Review Roundup: John Wick: Chapter 2 is even better than the first

In 2014, Keanu Reeves starred in one of the most bad ass action movies in years. Reeves plays a former assassin named John Wick who decides to settle down with his lover and a dog he loves and cares for, after a string of tragic events, Wick comes out of retirement to kill those who wronged him. The movie mixes awesome close quarters combat with bad-ass, intense gun action that had audiences clapping at the pure brutality of John Wick. The movie was incredibly well received and a sequel was greenlit.

In the sequel, John Wick is forced out of retirement once again after a league of other assassins attempt to take over an exclusive hitman organization. Wick ends up traveling to Rome to meet with allies and headshot dozens upon dozens of bad guys.

Like its predecessor, John Wick: Chapter 2 is being praised by critics for it's over the top yet incredibly awesome action and great, rage-filled performances from actors like Keanu Reeves. You can view some reviews of the film down below, the movie sits at a 92% overall rating on Rotten Tomatoes with 12 positive reviews and 1 negative.

Entertainment Weekly

"The biggest compliment I can think to pay John Wick: Chapter 2 is that I lost track of the body count within the first 15 minutes. If that sounds like high praise to you, too, then you will absolutely dig Keanu Reeves’ gratuitously crunchy ode to choreographed ultraviolence via the bullet, the bare knuckle, and the everyday No. 2 pencil."

B+

The Hollywood Reporter

"Reeves is back in fine form, confirming how indispensable he is to the franchise with his lithe physicality, no-nonsense demeanor and impressive skillset, as he again performs many of his own driving and martial arts stunts. Returning screenwriter Derek Kolstad reaffirms the appealing ingenuity of his highly memorable lead character, whose clear motivations for underworld score-settling are both relatable and rootable. Once again, Reeves does not disappoint, fully inhabiting Wick by channeling his rage over life’s injustices into an intensely focused performance.”

No Score

Forbes

"John Wick Chapter 2 will delight fans of the original and those who just want a bit of exquisitely delivered hardcore action thrills. Dan Laustsen shoots a gorgeous action spectacular, using the entire widescreen frame (and mirrors when applicable) to his spatial advantage. I loved the intricate details of how a murder contract is ordered and delivered, and I love how the plot eventually turns every random bystander into a possible threat to our hero (think Fallen). There is a lot to appreciate in this amped-up and high-toned action spectacular."

7/10

Empire

"… when the brutality (there are more headshots here than on a casting director’s desk) threatens to overwhelm, Stahelski leavens the tone with traces of sly humour. You’ll smile at Laurence Fishburne’s knowing cameo, making this a Matrix reunion. You’ll laugh at a sequence where Wick and one rival take sly silenced potshots at each other in a crowded public area, like kids playing cops and robbers with their fingers. And striding through it all like a coutured colossus is Reeves. Keanu famously means “cool breeze over the mountains” in Hawaiian. Here it should stand for “cool beard shoots you in the face”. Wick is a man of few words but many bullets — it’s a role that fits the taciturn Reeves like a glove. Few actors can boast one great action role. With this, Neo, Speed’s Jack Traven and Point Break’s Johnny Utah, Reeves is up to four. Not bad for a geriaction star."

4/5 Stars

John Wick: Chapter 2 releases in theaters February 10th.