John Wick Chapter 2 (2017)

At the beginning of 2017 2 action films were released, both extremely B-movie, both sequels starring somewhat past their prime action stars, both featuring diverse casts (and Ruby Rose), both set in multinational locations, both examples of what to do or not to do when making a straight up action film.

The first, Return of Xander Cage, did everything wrong. Cartoony, cliched, exaggerated, eyerolling, the XXX sequel was a poorly made mess for the poorly endowed crowd. The second, John Wick Chapter 2, was smart, stylish, and infectious. It does (almost) everything right. Former stunt man turned director Chad Stahelski proves he knows action and knows how to do it right.

Yes John Wick and this sequel are solely for action fans. The film doesn't break out of its genre but that's perfectly acceptable. Instead it digs deep into its genre roots and delivers a satisfying chapter in what fans will definitely want to see turned (at least) into a trilogy.

The biggest secret? Stahelski takes the time to set up his world. He makes his world lived in. He makes it breathe. He is going to ask you to accept a lot of out of reality moments so he builds up the trust, making his characters real, making his plot make sense, adding emotional depth, gravitas, so that when the fists and bullets start flying we're invested and we go along for the wild ride.

Then he takes his set pieces and makes little action masterpieces. As a stunt man, his scenes are choreographed exquisitely.  You can't take your eyes of the melee. Reminiscent of Garth Evans or Zhang Yimou, Stahelski finds poetry in his violence. It's not slick slo-mo Matrix style shots, but lovingly sequenced fights that make you feel each punch, take each bullet. And he shoots it all in beautiful locals with a true eye for flare. The climactic showdown puts the fantastic Skyfall battles to shame. John Wick Chapter 2 is not only exciting, thrilling action with a gut punch story that won't let go, it is also a thing of beauty.

My only complaint is casting Ruby Rose as a deaf body guard. Deaf parts should go to deaf actors and her clumsy signing is distracting from an otherwise thrilling film. Common stands out as a character I wanted to see more of (as with Fishbourne's new character) but Rose's turn is a disappointment. And I'll always have my beef with Reeves who I think has never really been a very good actor. Fortunately Stahelski seems to know how to handle him, give him as little dialogue and emoting to do and he can pass.

If only the XXX series took itself seriously enough to keep up with this series. Hopefully we've seen the end of Xander Cage but we certainly have not seen the end of John Wick. Clearly we are gearing up for a mindblowing Chapter 3 and in my opinion it can't come fast enough.

John Wick Chapter 2
Starring: Keanu Reeves, Common, Laurence Fishbourne, Ruby Rose, Riccardo Scamarcio, John Lequizamo, Ian McShane
Director: Chad Stahelski
Writer: Derek Kolstad