Ballerina: A Weak John Wick Spinoff That Still Delivers Explosive Action

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When approaching each film, I strive to maintain an unbiased viewpoint, ready for both good and bad surprises… however, being a movie reviewer, I can’t help but be aware of the behind-the-scenes aspects and challenges these films face during production. While I make every effort not to let my expectations influence my opinions, I am mindful when certain warning signs appear. It’s only natural that such information lingers in the background as I watch a new release.

Ballerina

Launch Date: The film will premiere on June 6, 2025.
This movie is directed by the talented Len Wiseman.
The screenplay has been brilliantly crafted by Shay Hatten.
The star-studded cast includes Ana de Armas, Gabriel Byrne, Lance Reddick, Anjelica Huston, Norman Reedus, Ian McShane, and Keanu Reeves.
Please note that this film is rated R for its intense and frequent violence, as well as strong language.
The running time of the movie is approximately 125 minutes.

Watching Len Wiseman’s film “Ballerina” serves as an illustration of this internal struggle. As a devoted admirer of the “John Wick” series, which spawned this spinoff, I hold a particular fondness for its stylish action sequences and intriguing world-building. Given my fandom, I’ve been well-informed that this film underwent extensive principal photography over three years ago and has since gone through substantial reshoots. When a movie is repeatedly delayed to make significant changes from its original concept, it often doesn’t earn the title of “masterpiece.

While I was settling in at the theater before the movie “Ballerina” began, my mindset was a mix of anticipation and apprehension, expecting the worst yet hoping for the best. Mentally, I had set a modest expectation, which turned out to be quite achievable for the action film. On the storytelling and character development front, the movie barely exceeded the essentials (for instance, it never disclosed the name of the antagonist cult that the protagonist was pursuing revenge against), but when it came to the fight scenes, it didn’t hold back, delivering a thrilling experience.

Navigating through the well-known storyline of “John Wick”, the movie presents Eve Macarro, initially depicted as a young girl (Victoria Comte), who lives with her mercenary father David Castañeda on the run. Tragically, they encounter a secretive figure known as the Chancellor (Gabriel Byrne) and his armed squad who claim her father betrayed them. As a result of this brutal encounter, Eve becomes an orphan. Winston Scott (Ian McShane), a confidant of her late father, aids her and introduces her to the Ruska Roma assassin guild based in New York City.

In the passage of time, approximately twelve years have passed, and Eve (Ana de Armas) finds herself nearing the end of her training. A pivotal encounter with the renowned John Wick (Keanu Reeves), which occurred during the storyline of John Wick: Chapter 3 – Parabellum, sets her on a journey for her first mission. Though her thoughts constantly return to the quest for those who took her father’s life, when she uncovers a potential clue, her allegiance to the Ruska Roma is challenged as she embarks on a path of vengeance without their prior consent.

Ballerina sports a too-basic revenge plot that never independently gets exciting.

Comparing the two, “Ballerina” is the film I expected “John Wick: Chapter 2” to be back in 2017. Initially, with the action in the first John Wick receiving immense praise, I was worried that the sequel might focus more on spectacular stunts and overlook the broader storyline of its assassin-filled world. However, I was pleasantly surprised when my concerns proved unnecessary.

One could argue that while “Ballerina” acknowledges the distinctive elements of the “John Wick” universe and even adds to its lore, it’s undeniably the least developed work within the franchise.

The most intriguing aspect of the movie lies in the cult led by The Chancellor, which initially appears as a peaceful European mountain village community. However, it’s later exposed that every resident is a deadly assassin. Unfortunately, this compelling concept is overshadowed by a weak and overly simplistic revenge narrative. The story struggles to gain momentum due to the forced integration of the film within the continuity, with the main character, Eve, not beginning her significant mission until around the 45-minute mark. Furthermore, the twists intended by the filmmakers lack depth and fail to leave a lasting impact.

Ana de Armas shows off some serious skills in set pieces up to the John Wick standard.

Despite a weak storyline due to a lackluster script or multiple reshoots, Ballerina manages not to leave viewers feeling overly disenchanted by establishing a series of action sequences that align with its brand. The film’s franchise elements serve as the foundation for the thrilling set pieces, featuring gunfights in luxurious hotel suites and pulsating dance clubs illuminated by neon lights. The intricate choreography is truly remarkable.

Standing at 5’6″, Ana de Armas may not appear as a formidable physical force, but Eve, with her combat training, knows how to make the most of any situation during a fight. It’s captivating to see her think outside the box – from low blows to shattering dishes to using a flamethrower at full blast. The balance she strikes between the known and the innovative is perfect, and after showcasing her fighting skills alongside Daniel Craig in “No Time To Die,” de Armas solidifies herself as a highly skilled action star in her own right within the film’s narrative.

Following Lionsgate’s announcement about an expansive growth for the John Wick universe (which includes John Wick: Chapter 5, a spinoff directed by Donnie Yen titled Caine, and an animated prequel), Ballerina is not exactly a stellar debut coming at a crucial moment, but it’s fortunate that it isn’t the catastrophe some had feared while waiting for its release. In a way, it’s like a fight between a flamethrower and a firehose – high franchise expectations meet low anticipation, leading to a mildly satisfactory outcome.

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2025-06-05 01:08