John Wick: Chapter 2

The sequel to the shock hit of 2014 has Keanu Reeves’ unstoppable Baba Yaga (Boogeyman) returning in an even more blood soaked and brain smattered affair.

Chapter 2, much like the original, has Wick being dragged back out of retirement. Although this time it is not by his own free will, this time around a long forgotten blood oath returns demanding payment. This is a crucial change to the setup of the film as this ups the ante and places the underworld at the fore.

John Wick: Chapter 2 relishes the opportunity to expand on the underground assassin lore. Where this was a self contained element of the original, this time around the tentacles of The Continental clearly have a global grip.

Throughout this latest chapter Wick confronts a seemingly endless barrage of enemies, who alone may not have a hope but together begin to wear him down out of pure attrition.

The violence is also ramped up this time around. Two kills with a pencil, a call back to the legend of John Wick, in particular stand out. The action sequences are a joy to watch courtesy of their precise choreography and cinematography.

John Wick: Chapter 2 is more of the same, but that’s precisely what fans ordered.

★★★1/2