5 Ways ‘John Wick Chapter 2’ Aged Poorly (And 5 Ways It Aged Masterfully)
John Wick’s second outing raised the bar for modern action. It pushed hand-to-hand fights and firearm work into the mainstream. Time has passed, though, and some parts shine while others don’t.
Below are ten clear takes. They switch between what aged poorly and what aged masterfully. Each point looks at a single element and why it holds up or not today.
Aged Poorly: The Assassin Text Network Looks Dated
The film leans on flip phones, clunky keyboards, and a retro switchboard vibe. The green-on-black screens and mass-text alerts feel old now. Modern encrypted apps and cleaner UIs make these scenes look like a throwback.
This aesthetic once felt quirky and fresh. Today it can pull you out of the world. The idea is solid, but the tech style no longer reads as sleek or elite.
Aged Masterfully: Keanu Reeves’ Physicality Still Impresses
Reeves did deep training in judo, jiu-jitsu, and live-fire drills. You can see it in the reloads, transitions, and body control. His movement sells every exchange.
That work still sets a high standard. Many action films copy the same methods now. Few match the precision on display here.
Aged Poorly: The Bulletproof Suit Stretches Belief
The tailored armor was a cool twist then. Today it feels overstated. The fabric stops too many close shots with little impact shown.
Audiences are more aware of real armor limits. The suit sometimes removes stakes in tight fights. It looks stylish, but the protection reads too generous.
Aged Masterfully: Rome Set Pieces Hold Strong
The catacombs ambush and the mirror maze finale remain standout stages. The layouts create smart angles and clear sightlines. You always know where threats come from.
These spaces also give the fights identity. Stone corridors and reflective walls shape tactic and rhythm. The result still looks fresh and memorable.
Aged Poorly: The Rules Feel Flexible in Hindsight
Markers, oaths, and “no business on Continental grounds” set strict lines. Later entries widen or twist those limits. Watching again, some choices here seem convenient rather than firm.
The core ideas work, but enforcement shifts. That makes certain calls in this chapter feel less consistent when viewed across the whole series.
Aged Masterfully: Actions Have Real Consequences
The story shows cause and effect without wobble. Wick honors the marker, pays the price, and then crosses a line. The fallout is immediate and severe.
That spine still lands today. It gives the world weight. It also sets up future conflict in a clean, direct way.
Aged Poorly: Thin Roles for Women
Key women get little dimension. The mute enforcer has a strong presence but limited depth. Other female figures appear briefly and vanish.
Modern viewers expect more balance. The talent is there, but the writing gives them too little to do. It feels like a missed chance.
Aged Masterfully: Gun Handling and Mechanics
You see proper mag changes, staging, and use of cover. Malfunctions and transitions happen at believable moments. The film treats weapons like tools, not magic wands.
These details still educate audiences. They ground the action and reward rewatching. It remains a reference point for tactical realism on screen.
Aged Poorly: Some Digital Hits Stand Out
Certain blood impacts and muzzle flashes read as CG. On larger screens they pop in a bad way. Practical elements carry the load, but the digital touches age unevenly.
Newer films blend these effects better. Here, a few shots break the illusion. It is not constant, but you notice it.
Aged Masterfully: The Iconic Look Endures
The sleek black suit, slim tie, and minimalist gear are now franchise markers. The silhouette is instantly readable. It communicates purpose and discipline.
That image still sells across posters, clips, and memes. It helped define a whole action subgenre. The style remains a strength, not a trend tied to one moment.
Share your take: which parts of Chapter 2 still hit hard for you, and which ones don’t—tell us in the comments.