Over two years since Keanu Reeves’ iconic, seemingly indestructible assassin graced the silver screen in “John Wick: Chapter 4”, the thrilling action series is back with a fresh tale – Len Wiseman’s “From the John Wick Universe: Ballerina”. Since the last chapter, the franchise has introduced its first spinoff, “The Continental” on Peacock, and set numerous other projects in motion. As an ardent admirer of the original films, I must admit that the prospect of “Ballerina” piqued my interest more than anything else. The novelty of a new female protagonist really got me pumped!
Does the film Ballerina measure up to the lofty expectations set by its predecessors? To be honest, it falls short. However, I must say that I enjoyed watching it immensely. The movie Ballerina is intriguing to analyze because it showcases the enthusiasm and ambition of the creative team. There are numerous thought-provoking concepts within this film; unfortunately, instead of prioritizing the strongest ideas, writer Shay Hatten opted to cram them all in.
There’s been talk about reshoots and Chad Stahelski’s role in them, but for now, I can only comment on the current version of “Ballerina.” Although some parts might not appeal to everyone, it adds an intriguing layer to the John Wick series. It falls between “Chapter 3 – Parabellum” and “Chapter 4” in the timeline, but it’s best not to dwell too much on the details of that.
Ballerina Is Ambitious – To A Fault
It Can’t Decide What Kind Of Movie To Be
In the opening sequence, we meet our central character, Eve Macarro (Ana de Armas), who became part of the Ruska Roma tribe as a child following her father’s (David Castañeda from ‘The Umbrella Academy’) untimely death at the hands of assassins. Like John Wick, Eve is propelled by a thirst for revenge, though it must be said that ‘Ballerina’ takes its time building up to this point, causing some delay in reaching the heart of the story and what truly motivates Eve. For a film lasting just 90 minutes, an excessive amount of time is dedicated to other aspects of the plotline before we delve into the core of her journey.
In my view, although this side mission may not be directly linked to the main storyline, it certainly offers a captivating backdrop – specifically, a chic nightclub that’s worth the visit. The John Wick franchise has always been renowned for its style and elegance, and Ballerina manages to keep up with this high standard. The movie takes us to various visually stunning locations, such as the Prague Continental and a picturesque snow-covered mountain village that serves as the setting for the climactic third act.
As a cinephile, I can’t help but be captivated by the diverse settings that offer a perfect backdrop for pulse-pounding action sequences. It’s absolutely thrilling to witness Eve seamlessly navigate through each environment, showcasing her incredible adaptability. Her combat skills are truly remarkable, adding a fresh and engaging twist to every fight scene. These moments reminded me of the adrenaline-fueled action from the John Wick series, although at times they didn’t quite match the finesse found in those films.
In essence, the movie Ballerina grapples with a bit of an identity dilemma. It’s unsure whether it wants to be an origin story, a revenge tale like the first John Wick, or a franchise instalment with heavy mythology. Instead of focusing on one particular aspect, it tries to touch upon all three elements, with varying levels of success. While it’s intriguing to delve into the Ruska Roma culture and understand Eve’s upbringing, her initial assignment feels unnecessary, and the lessons she learns are repetitively hammered home throughout the film.
Ballerina Takes Some Big Swings In Expanding The John Wick Universe
It Mostly Works, Thanks To Ana De Armas
Over time, Eve becomes determined to seek justice against the faction responsible for harming her father, which is headed by The Chancellor (Gabriel Byrne). Initially, this tribe is portrayed as a menacing cult that everyone avoids or fears. Characters like The Director and Daniel Pine from the group, played by Norman Reedus, frequently describe them with ominous language, making them seem almost comically evil. However, if every character keeps emphasizing how terrible they are, one might wonder if they aren’t so bad that viewers can figure it out themselves. Nonetheless, Eve’s impending confrontation with The Chancellor certainly builds anticipation for a compelling showdown.
In a less formal way of expression: Eve’s entrance in the film brings about a silly humor that’s amusing, but there’s a danger it might become overly exaggerated. Compared to the John Wick series, Ballerina is more outrageous and flamboyant. While it’s important for this spinoff to establish its unique identity, it sometimes feels at odds with what we’ve previously seen. Despite pushing itself to stand out, it still manages to include short scenes featuring Winston and Charon, played by the late Lance Reddick whose presence is both heartbreaking and comforting.
From my perspective as a movie enthusiast, I must say that the trailers for Ballerina have already hinted at Keanu Reeves’ small yet significant role as Wick. Initially, his appearance seemed more contrived than I had anticipated, but a subsequent scene delivered an exhilarating rush of joy upon seeing him reprise this iconic character once more. This moment serves as a reminder that no one can outshine him in this universe, but Eve is undeniably cut from the same mold. De Armas firmly establishes herself as a genuine action star, injecting each fight sequence with an infectious scrappiness that sets her apart from Wick. Ultimately, what I cherished most was the opportunity to reconnect with this captivating character.
There are many more John Wick stories being worked on, such as a spinoff featuring Donnie Yen‘s character Caine, an animated prequel, and another movie with Keanu Reeves reprising his role as Wick. The success of Ballerina demonstrates that this world has plenty of potential for storytelling. However, I am concerned that if these new projects aren’t carefully planned, the intricately woven universe could start to unravel. There are some inconsistencies that could become more pronounced if a clear timeline and boundaries aren’t set in place.
Despite some issues, Eve’s story is far from over since “Ballerina” seems ripe for a follow-up. It’s clear that De Armas has the ability to carry on as the main lead. Her initial performance offers an adrenaline-pumping mix of action and excitement that makes for an engaging cinema experience, but it does have its flaws. Here’s hoping that if this character returns, she’ll be supported by a more streamlined plotline.
From the World of John Wick: Ballerina arrives in theaters Friday, June 6.
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2025-06-05 01:13