In this sequel to the 2014 movie (John Wick, of course), our protagonist (Keanu Reeves) is pulled back into the deadly game from which he wanted to escape, all because of a blood oath in a system that runs on protocols of obligation.

Curiously, with that retirement device driving the plot, the movie opens with Wick in full action mode as he seeks revenge for the loss of his beloved car, and you know he means business.

There is some humour, and a lot of gore.

Wick is the master of improvisation when it comes to killing, and baddies aren’t what they used to be. The hiring system must need overhauling given that only one or two of the zillions summarily dispatched by our hero can hit their target, whatever gun they employ. Wick is hurt at times but leads a physically charmed life.

Don’t look hard for women in this movie. In the world of John Wick, they are either dead and gone already, a criminal mastermind, or an assassin. It underlines the extent to which this is a tedious shooter movie with no character development.

The end clearly flags a follow-up. It will have to be much more introspective or Wick will remain a robot fighting the criminal machine to which he once belonged.

My money is on a new love interest in Chapter 3, but she had better watch out.