Based on his own story, screenwriter Derek Solstad continues the John Wick saga. Director Chad Stahelski ("John Wick") is back, as well. They know their character and they know their (mostly male) action-loving audience, so the capacity screening crowd knows exactly what to expect from this crew.

The cast:

• * Keanu Reeves ("John Wick") John Wick is still grieving for his dead wife...but at least he kept that new dog. Now all he has to do is retrieve his car and then give up "the life."
• * Common ("The Wiz Live!") Casein has a job to do, and John Wick is not going to interfere.
• * Riccardo Scamarcio ("Burnt") Santino D'Antonio is almost where he wants to be but his sister is in the way.
• * Ian McShane (*American Gods") Winston is back; he still runs the Intercontinental and he still does not allow his patrons to use force on his premises.
• * Laurence Fishburne ("Madiba") Bowery King laughs at our hero when he calls on him for help. Their history together adds to the foreshadowing of another sequel.
• * Lance Roddick ("John Wick") Our impeccably correct Charon never changes.

As you can see, this R-rated actioner has something for everyone: exotic locations, vehicular mayhem, ironic humor (with very little profanity), new and unusual ways to kill or maim (watch those pencils!), gunfire, etc. This sequel held its own; the John Wickfans left the theater happy and satisfied.