The Best John Wick Movie Has The Worst Rotten Tomatoes Score: A Critical Analysis

Viktoria Ivanova

5 min read

Post on May 12, 2025

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The Action: Elevated Gun-Fu and Stunt Work in John Wick: Chapter 2

John Wick: Chapter 2 isn't just a step up in terms of action; it's a paradigm shift. The film elevates the already impressive gun-fu style of the first installment to breathtaking new heights.

A Deeper Dive into the Choreography

The fight choreography in Chapter 2 is nothing short of innovative. It's more intricate, more brutal, and far more visually stunning than what came before.

• Standout Fight Sequences: The extended fight in the Continental Hotel, the breathtaking shootout in Rome's bustling streets, and the final confrontation are all masterclasses in action filmmaking.
• Evolution of Fight Style: Compared to the first film, Chapter 2 incorporates more diverse fighting styles and weapons, showcasing a greater range of combat skills. The use of environments within the choreography is significantly more sophisticated.
• Stunt Team Prowess: The contribution of 87eleven, the renowned stunt team behind the entire franchise, is especially evident in Chapter 2's intricate and realistic fight sequences. Their commitment to practical effects is key to the film's visceral impact.

Expanding the World

Chapter 2 masterfully expands the already rich world of assassins. This expansion is crucial to the film's success and overall contribution to the franchise.

• New Locations & Impact: Introducing Rome as a key setting expands the scope of the narrative, showcasing a new visual aesthetic and introducing new cultural elements to the assassin underworld.
• Introduction of New Factions: The introduction of new characters and organizations, like the shadowy figures of the High Table, adds layers of complexity and intrigue to the already fascinating world of assassins. This expansion provides a richer background and sets the stage for future installments.

Narrative Strength and Storytelling in John Wick: Chapter 2

While the action is undeniably spectacular, John Wick: Chapter 2 also boasts a significantly more complex and engaging narrative than its predecessor.

A More Complex Plot

The plot of Chapter 2 is far more intricate than the first film's straightforward revenge narrative. The film deftly weaves together multiple layers of conflict, betrayal, and unexpected twists, keeping the audience consistently engaged.

• Key Plot Points: The introduction of a new antagonist, the complexities of the High Table's rules, and the consequences of John's past actions all contribute to a more nuanced and compelling narrative.
• Character Motivations: Each character, even minor ones, has clear motivations and a defined role within the larger narrative, making the world feel more fully realized.
• Franchise Arc Impact: Chapter 2 significantly expands the world and lays the groundwork for the escalating conflicts that will define the rest of the franchise.

Character Development Beyond John Wick

While John Wick remains the central figure, Chapter 2 shines in its development of supporting characters, contributing to a richer and more emotionally resonant narrative.

• Specific Examples: The development of characters like Sofia demonstrates their growth and complexity within the world of assassins.
• Relationships with John Wick: The complex relationships between John and other characters are explored more deeply, adding emotional weight to the story.
• Impact on the Plot: These developed characters are not just pawns; they actively shape the plot and drive the narrative forward.

Why Rotten Tomatoes Scores Don't Always Tell the Whole Story: Addressing Critic vs. Audience Reception

The discrepancy between John Wick: Chapter 2's Rotten Tomatoes score and its widespread audience acclaim highlights the inherent limitations of such aggregated critical reviews.

The Subjectivity of Film Criticism

Film criticism, by its very nature, is subjective. Different critics prioritize different elements of filmmaking, leading to varied opinions.

• Potential Biases: Some critics might prioritize dialogue-driven narratives over action-heavy ones, while others might find the stylistic choices less appealing.
• Limitations of Rotten Tomatoes: Relying solely on a Rotten Tomatoes score ignores the nuance of individual critical opinions and ignores the vast audience response.
• Critic vs. Audience Scores: The significant gap between critic and audience scores for Chapter 2 illustrates the disconnect between critical consensus and audience enjoyment.

The Appeal of Practical Effects and "Real" Action

Audiences often appreciate practical effects and real action sequences over CGI, a preference that may account for the divergence in critical and audience reception.

• Practical vs. CGI: Chapter 2 emphasizes practical stunts and effects, a choice that might resonate more strongly with audiences who value authenticity in action cinema.
• Audience Preferences for Action: The visceral and realistic nature of the action in Chapter 2 is a significant draw for audiences, delivering a level of excitement that transcends simple spectacle.
• Impact on Rotten Tomatoes Score: The prioritization of style over substance, or perhaps a lack of appreciation for practical effects, might contribute to a lower Rotten Tomatoes score.

Conclusion: Re-evaluating the "Worst" John Wick Movie

In conclusion, John Wick: Chapter 2, despite its comparatively lower Rotten Tomatoes score, excels in action, storytelling, and character development. Its innovative fight choreography, complex plot, and nuanced characters create a cinematic experience that surpasses many of its contemporaries. The limitations of Rotten Tomatoes scores as a sole indicator of film quality become evident when considering the passionate response from audiences. Re-evaluate your opinion of the best John Wick movie based on this analysis. Is the Rotten Tomatoes score truly reflective of the best John Wick movie? Revisit John Wick: Chapter 2 and judge for yourself.