John Wick: Chapter 2 (2017)

I think this is a new genre that they're all sort of working their way through it and haven't got all the kinks worked out yet but it's a genre that works for me.

This movie is the proof that the world is becoming a sick and dumb place

Strong and Moving!

By the time the dramatic fireworks start popping off, each one feels earned.

So Dumb. So Stupid. So Boooring. Not even a twelve year old can get excited on this piece of crap.

Watching John Wick: Chapter 2. I was really looking forward to sitting down to a nice meal and watching a sequel with the understanding that it may not be as good as the first. They never are. Sadly Stahelski must have spent 90% of the budget on the location and a big party overlooking Rome with hookers and cocaine. The writing is so bad I think they owed the writer money from a previous production. They also owe money to the supporting actors, cinematographers, sets, costume, lighting, sound, fight scene choreography, any other choreography, editing, music, vehicle support, stunts and pyrotechnics. In fact the whole movie is such a clustermuck that I think they may have even scrimped on catering, assistants and accomodation too. The problem is I'm 60 minutes in (it's a train wreck) and IMDB says it's 122 minutes long. I'm curious if it gets any worse. Cannot believe there is actually a John Wick 3.

John Wick Chapter 2 is pretty much a continuation of the first part in every manner imaginable- the narrative, high octane fast paced action sequences, the dry sense of dialogue- everything is similar, and this isn't a bad thing. The filmmakers knew what made the first film so appealing and decided to not tinker with the formula. Keanu Reeves is pretty much at home now shooting and kicking bad guys and knows the kind of film he is in. The shootouts are intense- especially the final showdown and between this and the Indonesian "Raid" series action fans are having a ball. (Much the same as the 1st part- which is a great thing)

This movie is based on a simple premise - John Wick is an unstoppable killer with a desire to escape his profession. The action is almost constant with short breaks that add flavor to this world. The killers are very polite and refined in their social actions outside of the actual killing. The rules show a desire to have a sophisticated approach to a very ugly environment. These rules end up trapping John in a Catch-22 that requires a lot of ammo to escape. I love the details in the sets - the Italian ceremony scene shows candles in glass grape holders, the catacombs are ancient with modern lighting and the museum makes an amazing set piece. For those people who see the movie as beyond belief - it is my secret hope that the John Wick world turns out to be a level in the Matrix that recast the main players in new roles - this would explain how John is impossible to kill.