John Wick: Chapter 2

Introduction

John Wick: Chapter 2, released in 2017, is the sequel to the highly acclaimed action thriller John Wick, which revitalized the action genre with its sleek visuals, intricate world-building, and relentless action sequences. Directed by Chad Stahelski and written by Derek Kolstad, the film continues the story of John Wick, a legendary hitman portrayed by Keanu Reeves.

The production of John Wick: Chapter 2 was overseen by producers Basil Iwanyk and Erica Lee, with 87Eleven Productions, Thunder Road Films, and Lionsgate handling the production. The film builds upon the foundation laid by its predecessor, expanding the universe and delving deeper into the mythology of the assassin underworld.

John Wick: Chapter 2 was released on February 10, 2017, and quickly garnered attention for its improved action sequences, expanded world-building, and the continuation of John Wick’s compelling narrative. What sets it apart within its genre is its meticulous attention to detail in fight choreography, cinematography, and the richly layered world of assassins and their strict codes of conduct.

Plot Summary

The film begins with John Wick recovering his stolen 1969 Mustang from Abram Tarasov, the brother of the late Viggo Tarasov, in a violent rampage that spares Abram’s life under the promise of peace ^[2][3].

Upon returning home, John is visited by Santino D’Antonio, a Camorra crime boss who reminds John of a "marker," an unbreakable blood oath symbolized by a medallion. Santino had helped John complete an "impossible task" that allowed him to retire and marry Helen. When John declines to fulfill the marker, Santino destroys his house with a grenade launcher, forcing John to travel to the Continental Hotel in New York City.

At the Continental, Winston, the hotel’s owner, reminds John of the underworld’s two unbreakable rules: no killing on Continental grounds and honoring every marker. To avoid being excommunicated, John reluctantly accepts the marker and is tasked with assassinating Santino’s sister, Gianna, so that Santino can claim her seat at the "High Table," a council of twelve high-level crime bosses ^[1][2][3].

In Rome, John infiltrates Gianna’s coronation and confronts her in her dressing room. Gianna chooses to slit her wrists, and John shoots her in the head to end her suffering and fulfill the marker. However, he is soon attacked by Gianna’s bodyguard, Cassian, and must flee through the catacombs, where he is double-crossed by Ares, Santino’s mute bodyguard.

The pursuit leads John to the Rome Continental, where he explains his actions to Cassian, who promises a quick and clean death as a sign of professional respect. Despite this, their fight continues, culminating in a subway confrontation where John spares Cassian’s life.

Injured and hunted by numerous assassins due to a $7 million bounty placed on his head by Santino, John seeks help from the Bowery King, an underground crime boss. Armed with a Kimber M1911 pistol, John pursues Santino to an art museum, where he kills many of Santino’s henchmen, including Ares. However, Santino escapes to the New York Continental, where he intends to remain indefinitely in its sanctuary.

Defying the rules of the Continental, John kills Santino in the lounge, setting the stage for the events of the next film in the series ^[1][2][4].

Themes and Symbolism

John Wick: Chapter 2 delves into several central themes that enrich its narrative and resonate with audiences. One of the primary themes is the concept of honor and obligation, particularly through the "marker" system. This blood oath symbolizes an unbreakable commitment between two individuals, highlighting the importance of honor in the assassin underworld.

The film also explores the theme of identity and the struggle to leave a past life behind. John Wick’s attempts to retire and live a peaceful life are constantly thwarted by his obligations to the underworld, reflecting the difficulty of escaping one’s past and the consequences of one’s actions.

The setting of Rome and the use of historical and architectural landmarks serve as a metaphor for John Wick’s journey. The transition from ancient catacombs to modern art museums symbolizes his transition from his past to his present, and the struggle to navigate between these two worlds ^[3][4].

The character of John Wick himself is a symbol of resilience and determination. Despite being hunted and injured, he continues to fight, driven by a sense of duty and honor. This portrayal adds depth to the character and makes him more relatable and admirable to audiences.

Cultural Impact

John Wick: Chapter 2 had a significant cultural impact upon its release. The film received widespread critical acclaim for its action sequences, cinematography, and world-building. Critics praised the film for expanding on the original’s lore and improving upon its predecessor in terms of action set pieces, fight choreography, and writing ^[2][4].

The film’s influence on popular culture is evident in its references and homages in other media. The meticulous fight choreography and the use of practical effects have set a new standard for action films, influencing many subsequent action movies and TV shows.

The success of John Wick: Chapter 2 also led to the expansion of the franchise, including the release of John Wick: Chapter 3 – Parabellum in 2019 and John Wick: Chapter 4 in 2023. The franchise has also spawned various spin-offs, including comic books, a limited series, and upcoming films like From the World of John Wick: Ballerina ^[5].

Critical Reception

John Wick: Chapter 2 was well-received by both critics and audiences. On Rotten Tomatoes, the film has an approval rating of 89% based on 284 reviews, with an average rating of 7.00/10. The critical consensus praised the film for doubling down on the non-stop, thrillingly choreographed action that made its predecessor so much fun ^[2].

On Metacritic, the film has a weighted average score of 75 out of 100, based on reviews from 43 critics, indicating "generally favorable reviews." Audiences polled by CinemaScore gave the film an average grade of "A−" on an A+ to F scale, an improvement from the "B" received by its predecessor ^[2].

However, some critics noted that the film’s pacing was slightly uneven compared to the original, with some scenes feeling like they halted the momentum of the film. Despite this, the overall consensus was that the film was a vast improvement over its predecessor in many aspects, including action set pieces, fight choreography, cinematography, and writing ^[3][4].

Legacy

John Wick: Chapter 2 has left a lasting legacy in the world of action films. It continues to inspire filmmakers and artists with its innovative fight choreography, rich world-building, and compelling narrative. The film’s influence can be seen in many subsequent action movies and TV shows that have adopted similar techniques in their action sequences.

The franchise as a whole has been considered one of the greatest action film series of all time, with some critics and publications considering the first film and John Wick: Chapter 4 as two of the greatest action films ever made. The collective gross of the franchise has exceeded $1 billion worldwide, solidifying its place in cinematic history ^[5].

In conclusion, John Wick: Chapter 2 is a pivotal installment in the John Wick franchise, offering a blend of intense action, intricate world-building, and compelling themes. Its impact on popular culture and its enduring relevance make it a significant contribution to the action genre.