Generally speaking, action movie sequels tend to follow the same formula as their predecessor(s) - same overarching plot and story beats with some minor tweaks, different scenes and new, fresh quips. It's the "safe" approach to starting a franchise out of something people enjoyed.
Not John Wick, however.
Yes, John Wick 2 is still about revenge, and there's plenty of our boy Keanu stylishly-but-realistically killing poor Mooks - but the plot and beats are DISTINCTLY different. John's still a one-man headshot army on a mission for revenge, but the first half of the movie is dedicated to showing us how he actually pulls off a job as an assassin, from setting up escape routes to locking and loading, and why he's so damn effective at his (old) job beyond just being able to kill people well. On top of this, we get a great deal more insight into how this society of assassins operates, John faces legit threats throughout the movie (the most compelling of which is Cassian, the bodyguard of his initial target), and the ending is not only incredibly tense but also very meaningful in its resolution - no going back to the status quo after this. Above all else, it is different, so I understand why some people do not like it as much as the first movie, even if I do.
In summation, John Wick Chapter 2 is the rare action movie sequel that opts to continue a story rather than rehash it, and one that remains entertaining throughout because of it. Keep that in mind, and enjoy.
A Unique Type of Sequel
Generally speaking, action movie sequels tend to follow the same formula as their predecessor(s) - same overarching plot and story beats with some minor tweaks, different scenes and new, fresh quips. It's the "safe" approach to starting a franchise out of something people enjoyed.
Not John Wick, however.
Yes, John Wick 2 is still about revenge, and there's plenty of our boy Keanu stylishly-but-realistically killing poor Mooks - but the plot and beats are DISTINCTLY different. John's still a one-man headshot army on a mission for revenge, but the first half of the movie is dedicated to showing us how he actually pulls off a job as an assassin, from setting up escape routes to locking and loading, and why he's so damn effective at his (old) job beyond just being able to kill people well. On top of this, we get a great deal more insight into how this society of assassins operates, John faces legit threats throughout the movie (the most compelling of which is Cassian, the bodyguard of his initial target), and the ending is not only incredibly tense but also very meaningful in its resolution - no going back to the status quo after this. Above all else, it is different, so I understand why some people do not like it as much as the first movie, even if I do.
In summation, John Wick Chapter 2 is the rare action movie sequel that opts to continue a story rather than rehash it, and one that remains entertaining throughout because of it. Keep that in mind, and enjoy.