[rating=9.00]
They say it’s the anticipation, rather than the act, that causes the most pleasure. That’s buyable, I guess. In the two-and-a-half years since John Wick first shot its way into my heart, I’ve certainly done a lot of anticipating. And though I’m forced to admit that I did, indeed, garner quite a bit of pleasure in waiting for John Wick Chapter 2, rarely have I ever been so satisfied, so pleasured, so thoroughly rocked by any film, let alone a sequel.
Those entranced by the glorious ballet of violence and revenge that propelled the first chapter of the shaky retirement of the Baba Yaga will find plenty more to love in this go around, which elevates mindless carnage to the level of renaissance art, painting a wildly beautiful fresco of blood and viscera that’s breathtaking to behold. The frenetic intensity of John Wick is somehow surpassed by its sequel; not only does John Wick Chapter 2 go over the top, the top is first heightened to absurd levels before being vaulted with impressive ease.
That might be too much for some audiences, admittedly. To enter the world of John Wick you must first be willing to accept things at face value. Logic and reason have precious little air time, and the same goes for plot and development. If you’re the type of watcher unable to check your nuance scale at the door, this isn’t the movie for you. Chances are, you know that already. I’m not here to tell you that you’re wrong. Just know that everything you felt about first movie is amplified and taken to new extremes in Chapter 2.
Which is great news for fans. From the opening moments—which take us through New York City in a hyper-extreme car chase leading to Keanu Reeves finishing up the decimation of the Russian Mafia from the first movie—to its closing shots, John Wick Chapter 2 is non-stop, full-throttle absurdity choreographed as an intricate dance of ultra-violence. This time, it’s Wick vs. the world, by which I mean the fascinating world built by writer Derek Kolstad and director Chad Stahelski.
Chapter 2 takes us deeper into the fantasy underworld of The Continental, adding new layers of bat-shit insanity which were suggested, but never explored, by its predecessor. As fun as these movies are to mindlessly enjoy, it’s the world in which they exist that offer the most satisfaction. Here, assassins don’t live by some unspoken code; the assassin’s way is explicitly codified with rules, regulations, and mutual understandings. It separates them from animals, says Ian McShane’s Winston, the manager of the New York Continental. There’s a kind of civility at play, forcing those who would murder for money into a system that’s part bushido, part capitalist, and entirely badass.
We’re taken from New York to Rome and back again as John Wick faces betrayal from the members of the guild he belongs to. It’s not personal, of course. It’s just business. In this universe, there might be honor among thieves, but it’s a flimsy honor dependent on highest bidders and ulterior motives. Thank god for that. It’s the foundation upon which this series is built, and ultimately what allows us to enjoy two hours of shooting, punching, and car chases orchestrated with an artist’s touch.
As deep as we’re taken into The Continental—two words, guys: Accounts. Payable.—there are hints of further exploration to be done. The crux of the movie lies on preventing the ascension of Gianna D’Antonio (Claudia Gerini) to The Table, a kind of governing body that oversees the criminal underground of the entire world. While there’s a lot of talk regarding this shadow government, we don’t get to see any of the inner workings—in much the same way that John Wick left many unanswered questions regarding The Continental. This sets up an inevitable Chapter 3 and, I’ve got to tell you, I’m already in.
John Wick Chapter 2 is the rare sequel that exceeds its predecessor by doubling down on everything that made the original so great. If there was any doubt as to why John Wick is called The Boogeyman—now in more languages!—you’ll have those doubts fully assuaged by the end of this round. It’s a stunning achievement that weaves high art out of low brow, and leaves you begging for more.
John Wick Chapter 2 is now playing in theaters everywhere.
