From the World of John Wick: Ballerina Review

Directed By: Len Wiseman
Written By: Shay Hatten; Based on characters created by Derek Kolstad
Runtime: 125 minutes
MPA Rating: Rated R for strong/bloody violence throughout, and language.

Ana de Armas – Eve
Anjelica Huston – The Director
Gabriel Byrne – The Chancellor
Catalina Sandino Moreno – Lena
Norman Reedus – Daniel Pine
Ian McShane – Winston Scott
Lance Reddick – Charon
Sharon Duncan-Brewster – Nogi
Victoria Comte – Young Eve
Juliet Doherty – Tatiana
Keanu Reeves – John Wick

Lionsgate expands the John Wick franchise with its first of multiple planned spinoffs, From the World of John Wick: Ballerina. Ballerina introduces a new relentless assassin, Eve (Ana de Armas), who embarks on her own quest for vengeance in a spirited, yet flawed, action romp.

The opening act of Ballerina establishes young Eve, whose father gives his life to save her from falling into the clutches of the mysterious cult leader known as The Chancellor (Byrne). She’s later taken by longtime franchise staple Winston Scott (Ian McShane) and delivered into the care of her father’s former organization, the underworld assassins’ guild known as the Ruska Roma, previously seen in John Wick: Chapter 3 – Parabellum, led by the cold-hearted matriarch, The Director (Huston). Taking in Eve as a child, The Director channels the young girl’s pain and anger into becoming a lean, mean assassin machine.

After noticing the mark of the assassins who previously targeted her father, Eve goes rogue from her organization, carving a path of revenge across the globe, leading her to The Chancellor’s home base, a literal town comprised of highly trained killers. Disavowed by her organization, Eve must overcome the odds to get her revenge, even coming into conflict with another Ruska Roma assassin, the Baba Yaga himself, John Wick (Reeves).

Ballerina features a storyline taking place concurrently and after the events of John Wick: Chapter 3, even depicting a moment that connects to the threequel. However, John Wick’s later appearances lack context, considering the events and ending of Parabellum. It’s undeniable that Shay Hatten’s script plays out in a downright clunky manner. The world-building of the John Wick saga has always been one of its strong suits. The stories involving John Wick play out like small pieces of a vast, complex criminal underworld of assassins, gangsters, and clandestine orders. With that in mind, it’s nice to see the world receive more expansion and texture in Ballerina, though the story, specifically the first and second acts, lacks polish and smooth transitions.

There have been many stories regarding extensive reshoots of the film, which is plain to see throughout the experience. The first half looks like it was overseen by a different director. The style appears to change and gain traction as the story progresses. That might have been an intentional artistic choice, but the first half suffers from a rough and clunky presentation. Even the action scenes take a more haphazard, handheld, and shaky-cam approach.

The early half of the narrative moves too slowly and deliberately. However, once Eve sets out on her path of revenge, the experience picks up and becomes significantly more entertaining. Whether it was franchise veteran Chad Stahelski taking over the process during reshoots, second unit directors asserting their more competent visions, or even possibly director Len Wiseman being allowed to take the gloves off, Ballerina eventually finds its groove and provides some of the more entertaining moments the franchise has ever seen.

Ana de Armas needed a little more time to develop her character. Her accent is strange and indiscernible. At times, it sounds like she’s trying to use a neutral American accent; yet, sometimes it sounds like there’s a quasi-European or possibly Russian tilt to her vernacular. To her credit, Ana de Armas is not the only performer using a bizarre regional accent during the movie. It also happens with Gabriel Byrne’s character, and that is not the first time in his illustrious career.

That said, De Armas’ charisma is undeniable. She brings a unique energy to her action scenes. The film understands her shortcomings with size and strength, making it a narrative plot point about how she has to overcome bigger and stronger opponents. This is usually the case for action movies, but Ballerina stays ahead of such criticisms. De Armas provides an amusing, entertaining rage to her action scenes, and the signature sequences allow Eve to demonstrate some creative flair with her fighting style and weapons.

The standout action scene involves a ballistic flame-thrower, and all hell breaks loose. Another assailant dons a flame-thrower, creating a close-range flame-thrower fight, complete with dueling flame-throwers like they are swords. These are the standout moments that make Ballerina worth watching on the big screen. The film showcases copious action that’s ridiculously over-the-top but incredibly fun.

Elsewhere, Ballerina offers a couple of amusing subversions of action movie tropes, such as when the protagonist drives away into the night in their getaway vehicle. Another moment depicts the typical trope of the main character visiting an arms dealer, another staple trope of various action movies. Hatten’s script puts a twist on this narrative trope, which also provides insanely unique action beats. The plot is bonkers, but it’s fun. The most interesting concept and flourish to the John Wick Universe reveals a town specifically made to raise and train assassins, and the setup delivers several satisfying action sequences.

Ballerina fails to hit the high points of the franchise, but overall, it offers an entertaining experience that fans of the saga will likely enjoy. Ana de Armas brings her character to an interesting place, but Eve serves as a work in progress who could use some additional polish and development.

6.5

The final score: review Average

The 411

From the World of John Wick: Ballerina suffers from a rough, somewhat clunky, and boring first act. Once the movie progresses to the revenge story, the narrative lets the action scenes do the talking, providing some of the wildest action beats of the franchise. Ana de Armas presents a unique action presence. She's a solid performer, but her character development and dialogue are somewhat lacking, along with her unusual accent. De Armas needs to pick a more consistent accent if she continues portraying the character. Hopefully, if Eve returns for future outings, the Ballerina will receive a more consistent script with more balanced direction that does not suffer from extensive reshoots. All that aside, Ballerina becomes significantly more entertaining as it progresses, with some of the franchise's coolest action moments yet, salvaging the rougher parts of the experience.