After raking in staggering AED315 million ($86 million) in the box office in 2014, Keanu Reeves has decided to return to reprise the role of the ex-assassin, John Wick.
Despite its rather conclusive ending, the surprise success of the film was too much to keep Hollywood’s incessant sequel machine at bay. The tried formula of ‘Did it make money? Yes.’ = ‘Let’s do it again, but bigger’.
In true sequel form, the second installement of this neo-noir action thriller will see The Matrix star continue his story in Europe. Rome is the backdrop that sees an action-ready Keanu facing a gauntlet of the world’s greatest hitmen. Aside from Reeves, Deadwood and Game of Thrones star Ian McShane also makes a comeback as the owner of “Continental” a hotel that has a deadly clientele.
We’re not going to make out that the John Wick franchise is a particularly deep or mind-blowing narrative. But with a combination of fast-paced actions scenes, fancy cars and the insane arsenal at John’s disposal, its popularity becomes apparent. Luca Mosca’s dapper costume design is testament to this, because nothing says “hired killer” like a good bespoke suit.
The film will be in cinemas on February 10, 2017. Mark it down.