Channel: MovieNight

Category: Film & Animation

Tags: hollywoodkeanu reeveslaurence fishburneassassin#jogwheeltrailerhitmandvdimdbjohn wick reviewcommonjohn wick: chapter two review#jpmnreviewactioncinemasequelcriticismweb seriesjohn wick: chapter twojohn wickbox officechad stahelskimovie nightjohn wick 2film reviewian mcshanefilmmovie reviewadventureblockblusterjonathan paulahdblu-raycommentary

Description: • John Wick: Chapter Two (2017) - A phenomenal action film, and an astonishingly fun experience, 10/10. WATCH full episodes of "Movie Night" -- bit.ly/JogJPMN READ my un-filmed reviews / scripts: bit.ly/JPMNNotFilmed FOLLOW me on Letterboxd to see what I'm watching / rating: bit.ly/JonLetterboxd ~~ Movie Night ~~ Your host, and film critic Jonathan Paula reviews everything from opening day releases, recent DVDs, upcoming trailers, and classics from years past. Each "Quick Review" is an excerpt from a full episode, which airs on the Jogwheel channel every week. ~~ Watch More Reviews ~~ Browse By Year ----- bit.ly/MNYear Browse By Rating --- bit.ly/MNRating Trailer Reviews ------- bit.ly/MNTrailers ~~ Other Channels ~~ Jogwheel (Main channel) --- bit.ly/Jogwheel Jon's World (2nd channel) -- bit.ly/JonWorld The Microwave Show --------- bit.ly/TMSArchive uStream Live Shows ---------- bit.ly/JogLive ~~ Social Media & Merch ~~ Twitter ---------------------------- bit.ly/JonTW Facebook ----------------------- bit.ly/JonFBFan Instagram ----------------------- bit.ly/JonInsta Patreon -------------------------- bit.ly/JonPatreon Letterboxd ---------------------- bit.ly/JonLetterboxd T-Shirts -------------------------- bit.ly/JogStore ~~ Credits ~~ Created by ------ Jonathan Paula Camera ---------- Panasonic HMC-150 Microphone ----- Sennheiser ME 66 Software --------- Adobe Premiere Pro CC 2015 Computer ------- bit.ly/JonPaulaPC • Jogwheel Productions © 2017 • ~~ Script ~~ Well, that was fucking awesome. This neo-noir action thriller from director Chad Stahelski quadrupled its $40 million dollar budget after its February 2017 release. Following the chaotic and deadly events of "Chapter 1", Keanu Reeves (Wick) must return to the life of an internationally hunted hit-man to repay a special debt. The best part about the original wasn't the brilliantly filmed and choreographed hand-to-hand action sequences, but rather the inventive and detailed criminal universe created by writer Derek Kolstad. Which is why I was so elated "Chapter 2" doubled-down on its exploration; showing us more scenes and faces in this fascinating network of honorable modern-day assassins. The 'you must honor the rules of our society' plot-devices manages to make believable sense of a crazy situation no sane person would willingly embark on - least of all a man as careful and intelligent as our title-character. For his efforts, the ageless Keanu proves once again to be more than capable of handling the ferocious gunplay and physical stuntwork. Say what you might about his ability to emote - but he can handle a firearm better than anyone in Hollywood. Which comes in handy, since the R-rated adventure also boasts a body-count north of 120. A catacombs escape that closes out act one is particularly incredible - especially a bit where Wick holds a baddie at bay with the muzzle of his shotgun barrel... while he reloads to finish the job. Bad-ass. Even at 122 minutes, "John Wick 2" moves with relentless ease, especially the final 45 minutes which don't seem to let up for a moment. The talented supporting cast deliver the less-than-subtle dialogue with Shakespearen authority. Whether Ian McShane is lecturing the villain on his mistakes, "You stabbed the devil in the back", or Laurence Fishburne waxes poetic about his former "The Matrix" co-star, there's a certain gravitas behind these relatively minor characters. Of particular note is Claudia Gerini as Wick's initial 'target'. In her only scene, she exhibits perennial class and beauty far beyond what's necessary for a part like this. Let's just say, I was impressed. And let's not forget Peter "Sassy Trump" Serafinowicz - who was particularly amusing as the purveyor of a "wine tasting"-themed gun dispensary. But least we forget how absolutely gorgeous the cinematography here is. Dark corridors and deep shadows are punctured by bright and vibrant beams of color and light. The steady framework keeps the action easy to follow, while showing off the sets and scenery. Part one took place in empty warehouses and houses, whereas this sequel has our hero leaping through Roman ruins and shooting up a mirror-filled museum exhibit. The upgraded locations all looks stunning. The auditory onslaught isn't too bad either; with careful mixing of the loud gunfire, breathless grunts, and heavy punches. I expect to see a few technical nominations for this flick come awards-season. Building on the concepts, techniques, and pay-offs established by its predecessor - "John Wick: Chapter 2" is a phenomenal action film (one of this decade's best), and an astonishingly fun experience. I thought it was AMAZING. ~