Release Date: June 6, 2025 | Director: Len Wiseman | Runtime: 2h 5m | Rating: (3.5/5)

Starring: Ana de Armas, Keanu Reeves, Ian McShane, Gabriel Byrne, Norman Reedus

A Ballet of Bullets and Revenge

Ballerina, the latest entry in the John Wick universe, spins a tale of vengeance with Ana de Armas taking center stage as Eve Macarro, a deadly assassin trained in the Ruska Roma tradition. Set between John Wick: Chapter 3 – Parabellum and Chapter 4, the film follows Eve's brutal quest to avenge her father's murder, blending high-octane action with the franchise's signature gun-fu style—though with a few missteps along the way.

✓ The Good: Action, Ana de Armas, and Wick's Return

1. Ana de Armas Shines as Eve

De Armas delivers a physically demanding performance, embodying Eve's lethal grace and emotional turmoil. Her combat style is scrappier and more improvisational than John Wick's—think grenades, flamethrowers, and brutal hand-to-hand fights rather than surgical headshots. Critics praise her ability to balance vulnerability with ruthless efficiency, though some argue her character lacks deeper development.

2. Brutal, Inventive Action Sequences

The film's third act is a non-stop adrenaline rush, featuring an extended siege on a snow-covered European village filled with assassins. Highlights include a flamethrower duel and a chaotic restaurant brawl that rivals John Wick's best moments. While early fight scenes suffer from shaky camerawork and choppy editing, the choreography tightens as the film progresses.

3. Keanu Reeves' John Wick Cameo

Reeves appears more than expected, offering mentorship and a few jaw-dropping action beats. His presence feels like fan service but remains a crowd-pleaser.

✗ The Bad: Weak Storytelling and Repetitive Action

1. A Thin, Predictable Plot

Like many John Wick films, Ballerina prioritizes action over narrative depth. The revenge arc is straightforward, and side characters (including Gabriel Byrne's villain) feel underutilized. Some viewers found Eve's rapid mastery of combat unrealistic—she dispatches trained killers with ease despite being a relative newcomer.

2. Over-the-Top Absurdity

While John Wick thrives on stylized violence, Ballerina occasionally crosses into ridiculousness (e.g., grenade-heavy fights, an indestructible protagonist).

🎬 Final Verdict: A Worthy Spin-Off with Room to Grow

Ballerina doesn't surpass John Wick's best entries, but it delivers enough brutal spectacle to satisfy action fans. Ana de Armas cements herself as a formidable action lead, and the film's best set pieces are worth the price of admission. If you can overlook its narrative flaws, this is a bloody, entertaining ride.

Rating: ★★★½ (3.5/5)

🎭 Where to Watch

  • 🎬 Theaters: Check local listings (still in select theaters as of July 2025)
  • 📱 Streaming: Available on digital platforms since July 1, 2025

Would you watch a sequel? Let us know in the comments!

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