John Wick 2 (4 Stars)

"John Wick Chapter 2", to give the film its full name, starts with a bang. There's an action sequence with the formerly retired hitman to get the audience warmed up. If anything, the opening scenes which take place before the credits belong to the first film. It's all about cleaning up loose ends. In the first film he avenged his dog, but he didn't get his car back. That has to be done now.

After the credits the film starts properly. John Wick makes another attempt to retire, but he's soon pulled out of retirement again. He's called to honour a promise that he made in the past. One important thing about the society of assassins to which John belongs is that it's all about honour.

John is given a mission that he doesn't want to do, but he does it and succeeds. This isn't the end of the story. No amount of saying it was just business can excuse him in the eyes of his enemies. He's relentlessly pursued by people who don't like what he's done.

"John Wick 2" is a full blown action film. With the exception of a lull for about 20 minutes after the credits it's all about John Wick blasting his way against seemingly insurmountable odds. The action is crazy and over the top, but it's enjoyable. It's a film I need to see again as soon as possible.

I have one small warning for people who haven't seen the film yet. "John Wick 2" features many of the same characters and locations who appeared in the first film, but doesn't explain who they are. It's necessary to watch the first film first.