John Wick: Chapter 2

Are you here for the Pope? Chapter 2 is a perfect sequel. It's a rare example where the sequel makes the original better in small and big ways. We find out John went bananas over his car because of what was in the glovebox. The story's focus on the marker further reiterates that John Wick isn't The Boogeyman solely because of his immense skills, but also because he has useful allies and a dash of luck. As a sequel, though, it excels because it perfectly understands what made the first film great and doubles down on all those elements. The bigger budget allows for grander sets and cooler, more elaborate fight sequences, and Keanu's expert combat skills allow for longer, more engaging cuts. The criminal universe is expanded in interesting ways, introducing the new Continental, the Sommelier, markers, the Bowery King, and accounts payable. The script is funny, and has too many great lines to quote. It also doesn't have the out-of-place philosophical musing the original did; if anything, it riffs on that with D'Antonio having a penchant for the dramatic, but John and his laconic attitude is having none of it. So much cool new stuff, and it all feels consistent with the original. *Cassian: Good night? John: Afraid so.* The John Wicks, Ranked!