Written by Logan J. Fowler and Justin Matchick
Release Date: February 10th, 2017
Starring: Keanu Reeves, Laurence Fishburne, Ruby Rose, Ian McShane, Lance Reddick
Director: Chad Stahelski (John Wick)
Pre-Trailer Thoughts: John Wick was a huge surprise for me. Featuring solid action and a story that wasn’t too complicated, the 80s style action vehicle was a perfect vehicle for ageless Keanu Reeves, only because John Wick is a man of few words and more of just shooting down thugs. Did it really need a sequel? No, but hey, if it’s anything like the first, we are in for a good time. -LJF
Pre-Trailer Thoughts: The first John Wick was one of the biggest surprises in recent years, as what seemed like a rote action thriller turned out to have some of the most exciting action sequences in ages. The idea of a sequel seemed unnecessary at first, but the idea of having more great action and gun-play sequences with John Wick seems to tempting to pass up. – JTM
Rate the Trailer: 4 out of 5. More of the same is what this trailer is all about. John Wick: Chapter 2 knows exactly what it is, and that’s good. It looks visually appealing, and Keanu Reeves once again is giving off stares that could kill the bad guys. I’m ready for another go round; this is going to be a lot of fun. -LJF
Rate the Trailer: 4 out of 5. Retaining Chad Stahelski, who co-directed the first film, was definitely a smart choice. Giving his visual flair a bigger budget and more room to work with means John Wick 2 is setting up to have some truly spectacular action scenes. There is a highly stylized aspect to the way these scenes are shot that puts it head and shoulders above the usual generic action movies. Of course, John Wick wouldn’t be John Wick without John Wick, and Keanu Reeves’ steely demeanor might be one of the most enjoyable aspects of the film. Adding that features someone of my personal favorite actors including Laurence Fishburne, Ian McShane, and Lance Reddick is just icing on the cake for me. – JTM
Theater, Rent, No Thanks, Undecided? Theater. I’m going to try for the big screen for this one, but if worst comes to worst, it is a definite “top of the pile” rental when it is released. –LJF
Theater, Rent, Undecided, No Thanks? Theater. Like Deadpool last year, it’s nice to see something that could easily have been released in the summer blockbuster season come out during a usually dead time for movies. I’ll definitely be taking the time to see this in a theater. – JTM
