REVIEW: ‘Ballerina’ is a Solid Addition to the ‘John Wick’ Universe
Fans return to the world of John Wick with Lionsgate’s new movie, Ballerina. Set between John Wick: Chapter 3 – Parabellum and John Wick: Chapter 4, this spin-off story focuses on Eva Macarro (Ana De Armas), a ballerina-assassin who looks to seek revenge against the tribe who killed her father when she was a child. Bound by the codes of the Ruska Roma. Eva must decide if her vengeance is more important than risking her place with the Ruska Roma.
Directed by Len Wiseman, everything fans love about the John Wick movies are featured in this movie. Within the first 5 minutes of the movie, fans are given their first action scene and the scenes don’t stop until the end credits start rolling. Each action scene is beautifully choreographed, by stunt director Chad Stahelski, and no two scenes are the same. The actors, and the stunt actors, are pushed to their limits as they fight on ice and through hotel walls. Wiseman easily transitions from one action scene to another without losing a beat. The story, on the other hand, leaves little to desire. It’s your typical revenge story and pretty predictable. Writer Shay Hatten doesn’t do enough to fully explain the characters nor does he do enough to showcase Eve’s need for revenge. However, that is not why fans are going to see the movie. They are here for the action and Ballerina delivers.
De Armas is solid as the film lead. Her ability to carry herself with the confidence to pull off a character like Eve was a joy to watch on screen. Keanu Reeves returns as John Wick, and it was nice to see him but unnecessary. There were several nods to the John Wick universe that his appearance felt more like fan service then relevant to the story. Gabriel Byrne plays the villain of the story, the Chancellor and doesn’t play him evil enough. Regardless if the character was written that way or not, Byrne didn’t do enough to leave the audience believing he was as evil as he should have been. Anjelica Huston and Lance Riddick return as The Director and Charon, and are wonderful in their respective roles. Norman Reedus joins the John Wick universe as Daniel Pine and was severely underutilized.
The lore of John Wick is felt throughout this entire movie. From the markers to the Continental, there are enough call backs to the previous movies to remind the audience of the universe this movie takes part in. For those who have not seen the previous movies, these nods will be confusing, but not confusing enough for those who have not seen the movies to lose interest. However, it does the complete opposite, it will make those who haven’t want to go back and watch the previous movies. Whether a fan of John Wick or not, Ballerina solidifies itself in the universe.
Grade: B