While the John Wick franchise has stumbled on television, the cinematic side of the saga has been nothing but positive. Directed by Len Wiseman, Ballerina is another great addition to the world of John Wick. Packed with incredible fight sequences, this instalment is a true winner for fans of hard-hitting action.
Seeking revenge against those responsible for the death of a loved one, Eve Macarro dives into a seedy underworld in pursuit of a life as a trained assassin. The film is led by Ana de Armas. She is supported by Anjelica Huston, Gabriel Byrne, Norman Reedus and Keanu Reeves.
Ballerina is a movie at its best when guns are blazing and grenades are primed for explosion. There is no doubt that the spectacle on display is at a level that almost nobody else is attempting in modern cinema. There are action sequences here that will leave you breathless and mesmerised, thanks to the intricate choreography on display.
With action as the centrepiece, this element alone is enough to carry the film. But to offer a full picture, we must discuss the movie’s characters. Ana de Armas is quite wonderful as the story’s driving force. The central narrative is cliche, but there is enough meat on these bones to keep you awake in between gunfights and knife duels.
Unfortunately, almost every person besides the protagonist is underdeveloped, with a few having limited minutes on screen. Ballerina has some important characters that we, sadly, spend very little time with. The film would have been better off fleshing them out further or cutting them entirely.
As this movie is set between John Wick 3 and 4, Keanu Reeves does make an appearance as the Baba Yaga. Without spoiling his involvement, his inclusion is pretty perfect as he weaves into the story at just the right times and plays a small (but pivotal) role within the narrative.
It may not be a tour de force in the script department, but Ballerina offers an immense amount of fun at the theatre. If you love John Wick and adore stylish action, this is the 2025 film that you do not want to miss.