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Ballerina Full Movie Review: An Action-Packed Spinoff
The John Wick universe is expanding, and its latest entry, Ballerina, is ready to leap onto the big screen. Directed by Len Wiseman (Underworld, Live Free or Die Hard) and starring the incredible Ana de Armas, this spinoff promises to deliver the slick, brutal action we’ve come to love. But does it stand on its own, or does it live in the shadow of the Baba Yaga? Let's dive into this Ballerina full movie review.
Source: wikimedia
Table of Contents
The Premise: A New Revenge Quest
The film, officially titled From the World of John Wick: Ballerina, centers on a young female assassin named Eve (Ana de Armas). Trained in the same brutal Ruska Roma traditions as John Wick, she embarks on a personal mission to hunt down the people who murdered her family. While the revenge plot feels familiar to the franchise, Ballerina takes its time establishing Eve's backstory, showing us her training and her motivations. It's a slower burn than recent John Wick sequels, which is a necessary step to build a new protagonist from the ground up. This movie has to do the setup that the first John Wick did for its own character.
Ana de Armas: A Bona Fide Action Star
Ever since her show-stealing (and criminally short) appearance in No Time to Die, the writing has been on the wall: Ana de Armas is perfect for action. She brings a fantastic physicality and intensity to the role of Eve. The movie cleverly establishes that she is not John Wick. A trainer tells her, "You're always going to be smaller, you're always going to be weaker." This forces her to be craftier and use her environment in unique ways, making her fighting style distinct and realistic. She’s not an indestructible "Boogeyman" like John; she has to fight smarter, and de Armas sells every moment of it.
Source: Lionsgate
How's the Action in the Ballerina Full Movie?
So, how is the action? In a word: a blast. Every John Wick universe movie has a signature action sequence, and this one leans into fire. The standout sequence involves grenades and flamethrowers, and it is every bit as glorious and chaotic as it sounds. There's firepower, and then there's power-fire! The gun-play and close-quarters combat (CQC) are also top-notch, with Chad Stahelski reportedly brought in to help polish the action. While some of the physics-defying moments require a healthy suspension of disbelief, the sheer entertainment value makes it easy to go along for the ride.
The John Wick Connection: Cameos & Continuity
Of course, you can't have a spinoff without connecting to the main series. Seeing the late, great Lance Reddick as Charon is a bittersweet and welcome sight. And yes, Keanu Reeves makes a cameo as John Wick. While his presence is used effectively to contrast his fighting style with Eve's, it does raise some questions about the timeline. The film is said to take place between John Wick: Chapter 3 and Chapter 4, and his appearance feels a bit like a side-quest that’s hard to reconcile with where he was at that time. It can feel like he’s there to put butts in seats, and his star power risks eclipsing the film's actual lead. However, his scenes are still undeniably cool.
The Verdict: Is Ballerina Worth Watching?
Overall, I had a fun time with the Ballerina full movie. Ana de Armas is a phenomenal lead, the action is creative and thrilling, and the expansion of the lore is welcome. However, the film occasionally gets bogged down by over-complicating things without a clear payoff and a third act that feels a bit too familiar. Despite these flaws, it's a solid entry into the John Wick universe that successfully carves out its own identity while paying homage to its roots. It's a fun ride that doesn't require any alcohol to enjoy!
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)
1. When is the release date for Ballerina?
Ballerina is scheduled to be released in theaters on June 6, 2025. The film was delayed a year to allow for the filming of additional action sequences.
2. Is Keanu Reeves in Ballerina?
Yes, Keanu Reeves reprises his role as John Wick in a cameo appearance. Other returning characters include Ian McShane as Winston Scott and the late Lance Reddick as Charon.
3. Do I need to watch the John Wick movies before watching Ballerina?
While not strictly necessary, watching the John Wick series (especially Chapters 3 and 4) will provide important context for the world, the characters, and the timeline, enhancing your viewing experience of the Ballerina full movie.
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