Estimated read time: 5-6 minutes
- 'Ballerina' expands the 'John Wick' universe with intense action and new characters.
- Ana de Armas shines as assassin Eve, adding authenticity to the action genre.
- The second act falters, but the film remains a thrilling addition to the franchise.
The "John Wick" universe has become a gold standard for high-octane action, with its intricate world-building, stylized violence and memorable characters.
"Ballerina" enters the world of John Wick with its own set of fisticuffs and gun fu. While it brings a lot of what makes this franchise so captivating, it doesn't quite hit the same high notes as its predecessors.
Still, if you're a fan of the "John Wick" series, there's plenty to enjoy here.
The good
Ana de Armas packs a punch
Ana de Armas has been on a tear lately, and her role in "Ballerina" is no exception. Playing the expert assassin Eve, de Armas brings the physicality of a seasoned killer to life. At 5-foot-6, she may not seem like your typical action star, but she pulls off the role with such authenticity that it's easy to buy into her being able to take down much larger foes.
The film goes beyond just having her "be tough" for the sake of it. There's a focus on Eve's training and expertise. She knows how to exploit weaknesses and use her opponents' size and strength against them, and it's refreshing to see the film put some thought into how a smaller assassin could realistically take on bigger opponents. This nuance helps elevate the film and brings a layer of authenticity to a genre that's often anything but.
More John Wick world-building
One of the most intriguing aspects of the "John Wick" films has always been the world-building. The films are packed with unique cultures, codes and colorful characters that make up this vast and mysterious universe. "Ballerina" stays true to that tradition, diving deeper into one of the film's factions: the Ruska Roma.
We've seen glimpses of this tribe in previous films, but now we get a personal tour. The Ruska Roma is a twisted, loyalty-driven organization, and "Ballerina" does a great job of showing just how deep this rabbit hole goes.
We also get more of the Continental network, new cults, old faces and a fresh batch of killers. I'll admit, with this being the fifth "John Wick" movie and having a TV show prequel out there, as well, I was concerned that I'd tire of this world — but I was wrong. The richness of the "John Wick" universe still captivates, and "Ballerina" adds enough new characters and factions to keep things interesting.
Just enough John Wick
If you're a "John Wick" fan, you were probably wondering just how much John Wick himself would factor into "Ballerina." Would he overshadow the story? Would it feel forced? The filmmakers struck the right balance here.
Keanu Reeves doesn't overstay his welcome, but his brief appearances are tied to the plot in a way that makes sense. His involvement adds flavor to the story without stealing the spotlight from de Armas' Eve. It was a tough line to walk, but I think the filmmakers managed it perfectly. It's fun to see how John ties into Eve's journey, but at no point does his presence feel distracting from the film's focus.
The not-so-good
A meandering second act
While the first and third acts of "Ballerina" are a blast, the second act falters a bit. The movie starts out with a bang, introducing Eve and her journey into the Ruska Roma, and the pacing is great. However, by the time we reach her first major mission, the film hits a bit of a lull.
It's not that the pacing is bad, but the tone shifts in a way that made me lose some interest. The plotlines in the second act felt like they lost focus. While I wasn't bored, I wasn't as engaged as I was at the start. Thankfully, the final act picks up again, and by the time the movie ramps up to its climax, I was back in the game.
The second act didn't ruin the film for me, but it did keep "Ballerina" from reaching the same level of greatness that the "John Wick" films do so effortlessly. It's a bit of a roller coaster, with moments of brilliance and moments that drag.
What parents need to know
"Ballerina" is rated R, and for good reason. If you're familiar with the "John Wick" universe, you'll know to expect brutal violence, and "Ballerina" doesn't deviate in that regard. People are killed with guns, knives, swords, bombs — basically anything within reach. The action is intense, the kills are bloody and the violence is almost constant throughout the film. This is not a movie for younger audiences.
There's also some strong language. While it's not as pervasive as the violence, it still pushes the film over the R-rating.
Parents should know that "Ballerina" is not only violent but also gory, with some moments of intense brutality. If you're thinking about taking teens, you'll want to consider their sensitivity to this kind of content. This movie is definitely geared toward adult viewers who enjoy fast-paced action and aren't bothered by its graphic nature.
Conclusion
"Ballerina" doesn't quite rise to the level of the best "John Wick" films, but it holds its own as a fun and intense action flick. Ana de Armas delivers a solid performance, and the film does a great job of expanding the John Wick universe, particularly with the Ruska Roma.
While the second act stumbles a bit, the final act delivers enough thrills to make up for the slower moments. If you're a fan of John Wick and its brutal, stylish action, "Ballerina" is a worthwhile addition to the franchise. However, if you're not a fan of constant violence or if action movies aren't your thing, this one might be better to skip.
"Ballerina" is officially rated R for violence, gore and language.
