From the World of John Wick: Ballerina

Synopsis: Trained in the assassin traditions of the Ruska Roma, Eve Macarro takes on an army of

killers as she seeks revenge against those responsible for the death of her father.

Movie Review: 

“Ballerina,” directed by Len Wiseman, is an exciting spin-off of the popular “John Wick” franchise. This action-packed film features some of the most creative and thrilling action scenes in the series, all brought to life by the incredible Ana de Armas. She plays Eve Macarro, a young assassin in training seeking revenge for her father's death. Ana truly shines in this role, exuding charisma in every scene. Her emotional and tragic backstory makes you genuinely care about her quest for vengeance, and you find yourself rooting for her every step of the way.

The hand-to-hand combat scenes are a highlight, showcasing excellent choreography and dynamic action that keeps things fresh and entertaining. Wiseman does a fantastic job of immersing us in the “John Wick” universe, with rich world-building that brings the world of assassins and the Continental Hotel to life.

Returning to the franchise are Lance Reddick and Ian McShane, who reprise their roles with great flair, adding intrigue and humor that help push the narrative forward. Keanu Reeves also makes a return as John Wick, and his brief but impactful appearance in the third act ramps up the excitement, delivering a wild, action-packed ride that feels like a fun video game.

However, not all the new characters hit the mark. Norman Reedus as Daniel Pine and Catalina Sandino Moreno as Lena come off as one-dimensional and underutilized, which is a bit disappointing. Additionally, the villain, The Chancellor, played by Gabriel Byrne, feels like a cliché evil cult leader—boring and lacking depth.

One of the film's biggest drawbacks is its predictable and generic storyline, which feels reminiscent of other revenge movies we've seen before. While “Ballerina” may have a weak plot, the thrilling action and Ana de Armas's standout performance make it a worthwhile watch for fans of the franchise. I am giving Ballerina" a 3.5/5 stars.

Director: Len Wiseman 

Cast: Ana de Armas, Anjelica Huston, Norman Reedus, Lance Reddick, Catalina Sandino Moreno, Ian McShane, Gabriel Byrne, Sharon Duncan- Brewster, Robert Maaser, David Castaneda, Sooyoung Choi, Abraham Popoola and Keanu Reeves 

Runtime: 125 Minutes