The John Wick franchise continues to expand with its latest spin-off, “Ballerina,” officially titled “From the World of John Wick: Ballerina.” In this new installment, Ana de Armas takes center stage as Eve Macarro, a dancer turned assassin trained in the enigmatic Ruska Roma school for killers. This character offers a fresh perspective on a previously minor role introduced in “John Wick: Chapter 3.”
The film opens with a traumatic backstory for the young Eve, portrayed by Victoria Comte, whose father’s death at the hands of a treacherous cult sets her on a path of vengeance. The cast includes iconic figures such as Anjelica Huston and Ian McShane, adding depth and familiar ties to the original films.
Though de Armas exhibits commendable skill in her stunts, her performance in other acting aspects appears to suffer due to a script that leans heavily on functionality rather than character depth. The loss of Keanu Reeves, who brought significant gravitas to the franchise with his portrayal of John Wick, means that “Ballerina” has to work harder to engage audiences emotionally.
However, halfway through the film, an unexpected guest appearance revitalizes the storyline, alongside director Len Wiseman’s foray into slapstick humor. A noted scene has Eve engaging a fellow assassin with a TV remote, which amusingly activates classic comedic clips. The film’s consistent blend of outrageous action paired with moments of dark humor keeps the audience entertained, with reactions varying from laughter to sheer shock.
Notably, “Ballerina” showcases a stylized vision of an assassin-centric underworld governed by quirky codes of honor. This absurd take is exemplified in a climactic sequence set in a Czech village inhabited entirely by assassins, where seemingly innocuous activities can lead to deadly conflicts. This hyperbolic world adds both humor and a satirical edge that resonates in today’s society.
Despite some criticisms and a lack of emotional depth compared to its predecessors, “Ballerina” successfully embraces its identity within the franchise, offering a mix of thrilling action and unexpected comedic elements that can captivate fans.
For those intrigued by the unique blend of choreography, violence, and humor, “Ballerina” poses a fresh appeal in the evolving John Wick universe. The film runs for 125 minutes and is rated R due to its strong violence and language.