A fifth installment in the “John Wick” franchise which serving as a spinoff set between the events of “John Wick: Chapter 3 – Parabellum” (2019) and “John Wick: Chapter 4” (2023). Our JP reviews the action thriller starring Ana de Armas.
BALLERINA
Lionsgate
- Directed by Len Wiseman
- Written by Shay Hatten
- Based on Characters by Derek Kolstad
- Produced by Basil Iwanyk, Erica Lee, Chad Stahelski
- Starring Ana de Armas, Anjelica Huston, Gabriel Byrne, Lance Reddick, Norman Reedus, Ian McShane, Keanu Reeves
Studio Synopsis:
Taking place during the events of “John Wick: Chapter 3 – Parabellum,” the film follows Eve Macarro (Ana de Armas) who is beginning her training in the assassin traditions of the Ruska Roma.
J.P.’s Take:
In the 1980s, action films were at their peak and delivering the most exhilarating experiences. Every new release outdid the last. The plots became so over-the-top that it became apparent they were created just for squeaks and giggles at a certain point. “Ballerina” is one of those ludicrous action flicks that fall into the Uber action category, a level that even most advanced video games can’t compete with. And believe me, it doesn’t skimp on the wildly intense, bloody, and ultra-violent action.
Set in the universe of “John Wick,” “Ballerina” is bookended between “John Wick 3 and 4,” which allows us to dive into the origin story of a lesser-known character.
We are introduced to Eve Macarro (Ana De Armas), the daughter of two assassins, Javier (David Castañeda) and his wife of unknown origins and name, as they try to escape the clutches of a merciless cult leader known as The Chancellor (Gabriel Byrne).
A brutal confrontation breaks out between Javier and a group of exceptionally skilled assassins at his estate, where he cleverly conceals Eve in a hidden pathway. She can only watch in despair as the Chancellor interrogates her father, who presents him with an ultimatum.
Photo Credit: Larry D. Horricks
In an astonishing turn of events, Javier and Eve break free, even though Javier is wounded in the fierce gunfight surrounded by a hailstorm of bullets. As time ticks away, Javier rigs the area with explosives, and they narrowly escape the mansion’s blazing destruction.
What drives the first half is the stoic and vengeful expression on young Eve’s (Victoria Comte) face as her father breathes his last and her home is engulfed in flames. Even though her backstory blitzes by, we are still held accountable regarding her methods. She’s solely focused on revenge and nothing else.
The spotlight stays on Eve’s ascent to power within the Ruska Roma, an all-female training group that operates from a place masquerading as a ballet school, and her fall from grace. There is even a scuffle between Wick (Keanu Reeves) and Eve in the process.
Some revelations also simmer to the top, when Eve discovers who her sister is and has become. She also becomes invested in the life of a young girl named Ella (Ava McCarthy), daughter of former assassin Daniel Pine (Norman Reedus). She is the next target of the Chancellor, and his town of cultists attempts to kidnap her. Ella is said to be the next assassin extraordinaire. Eve’s past is in view when she and Ella connect, as Eve was also a victim of the Chancellor’s kidnapping scheme.
The world-building for such an uber-action flick is admirable, as director Len Wiseman and writer Shay Hatten do their darndest to carve out an expanse that involves the legendary John Wick. And they pull out all the stops in the action arena as well.
I have never seen such creative, deadly, and out-of-control combat sequences as those of now. In the cat and mouse scene that took place in the sleepy and cold mountainside town of Hallstatt, you’ll witness a dueling flamethrower battle that’s sure to light up your synapses.
As stylish, slick, and creative as this offshoot is, there were moments when it all started to feel mechanical as well. The more dramatic moments felt disingenuous and almost out of place. There were action scenes that could have been slimmed down and made more efficient. The humor was there, but not as pronounced.
Nonetheless, the experience wasn’t ruined for me, as I found myself laughing hardily at some of the most insane fight sequences ever. Baddies were being blown to bits as Eve would strap bombs on them and set them off. The “gun-fu” was lightning quick and impeccable as they are within the “John Wick” canon. Eve can wield both a Katana sword with ease, just as she can with any firearm. She does so with the grace of a ballerina, as though these weapons were part of her limbs.
I couldn’t imagine how they could top “John Wick,” as the action kept ramping up from there. In just 2 hours of playing through this chapter, “Ballerina” is definitely going to be a strong competitor and one that won’t relent until the very last moment.
Official Site: Ballerina
