John Wick Chapter 2 (2017)

'John Wick: Chapter 2' pulls off what few sequels can: doubling down on everything that made the original so great, while also adding to the film's mythology and characters to boot making for a fantastic second chapter that far outweighs the original in just about every way. The film picks up immediately after the events of the original and sees professional assassin John Wick (Keanu Reeves) returning for unfinished business and that's where I'll leave it as far as plot goes, since for once the marketing team at Lionsgate has wisely chosen to remain relatively secret about the film's story and that's how I'd like you good folks to see it as well.

That's just the tip of the iceberg of goodness that is 'John Wick 2' and if you're any kind of action film fan, you'll have an absolute blast. Like I said the film doubles everything the first film brought us and that's not an exaggeration. From two times the length, to two times the amount of bodies Wick leaves in his wake (I stopped counting at about 130 or so), to the amount of story progression and action scenes you truly get everything you could ever want out of a film like this within a two hour running time. If there were any real gripes I may have about the film, it would be that while a completely different story than the first, it tends to follow a blueprint of events that may seem like a rehash of the original film but 'John Wick 2' really manages to make you forget about its similarities and tropes rather quickly when you constantly go from memorable scene to memorable scene (John outdoes The Joker's 'pencil trick' let's just say).

Keanu Reeves does most of this amazing stunt work you see on screen and that's really what brings such satisfaction when watching a film like the 'John Wick' series. 99% of the action is filmed in camera with little to no CGI and some of the most impressive stunt work in cinema history which really gets my adrenaline pumping more than say in last year's 'Jason Bourne' where all the action is blurry and unwatchable. The rest of the cast compliments Reeves well, with Ian McShane returning along with Laurence Fishbourne in a small role, and Common and Ruby Rose as two very intimidating assassins who are out for Wick's blood.

Likely to be the best action film you'll see in 2017, 'John Wick: Chapter 2' comes with a high recommendation and praise from your humble reviewer. Any action film fan or fans of strong stunt work owe themselves a treat like 'John Wick: Chapter 2'.

GRADE: (A)