It’s rare to be able to watch an action movie nowadays that doesn’t talk down to you and isn’t incomprehensible to watch. Last year saw Keanu Reeves make a comeback with the devilishly simple yet exciting John Wick, the kind of economically told, fast paced action flick that takes the time to make you sympathize with the characters and then makes your jaw drop watching all the fighting choreography and in camera special effects (Keanu Reeves performing his own stunts, see: Matrix).
It did exactly what it was expected to do tell the story of a retired assassin getting revenge for a sadistic home invasion by his Russian bosses’ kid, couldn’t be simpler, and now we’re getting a sequel. Chad Stahelski will be returning to direct the sequel but without his co-director David Leitch. Screenwriter Derek Kolstad will also return to write the script.
Along with the titular role of John Wick, incredible actors Ian Mcshane, John Leguizamo, Bridget Moynahan and Lance Reddick will be returning to reprise their roles. Joining these veteran actors will be Peter Stormare (Fargo), Riccardo Scamarcio, and Orange is the New Black breakout actress Ruby Rose. Character roles are not specified yet but given the nature of John Wick’s line of work they will probably be contract killers.
There’s a lot of mixed feelings I have for a sequel to a great comeback action movie that in many ways doesn’t need a sequel, with its standalone story and ending that doesn’t hint towards a sequel but give a conclusion to John Wick’s arc. However all the right people are returning including the screenwriter and director, perhaps the sequel will retain the high standards of writing, plot and incredible special effects the first film is known for. John Wick 2 is expected to release sometime in 2016.
#Peace.Love.JohnWick
