It looks like the dog lives this time.
That’s what you needed to know, right? The one hang-up that kept you from telling absolutely everyone you know that they had to see John Wick was the fact that some people simply will never handle the sort of thing that incites the film altogether: the murder of Keanu Reeves‘ beloved pet pooch.
This time, things look simpler. A contract is taken out on Wick himself when he refuses to do… a thing. But even if the plot is different this time around, the first film’s amusingly old-world touches will continue; we see the Continental Hotel for Hitmen make a welcome reappearance, plus also an old-fashioned telephone operator bank.
Further details tease rather than enlighten. What is Laurence Fishburne’s role in the sequel? Who is the hitwoman who speaks in sign language? How are they bringing back Bridget Moynahan as his dead wife? Is the plot really going to matter? (Spoiler: probably not.)
Our hope is only that the bigger budget doesn’t mean replacing all the great choreography of the original with larger action stunts. It was the straightforward, simple fights that won us over the first time. He’s John Wick, and he kills everyone in his way. Simple formula with no need to be fancied up. But rest assured—”Wick goes off” is a nice, basic tagline that indicates a no-nonsense approach so far. They could have gotten all punny and said, “This time he has a dog in the fight.” We’d all have laughed, but it wouldn’t really be in character.
Are you jonesing for John’s return? Leave a dogged comment below!
Image: Lionsgate
