Keanu Reeves returns to fight for his release from the all-powerful High Table. His journey takes him to cool locations in NYC, Paris, Osaka and Berlin, where he engages in seemingly endless fights with a limitless supply of bullets. At 2:50 running time, this movie could easily lose an hour and still be gripping. All of the violent encounters have cool aspects and stunts, but there are dozens of other kills that just clutter up the action and drag out the carnage. Otherwise, this sequel has all the expected elements: Reeves intense and minimal, elaborately staged fights, dazzling locations, intense dramatic encounters and another dog. Fans of the series will find plenty to like, esp. the impressive scene around the Arc de Triomphe, the overhead camera sequence and the humorous climb up the stairs to Montmartre. But as someone who enjoys screen aggression, I never thought I’d prefer less. Still, some trimming would make this tigher and better. NOTE: Stay thru the credits for one final kill. 
(4 / 5)
