If you missed 2014 packed action hit "John Wick" -which launched Keanu Reeves into a Liam Neeson-style career rebirth - don't worry. Peter Stormare, who plays a Russian thug, is on hand at the launching of "John Wick: Chapter Two" to fill you in.
In the first film, retired assassin Wick killed everyone in sight while avenging his dog. In fairness, it must be said that the dog was cute. "He killed three men in a bar with a pencil!" Stormare shouts. Maybe that's why every charisma in the new film recognizes him on sight.
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Novel writer Derek Kolstad and director Chad Stahelski have repaid for the sequel, together with the taciturn Reeves, who infused up more of his magic while speaking rarely and mostly in squeaks. His new co-star Ruby Rose doesn't sheer a word. But the film is deafening, with the whine of motorcycles, engines, gunshots, and text-message alerts affirming a bounty on John Wick's head.
Like its previous film, "John Wick: Chapter Two" is a salsa of violence, and the graphics are surreal. But don't expect rapid-fire editing. In long takes, the camera follows Wick as he systematically smashes, stabs and shoots. He hates this work but is obliged to do it because of his skillset and standing.
Chapter 2 Review - Den Of Geek
Reeves represents the robot-like assassin with a haunted hopelessness. His skills are extraordinary, but he limps and heaves and bleeds. His hurt, inside, and out, is all over his face. He's a simple man, who lives a simple life. All he needs is his house, car, and dog. In the first film, he avenged his dead dog; now what's at risk is his house, filled with souvenirs and memories of his late wife.
It's an enthralling role for Reeves, and Stahleski and Kolstad play to his strong point - his quiet, Zen-like focus and unsmiling line readings that have inspired unintentional titters during his career.The film's formalized party of violence climaxes at an art exhibit inside a hall of mirrors that reflect and divert Wick's deadly actions. You may feel a bit nauseous watching.But "Chapter Two" seriously mishaps are with the plot.
The script drags with sibling contentions, long cons, bounties, and double crosses feline. There are several places where it could, and should, have ended, but instead it spins out its welcome.
