John Wick: Chapter 2

An escalating copy of the non-functional first one, in which most of the participants make fools of themselves and the local reviews make a fool out of me. For me, a  bunch of slick head shots do not make for an unforgettable action flick, and if it weren't for the unusual initial destruction of the car, the only scene where Wick maintains the position of an honest worker, I would rate it even lower. Derek Kolstad has made too many foolish decisions this time, cramming bits of Kingsman into the mythology and having the main characters recite ridiculously trivial life mottos. The peak of all the confusion comes with Laurence Fishburne, whose performance and the entire subplot make a bold leap into the toilet. The rescue comes at the very end, which finally justifies the long-standing lack of compromise, but an open ending is a risk that is just begging for a proper punch in the face in the event a sequel is never made. (07/06/2017)

Something wicked this way comes! They had a dog in the first one, and artistic ambitions in part two. And they look deadly serious during it ... and I'm buying it this time. Proof that headshots belong to galleries and newer Bond films may be outdated, but with their emphasis on increasingly daring sets, they also influence films you wouldn't expect at all. At the same time, Stahelski is learning to be a director and plays even more with the timing of the action, which, unlike many of my colleagues, I consider significantly better than in the first film (I don't even know the last time I smiled so stupidly during the arming scene). Wick grabbed exactly what I enjoyed most in number one - the strange mythology of the brotherhood of assassins - and adds other interesting fragments. The main ingredient, in addition to the flashy visuals, the crazy pompous scenography and the fantastic choreography, is, of course, Keanu. He goes against the fashion of muscular fighters and kills with the same, and still penetrating gaze. Reeves returns to the elite through a door no one expected three years ago. And I can't help but say that I'm just looking forward to the third movie in the style of "him vs the world". A very, very nice surprise, which played an even better game with the same characters. (17/02/2017)

What is the second Raid movie compared to the first movie, is the first chapter of John Wick compared to the first one, let´s put it this way, creators learned from their own mistakes. We have not had the opportunity to watch something like this in Czech cinemas for a long time, something with such a clear, diverse (the monotony of action of the first movie is long gone) and above all an imaginative composition, aesthetics and choreography of true contact action scenes. And if, in addition, the "obligatory plot frame as a makeweight" is not really a make weight, then what more to ask for an uncompromising straightforward action from the old school? Perhaps just an imaginary icing on the cake in the form of graduating of the memorable final shootout in the gallery also of the equally memorable one-on-one duel, third round of "Wick vs. Cassian" would call for it. (23/02/2017)

This sequel is visually more finely honed. It doesn’t suffer the usual pitfalls of sequels, while it enjoys all of the advantages. There’s more action, at least equally good, ingenious and surprising, even though it has lost the moment of surprise that part 1 had. The gloomy feeling remains, the creators not allowing themselves to be sucked into mistakes. Reeves enjoys every minute in this role. Lots of powerful moments… I want to visit Rome this year. (28/02/2017)

If I'm going to tell someone in 30 years what action movie was hot in 2017, John Wick 2 will come out of my mouth without fail! This film is absolutely revolutionary for the action genre and features everything a proper action movie should have. It is highly elegant, sumptuous, opulent, modern and stylish in its visuals. I even enjoyed the view of the statues and fountains, and they made very good use of the monuments of Rome. The fast cars, solid suits and the decent selection of weapons are also cool. I have no complaints at all about the action itself, it meets the strictest criteria with aplomb. Interesting locations alternating, solid music playing, the camera is clear, the R-rating is perfect and besides the excellent headshots that were in the first one, the second one is spiced up with shotgun shooting or very good fights that the first one lacked. Of course Keanu Reeves can't compare to the elites from Asia in fights, he seemed too robotic at times, but the martial arts capable bad guys save the day. Big praise goes to Common, whom I noticed already in Run All Night and here he proves again that he is not only an excellent villain, but also a great fighter. And second praise goes to the discovery of the year, Ruby Rose, who is not only attractive but can even move (even with a knife!), being deaf and expressing everything in very elegant sign language only enhanced her performance. Story-wise, the film may be simpler, but I personally can't think of a better theme for the action genre than a group of dangerous assassins going after the main character. I'm very satisfied. A threequel is in the works. Anyone who gives less than 3 stars is old-fashioned and without balls in my book. There hasn't been more intense action porn since The Raid. 90%. (22/02/2017)