.”
NY Daily News – Edward Douglas
“‘Chapter 2’ builds upon the secret network of assassins based around a high-scale hotel introduced in the first movie, making it obvious that the filmmakers would love ‘John Wick’ to be the next ‘James Bond.’ But like Reeves’ ‘Matrix’ movies, the continuation leads to diminishing returns.”
As you can see, these reviews are individualized in delivery and opinion. While some seem rather offput by character building(Or lack thereof), they all substantiate the return of top-notch carnage. The Kung-fu and Gun-fu stand prevalent in this film and vindicate the viewer whose investment comes from action within the first film.
Yet John Wick: Chapter 2 starts off immediately after the first film, and it’s hard to replicate previous motications without forcing the plot. And let’s face it, the character drive in the last was well justified. Thus, viewers seeking some original tale of abnormal characterization can look elsewhere. But anyone, returning fans and newcomers, will undoubtedly find catharsis in the impressive stunts that make John Wick John Wick.