‘John Wick: Chapter Two’ Review

photo for John Wick: Chapter Two “John Wick: Chapter Two” is the sequel to the 2014 surprise hit about legendary hitman John Wick (Keanu Reeves) — nicknamed “The Boogeyman” — who comes out of retirement to avenge the death of his dog and the theft of his prize vintage mustang by a group of Russian mobsters. In this episode (we say episode because the ending leaves the way open for a second sequel), Wick’s desire to retire is foiled by Santino D’Antonio, a member of The High Table, a secret international organization of gangsters and assassins, who holds a marker given to him by Wick; the marker is a blood oath that forces him to do D’Antonio’s bidding. His mission — to assassinate D’Antonio’s sister, who is scheduled to be “coronated” as the new head of The High Table. Wick then travels to Rome where he squares off against some of the world’s deadliest killers and, after dispatching dozens and dozens of assassins, he returns to New York, where he discovers that D’Antonio has placed a large bounty on his head, and he’s forced to dodge and kill dozens and dozens more assassins. “Chapter 2” pretty much picks up almost immediately after the first actioner, giving little time for Wick — or audiences — to take a breath before the slaughter begins. And it continues throughout the movie, non-stop — to an almost numbing degree — which, I suppose, is the reason de arte for the whole thing. Still, it’s a thrillingly choreographed, immensely fun and watchable affair. But have a mop handy for the blood. Vitals: Director: Chad Stahelski. Stars: Keanu Reeves, Ian McShane, Ruby Rose, Common, Laurence Fishburne, John Leguizamo, Claudia Gerini, Lance Reddick, Riccardo Scamarcio, Tobias Segal. 2017, CC, MPAA rating: R, 122 min., Action Thriller, Box office gross: $90.851 million, Lionsgate. Extras: “RetroWick: Exploring the Unexpected Success of John Wick” featurette, “As Above, So Below: The Underworld of John Wick” featurette, audio commentary with Keanu Reeves and director Chad Stahelski. Blu-ray adds Deleted Scenes, “Training John Wick” featurette, “WICK-vizzed” featurette, “Friends, Confidantes: The Keanu/Chad Partnership” featurette, “Car Fu Ride-Along” featurette, “Chamber Deck: Evolution of a Fight Scene” featurette, “Wick’s Toolbox” featurette, “Kill Count” featurette, “Dog Wick” short. 3 stars

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