From the World of John Wick: Ballerina

Another week. Another highly anticipated (at least by me) new film release in From the World of John Wick: Ballerina, the first film spinoff from the popular John Wick series. Len Wiseman of Underworld fame takes the helm, directing this 2-hour four-minute action-packed world building enterprise. The haters are already hating (no surprise) about having a female lead and John Wick not being the main character. So, if that sounds like you, don’t bother with this film or my review.

Anywho, I went in pumped to see where this franchise is headed to next, and I left with a huge smile on my face.

Ballerina has a simple, straightforward, solid script that does a terrific job of fusing the familiar world and characters of John Wick with the new world building story of Ana de Armas’ Eve in an organic and plausible way. The traditions, rules, and methods of the Ruska Roma are the backdrop for an entertaining tale of revenge every bit as satisfying as John Wick’s.  

Great casting old and new. de Amas’ is a sight to behold and there’s no doubt about the badassery she brings to the role. Yes, she’s physically smaller and weaker (she gets thrown around like a rag doll and gets the snot beat out of her) but the whole “fight like a girl” directive works and sells each and every smackdown convincingly and firmly puts her in the John Wick world. Watching her character’s skills development throughout the film is on point and impressive.  Weaponizing unpredictability in a brutal ballet, Eve's scrappy and fierce.

Yes, as shown in the trailers, Keanu Reeves does reprise his role as John Wick in Ballerina. Yes, it’s a fun as ever to see him.  A pure delight in fact. However, the best part of having Reeves return is it doesn’t define the film, only enhances it. I was completely engaged in the characters and story, not just waiting to see when he would pop up. Not an easy thing to accomplish in a franchise he helped establish, but Ballerina would actually work without Reeves at all. Yet having him present ties in nicely and is the perfect bonus. Ian McShane, Anjelica Huston, and the late Lance Reddick also ground the film in the familiar adding texture, depth, and connectivity. 

As with the other films in the franchise, there’s beautiful cinematography, great soundtrack, plenty of stunts and action, sly humor, and extreme violence resulting in a high body count. So, everything you’ve come to expect and more. New characters. New settings. New baddies. And Flamethrowers people! Flamethrowers! 

Squee!

Ballerina had me bouncing in my seat with excitement, squealing with delight, clapping excitedly, and “damning” out loud from start to finish. It’s an exciting thrill ride and a fresh, yet familiar take that breathes new life into the world of John Wick. Easily one of the best and successful spinoffs out there.  Revenge may be a dish best served cold, but From the World of John Wick: Ballerina is a film best seen on the big screen of your local movie theater. 

From the World of John Wick: Ballerina gets a 10 from me.

#ballerina