Bailarina

Ballerina checks every box of a John Wick film! It just gives you what you want from these movies - just the coolest stuff every 5 minutes, even after I assumed the John Wick movies left everything on the table with regards to inventive action scenes. It's impressive how John Wick writers keep finding new ways to do combat scenes. Ana de Armas kicks ass in a variety of violent and creative action sequences - grenades, flame-throwers, you name it! All movies should write action like this! Instead of relying on the same bang-bang-bang routine, the filmmakers constantly search for fresh angles - be it through location, weaponry, or method. That's a big reason why John Wick continues to offer the best gunplay in Hollywood.

So yes, Ballerina absolutely delivers on the action, and I had a blast with the fight scenes. But, like most of the Wick films, the story falls short. The revenge-driven plot is serviceable but basic, with flat characters who lack compelling motivations, and a villain who ultimately disappoints. It's the action - not the narrative - that keeps the film alive.

At a certain point, I had to stop watching it critically. Because it's so dumb, and yet so entertaining. I fully admit this is not an ideal situation, and normally I'd be very against this. On many occasions, after giving a negative review to something, someone will say to me, "Oh, just turn your brain off and enjoy it." To that, my response is always, "Well, if it was actually good, I shouldn't have to." Ballerina, however, is somehow both not good and also incredibly good at the same time. It's a mostly brainless, cold, cookie-cutter revenge movie that has so much unfathomable yet enjoyable action in it that the two are completely at odds. How can a film this hollow have action this entertaining? Why is such care devoted to these sequences when the story and emotion are so surface-level? It's bizarre and a little confusing. And yet, without realizing it, I did exactly what I always say not to do - I shut my brain off and had fun. I'm not surprised. I've had to do the same with the other Wick films, and Ballerina fits right in. And, like those films, I still came out leaning positive in the end.

Ana de Armas is a force of nature here, bringing intense physicality and a surprising vulnerability to this scrappy revenge tale. She ensures her character feels just as iconic as John Wick himself. Keanu Reeves has a much larger role than expected, but I appreciated that Wick never fully overtook the film - even if his presence does feel a bit like fan service. That said, I really missed Dan Laustsen's luminous cinematography from the earlier films. The visual identity takes a hit here. Still, the fact that Ballerina works as well as it does is a testament to the foundation that Chad Stahelski and Reeves have built and continue to shape. But when the bar is set this high, it's hard not to notice that this doesn't quite measure up. Even so, this is still everything you could want from a summer blockbuster. It's tons of fun and packed with killer set pieces.

The John Wick universe began in 2014 as a simple standalone action film, but now, 11 years later, four John Wick films have already been released, along with one extension of this world. It's precisely the latter that I'm going to discuss in this post.

Ballerina (2025) is more of an expansion than a continuation of the John Wick world, as the film is temporally set between John Wick 3: Parabellum (2019) and John Wick 4 (2023). It's considered a kind of John Wick 3.5 for die-hard fans of the saga. Some were amazed by the film, while others were completely disappointed. This feature film is similar to what was already made, but it feels flat and heartless.

This story tells the life of Eve Macarro, a girl who lost her father at a young age because a sect of assassins hunted him down until they killed him. After what happened, she was adopted by the Ruska Roma boarding school, the same school that trained John Wick. From there, Eve trained and gained experience until she was able to go find the gang that killed her father to get her long-awaited revenge, knowing that she'll most likely have the Ruska Roma and the gang responsible for her father's murder against her. This film stands out for its great cast, and it doesn't waste any talent, with Norman Reedus, Keanu Reeves, and, of course, Ana de Armas, the lead actress, who once again delights audiences with a quality performance, as she's accustomed to. Her performance showcases a character who, while sober and bloody in the action, also reveals her empathetic and caring side, letting viewers see that more than just a killing machine, she's also human, and audiences can connect with her naturally.

What stands out most in this feature film are its powerful action scenes. They didn't hesitate to create bloody scenes worthy of a horror film, as the main character uses any means to kill, creating truly interesting scenes such as killing an agent with an ice skate or a sword. This goes hand in hand with the choreography brought to the screen, along with the special effects, giving it a touch of quality that few action films achieve.

In conclusion, the acting, post-production, and choreography are exceptionally well done. However, the film lacks personality or heart, as it feels like a carbon copy of John Wick, but as a woman, it may be the example of how to do action scenes, but it lacks love from the direction and actors, and that ends up being noticeable.

Plot? What Plot?

Ballerina is an average movie with exciting action sequences but weighed down with an underwhelming story and tired tropes.

The first 20 minutes are a chore with the standard origin story you've seen before but once the action begins, it doesn't let up and 5 minutes don't past between fight scenes. It's clear to see where the reshoots come in as they appear copied and pasted in.

Ana De Armas is the saving grace of the movie and gives a great performance while Keanu has a fun cameo with just the right amount of screen time. It's a shame to say that Gabriel Byrne is wasted as the villian and doesn't do much with the time provided.

The world of John Wick is a brilliant concept and continues to enthrall. I just wish there was more here to expand the lore and put a bit of meat on it. A decent enough time though, just not as great as i expected.

It's Wickniverse, you're gonna watch it regardless. Just grab a popcorn and suspend your disbelief and enjoy another round of John Wick

If we start with plotholes, inconsistency and logical mindboggleness we'd ended up ruining all the fun.

That's all

But if you need to know I think it's meh. Could have been done better. I get it it's Wickniverse, but not a scratch, not a bruise on Eve, she's what? 5 feet something skinny balerina body? No way she could handle a full blown kick and hits and barely broke a bone. Even her makeup... Not even a single dirt on her pretty face. Not to mention she's mowing everyone down as if she's Jane Wick... I get it she's highly trained by she make those goons looks like cardboard target in some training yard. By the 3rd quarter I'm getting bored. I just think the action is too much and entering Fast Furious level of absurdity, even for Wickniverse.

But then again... We'll be watching it. It's just a solid 7 leave your brain out and enjoy Ana.. i mean... Eve... I mean... Whatever.

BALLERINA is a visual exhibition to feel the ACTION. Vibrant, frenetic, intense & vengeful, and I'm not just referring to the film, but also to Ana de Armas. An actress capable of anything with an electric aura that will paralyse you into not moving from your seat.

Ana de armas played the role so well. Keanu Reeves as always....his presence in the film is so strong.

OVERALL: It really fits the description "from the world of john wick". With new face de Armas, the John Wick franchise is revitalised with stunning action that feels fresh, not formulaic. Those missing some of that blistering, chaotic John Wick action will definitely find the movie a worthy addition to the franchise.