Ballerina Review: A Thrilling Action Movie That Relies Too Much On John Wick

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Will audiences still be drawn to a “John Wick” movie without Keanu Reeves as John Wick? This is a question that has been on many people’s minds following the divisive ending of “John Wick: Chapter 4.” However, with the release of “Ballerina,” the first spin-off in the series currently under development, we won’t get an answer to this query just yet.

The title “Ballerina,” which is actually “From the World of John Wick: Ballerina,” has been used to distinguish it from other films that share similar elements, such as intense, ballet-inspired action scenes, violent combat, and a distinctive visual style. Although this film is the first official spin-off and not just another copycat, it does feature a more prominent role for Keanu Reeves’ iconic character than the trailers might lead you to believe.

As a die-hard fan of the John Wick universe, I can confidently say that “Ballerina” delivers an enticing dose of that captivating world. Ana de Armas impressively embodies Eve Macarro, transforming from a ballerina into a formidable assassin, much like how the same family groomed John Wick into a lethal adversary. However, it remains to be seen whether her story can independently captivate audiences enough for potential sequels or if it’s merely an extension of the original series.

Ana de Armas is a rising action star

In this movie, Ana de Armas portrays Eve Macarro, a ballet dancer on a decades-long crusade to avenge her father’s death at the hands of The Chancellor (Gabriel Byrne). Similar to the “John Wick” series, the intricate regulations of the “John Wick” universe create numerous dramatic hurdles involving debts, obligations, and customs. Eve was fostered by the Director (Anjelica Huston) of the Ruska Roma community, where she progresses from a talented dancer to a highly skilled operative. We observe her transition from performing arts to protection work, eventually crossing paths with the organization she’s been pursuing all along. However, the family forbids Eve from embarking on her personal vendetta because it breaches the treaty they have with The Chancellor’s group.

In a style reminiscent of the John Wick series, Eve engages in intense battles against numerous opponents, using her hands, feet, and an impressive collection of weapons. She even encounters the character known as the Baba Yaga, as the movie “Ballerina” unfolds partially during “John Wick: Chapter 3 — Parabellum” and preceding “John Wick: Chapter 4.” It’s a testament to de Armas’ acting skills that when she and John Wick clash, she manages to keep up. The key point from “Ballerina” is that thanks to her training for “No Time to Die” and her close association with action star Tom Cruise in real life, de Armas demonstrates a natural aptitude for portraying an action hero. She carries an impressive presence and intensity while still evoking the same endearing sympathy we felt for her in “Knives Out.” However, it’s her character that sometimes falls short in comparison to her exceptional acting performance.

In an unusual twist, the backstory of this movie is quite peculiar yet relevant to its final form. Initially penned as a standalone revenge thriller by screenwriter Shay Hatten titled “Ballerina,” written on spec, it caught Lionsgate’s attention due to its similarities with the John Wick universe. As a result, it was optioned as a spin-off, and Hatten himself became one of the writers tasked with integrating his original story into the well-established John Wick mythology. Although we can’t know for sure what changes were made to blend the two narratives, it’s evident while watching the movie where the connections have been made. The film shares thematic similarities with the other movies in the series, but there is a noticeable transition in the way the world has been developed up until now.

In simpler terms, the other movies in the series seem to resemble a game master (DM) leading a tabletop role-playing game set in a neo-noir world. However, the plot twists in “Ballerina” initially appear more standard, until characters or locations from The Continental, played by Ian McShane’s character Winston and Lance Reddick’s character Charon, are introduced. This makes it harder to fully engage with Eve’s storyline until these familiar elements are involved. Essentially, “Ballerina” struggles to hold our attention as effectively as the other John Wick movies due to this connection.

John Wick without John Wick

It’s well-known that the release of this movie was postponed by a year due to Chad Stahelski, director of “John Wick,” taking over for extensive reshoots (apparently without Len Weisman, the director of “Ballerina,” who is no stranger to action). The aim was to enhance the carnage and make the spin-off as high-quality as the original films. While the fight scenes and shoot-outs are captivating, the non-violent parts connecting these scenes are somewhat weak. At a certain point in the film, it seems like the story is coming to a close, though not completely satisfyingly, only for Eve’s narrative thread to take a backseat, making way for a new climax that focuses more on John Wick himself. (Without revealing too much about the plot, there’s a moment where the story appears to be concluding naturally, but then it seems like Eve’s arc is sidelined for a broader ending involving John Wick.)

In some aspects, it preserves the image of the film because the final scene is exceptional. However, it also highlights a problem with expanding a franchise from its primary actor. Despite Stahelski and Keanu Reeves managing to rectify this before it harmed the franchise, the techniques used here may not be applicable for future installments. If they intend to create more films in this universe, they must invest in and rely on new talents. Ana de Armas delivers an outstanding performance here. If given another opportunity, she requires a self-contained story that can solely revolve around her, rather than relying on other supporting characters.

“Ballerina” hits theaters on June 6. 

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2025-06-05 01:00