John Wick: Chapter 2

As with its 2014 surprise hit predecessor starring Keanu Reeves as the titular retired hit-man dragged back into action after a mobster's son stole his car and killed his dog, this sequel's main attraction lies in its carefully-choreographed, slickly-shot ballets of violence. Chapter 2 begins with Wick invading the headquarters of a crime clan to retrieve his 1969 Mustang, but quickly introduces a new plot in which he is compelled by the code of honor in his old criminal cartel to assassinate the pretty young leader of an Italian gang. Her death, however, puts Wick in the crosshairs of her brother—despite the fact that the latter actually ordered the hit, leading to a bounty on Wick so large that it attracts a veritable army of expert killers. This sequel is every bit as silly as the first film, but it delivers what fans of the series expect—a thoroughly brainless but viscerally exciting orgy of fights, shoot-outs, foot pursuits, and car chases—and both Reeves and Ian McShane, as the smug head of the cartel, are amusingly tongue-in-cheek. A strong optional purchase. [Note: DVD/Blu-ray extras include audio commentary with star Keanu Reeves and director Chad Stahelski, and the production featurettes “Retro Wick: Exploring the Unexpected Success” (5 min.) and “As Above, So Below: The Underworld” (5 min.). Exclusive to the Blu-ray release are the behind-the-scenes segments “Training” (12 min.), “Friends, Confidantes: The Keanu/Chad Partnership” (10 min.), “Chamber Check: Evolution of a Fight Scene” (10 min.), “Wick's Toolbox” (8 min.), “Wick-vizzed” (5 min.), “Car Fu Ride-Along” (5 min.), “Kill Count” (3 min.), and “A Museum Tour with Sir Jonathan Wick” (2 min.), deleted scenes (8 min.), a “Dog Wick” spoof (2 min.), and bonus DVD, digital, and UltraViolet copies of the film. Bottom line: a solid extras package for an adrenaline-fueled, check your brain at the door sequel.] (F. Swietek)