John Wick: Chapter 2

Sequels are supposed to be the disappointing cousin. This one isn't. Chapter 2 picks up Wick's story and runs with it, and I'd put it right alongside the first one. Maybe a hair above, depending on the day.

Keanu owns this guy. Full stop. I don't know what it is about him in this role, but he just IS John Wick. The character fits him like a tailored suit, and watching him work is a big part of why I keep showing up.

Edge of your seat the whole way through.

And the gun-jitsu. Is that a word? It is now. I'm coining it. Whatever you want to call the way these fight scenes are choreographed, with the close-quarters shooting flowing into the hand-to-hand and back again, it's the best version of that I've seen. Edge of your seat the whole way through.

The ending caught me. I won't spoil it, but the swerve at the end actually pays off in the moment AND lays the groundwork for whatever comes next. That's a hard double to pull off and they nailed it.

Seeing this one in the theater was the right call. Big screen, big sound, big stupid grin on my face for most of it. I came in not expecting much of a follow-up and walked out already thinking about the next chapter. That's all you can ask for.