From the World of John Wick: Ballerina (Yes, that is the title) felt like it tried to squeeze the essence of three John Wick movies into a single film—and in doing so, lost some of what made those stories so impactful. Where Wick had the luxury of build-up and payoff across a trilogy, this spin-off seems to fast-track the audience’s emotional journey into a two-hour runtime. The result? A movie that’s not bad by any means, but certainly doesn’t land with the same weight as its predecessors.
The Core Is There—But It Doesn’t Hit the Same
At its heart, Ballerina leans into the classic Wick formula: revenge at all costs. Girlboss-style vengeance, if you will. But while John Wick’s grief was tethered to symbolism—the dog representing love, hope, and healing—Eve’s (Ana de Armas) motivation is love for her father. And yet, that connection doesn’t quite translate. Who was her father, really? To her? To the Continental? To this world? These are questions the movie doesn’t answer, leaving her mission emotionally undercooked.
Unlike Wick, whose pain spiraled into a brutal takedown of an entire corrupt system, Eve’s rage feels more like a footnote. You get why she’s angry, but not enough to feel it with her. The film banks on the audience filling in emotional gaps that simply aren’t there on screen.
That said, Ana de Armas is magnetic. Her personality in action scenes is stunning—every throw, kick, and spin feels purposeful. But it’s in the quieter moments where she really shows up: the glint in her eyes, the soft cracks in her voice, the burden she carries without saying much at all. Even if the script underserves Eve, de Armas fills in the blanks with a performance that’s all tension and tenderness.
And let’s talk about that flamethrower scene. Yes, we noticed the nod to John Wick 3’s explosive round moment—beautifully shot, tightly choreographed, and pure adrenaline. This is what these films do best: stylish, over-the-top violence delivered with theatrical flair.
A Villain with a Philosophy—but Not Much Else
The antagonist—The tyrannical, manipulative cult leader—brings an interesting layer of fatalism to the table: “You are who you are.” It’s a compelling idea that hints at deeper questions of identity and destiny. But the film never fully explores it. Like much of the story, it’s a strong concept that never quite lands.
The true theme of Ballerina feels like the illusion of choice. As that realization dawns on Eve, the Wick universe reminds us: monologuing won’t save you. Action is everything.
Final Thoughts: Flash Without Foundation
Ballerina is jam-packed with action and style. The choreography is top-tier, and seeing Lance Reddick’s Charon one more time is a bittersweet highlight. But without a stronger emotional backbone, it’s hard to walk away feeling like this movie meant something.
Did I enjoy it? Yes. Would I call it groundbreaking? Not yet. With some added depth—perhaps in a sequel or the upcoming show—Eve’s story could blossom into something great. But for now, it’s more spark than fire.
Final Rating: 3.7/5 – Slick, stylish, but emotionally stunted. Worth watching for the fights… but don’t expect another Parabellum.
