Ana de Armas is undeniably the star of "Ballerina," proving to be a game-changing addition to the "John Wick" cinematic universe. Her portrayal of Eve Macarro is a testament to her versatility, embodying both the grace of a world-class dancer and the lethal precision of a highly trained assassin. She effortlessly "smacks, smashes and crashes through a gauntlet of gunfights and brawls" , making every improvised weapon – be it "remote controls, dinner plates, ice skates, a firehose" – feel like a natural extension of her deadly will. De Armas brings a "deadly seriousness" to the role that perfectly suits the franchise's tone, ensuring that Eve is a compelling and formidable protagonist. Her performance showcases her "star-making potential" and she is "equal parts angry and frustrated, dangerous and vulnerable", giving Eve a genuine depth beyond mere vengeance.
Keanu Reeves' presence as John Wick, while limited, is impactful. He serves as a "frenemy of sorts for Eve" , and his interactions with de Armas crackle with a "nifty chemistry". His appearances, whether sparring with Eve or offering cryptic advice, firmly anchor "Ballerina" within the established "John Wick world". It's clear that the filmmakers understood the importance of John Wick's presence in a spin-off, learning from past endeavors.
The supporting cast largely delivers. Anjelica Huston's return as The Director, Eve's "no-nonsense" mentor, is a welcome sight, even with a "criminally bad Russian accent". Ian McShane and Lance Reddick reprise their iconic roles as Winston and Charon, adding a comforting familiarity to the dangerous underworld. Reddick's posthumous performance is particularly heartwarming, his warmth shining through in what will be remembered as one of his final film appearances. Gabriel Byrne, as the "heartless" Chancellor, leans into "full-on scenery-chewing mode", providing a deliciously over-the-top villain. Norman Reedus also makes a solid impression as Daniel Pine, a "mysterious man" who proves to be a good fit for the franchise.
The plot of "Ballerina" is driven by Eve's singular goal: to avenge her father's murder at the hands of The Chancellor's cult. After discovering a brand on an assassin's wrist linked to her father's killers , Eve goes "rogue" against The Director's wishes. Her quest for vengeance evolves into a "rescue" mission when she encounters a kidnapped young girl, subtly mirroring her own childhood trauma. The narrative takes us from "a neon New York nightclub to a snowy Austrian village full of murderous locals", showcasing the wide reach of the "John Wick" universe.
While the film benefits from its place within the established mythology, the initial setup of Eve's backstory, while tragic, can feel somewhat "rote" and "basic" , almost as if it's a "shorthand" for emotional motivation. However, "Ballerina" wisely finds its rhythm about halfway through, where it truly "taps into its John Wick energy" and "earns its place in The World of John Wick". The initial "apprehensions" I might have harbored quickly dissipated as the film embraced the creative and explosive action the franchise is known for.
The action sequences are the undisputed highlight of "Ballerina." This "John Wick spinoff" doesn't disappoint in delivering the "innovative, jaw-dropping stunts" we've come to expect. While there might be "less of Reeves’ tireless gun fu" , Ana de Armas shines in her brutal improvisation, using "random objects" as deadly weapons. Whether it's "grenades" , "dinner plates" , a "freezer door" , or even "duct tape", Eve turns everyday items into instruments of chaos. The "flamethrowing shootout" is a particular standout, a delightfully demented sequence that solidified Eve's place among the Wick-verse's deadliest. The film showcases a "creative approach to action and fight choreography" , characterized by its unique blend of "cringe and chuckle" moments. Despite rumors of extensive reshoots , the resulting action sequences are "well-crafted" and "explosive".
"Ballerina" also manages to inject a surprising amount of humor into its often-grim proceedings. The filmmakers clearly understand the audience's expectations from the "Wick-verse" , utilizing them to create "funny, subversive moments". There's a particularly clever scene detailing the "aftermath of an assignment" , which might be one of the most smartly crafted jokes in the entire franchise. This "lighter touch" extends to the film's thematic elements as well. Unlike John Wick, who carries a "murkiness" from his past, Eve is presented as a "heroic figure from the start" with "no such baggage", which allows the lighter moments to shine even brighter. The film even includes "silly nods to feminism" , such as Eve's mentor instructing her to "fight like a girl", which is often interpreted as adapting to situations and using unconventional tactics.
Len Wiseman's direction, coupled with Chad Stahelski's influence as a producer, ensures that "Ballerina" matches the "neo-noir qualities" and visual aesthetic of the main "John Wick" films. The "beautifully choreographed fight scenes in impossibly ornate nightclubs" and the striking visuals of "snowflakes, explosions, and neon club lighting" create an immersive experience. While the plot can be "thin and overly complex" and the dialogue occasionally "subtle as a head shot" , the sheer "affection for pure, imaginative action sequences" carries the film.
In essence, "Ballerina" succeeds as a "spin-off that knows why the John Wick series has been so successful". It effectively "follows the rules while adding to the ever expanding world". While it takes a "good portion of its screentime to find confident footing" , once the "second half gets moving, the energy is undeniable". "Ballerina" becomes a relentless succession of "funny, bloody and creative fight scene after another". It's a "propulsive, pulpy gun-fu joy" that revels in the strengths of the "John Wick" franchise. For me, it feels very much like "John Wick 5" in spirit, even if it's technically a side story. With its compelling new protagonist, thrilling action, and unexpected humor, "Ballerina" is "brilliant fun" and leaves me hoping for an "encore". It's an absolute treat for "action fans" and a strong affirmation that the "John Wick" universe continues to thrive.
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