John Wick is a beloved action film (perhaps in the echelon of cult classics) that came out in 2014 yet somehow I missed it when it originally came out. In fact, I did not see the film until a few weeks ago, and it was only then when I understood the hype around it. Now, John Wick is back with the second chapter of his story and, to satisfy fans of the original, it is just as good (if not better) than the first.

Story: This movie picks up almost immediately after the conclusion of the first film, with him reclaiming the car that was stolen in the first act of the original. From there, John is called back into action and from there has to fight, shoot, and stab his way through the mysterious assassin world. The story is a tad on the predictable side but where it lacks in predictability it makes up in world building. Just like the first, this film truly feels like one part of a greater story and unlike it’s competitors that want to explain every last detail, John Wick only tells you what you absolutely need to know and lets you imagine everything else for yourself. It is a quite refreshing and earns extra points for the fact.

Acting: Keanu Reeves is probably one of the greatest action actors of all time. Sure his dialogue acting is ok, maybe a bit cheesy, and probably won’t win any Oscars this performance, but the way everything he does, from movements to the way he stands, is just perfect and this film is an example of it. The movie is built around him and it is all the better for it. Ian McShane and Lance Reddick return for this movie and are just as interesting as they were in Chapter One. As for new additions, Lawrence Fishburne, Ruby Rose, and Common (yeah that is an actors real name) are great additions while Riccardo Scamarcio is a bit of a flatliner.

Presentation: Everything from the directing and cinematography to the music and sound effects is spot on. Like the first, this is what an action movie should be and feel like. Nuff said? Nuff said.

Effect: I’ve said it once. I’ll say it again. This is the perfect action movie. The story is good enough. The characters are interesting. The world is mysterious and begs you to come back for more. And most importantly, the fight scenes are masterfully done and instead of relying on extreme cuts and shaky cams, they shoot scenes so you get to see everything, proving they have nothing to hide, because they don’t. It. Is. Perfect.

Other: I’m not sure what else to say. I guess I won’y give it a perfect ten here because of the predictable nature of the flick but other than that, I’ve got nothing. Go see this movie and give it some love folks.

So far, this is the best movie of 2017. Now. Whether that’s because this movie is great on its own or because it’s surrounded by the crap movies of January remains to be seen. BUT. Until we figure know for sure, just enjoy the second adventure of Mr. John Wick.

Story: 10
Acting: 9
Presentation: 10
Effect: 10
Other: 9

Score: 9.6

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