Ratcheting up the action and artful choreography, this sequel is an amusement park ride of kick assery but is sorely lacking in the humanity and intimacy of its predecessor. This next installment picks off right where the last left off, with all of the gusto and bravado as a blockbuster bull in a china shop. However, by credits roll, that is all this film is; nonstop, sophisticated and nearly eloquent action, and although that may appear to be enough, the absence of the original's substance and gritty indie feel truly lessens its overall value. This next episode seems to fall victim to one of the vastly ignored rules of filmmaking in Hollyweird; sometimes a bigger punch isn't a better one.
Reeves is an immense a presence as expected, owning every second of screen time. The Matrix reunion, with Fishbourne, is a bit disappointing, but the best script writer on his or her most creative day could have never matched that hype. The remaining cast is solid, not exceptional, but they compliment the story.
This is a movie of scenes, ones that make you literally have to catch your breath in their sweep and scope. In totality, however, it falls into the company of most sequels; all unable to truly measure up to their firsts. The set up for a third is brutally evident, let's just hope they return to their roots and give us a final chapter worthy of the Wick. Although my vote would go to a prequel, so we can all bare witness to that impossible task.
3 out of 5 Kernels; the most heartbreaking moments, watching that magnificent muscle car being torn to shreds. It was nearly unbearable.
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