From the World of John Wick: Ballerina review by Bobby Blakey
One of the biggest surprise hits to come out of 2014 was the action flick John Wick starring Keanu Reeves that did so well it has spawned three sequels and a TV mini-series. There have been numerous discussions about spin-off films for numerous characters and the first of them is coming in 2025 with Ballerina starring Ana De Armas, Anjelica Huston, Gabriel Byrne, Catalina Sandino Moreno, Norman Reedus, Ian McShane, Keanu Reeves and the late Lance Reddick in his final role in the franchise. Could this film not only bring the action but add to the franchise or will it run out of bullets too early?
From The World of John Wick: Ballerina takes place during the events of John Wick: Chapter 3 – Parabellum and follows Eve Macarro who is beginning her training in the assassin traditions of the Ruska Roma.
There is no denying that the John Wick franchise has become one of if not the best action series of all time. Fans are always hoping for more, but it keeps setting the bar so high it is always a gamble. One of the best ideas in my opinion is to dive into these other stories to keep expanding the world, but can it hold up to what came before it be worthy. For this round I felt it firmly did just that while still having its own voice.
This film offers all the same high-octane action and violence, but in a whole new way. First is the learning the history and getting to see Eve’s journey into becoming the killer we eventually see. This further expands the world of the Ruska Roma that we only got brief glimpses of in the John Wick films. This alone gives insight into Wick’s journey and what he went through while getting to meet someone new in the game. They do a great job connecting this film to the original films where it takes place during Chapter 3 and build on it.
I loved that they really leaned into the female aspect of Eve as it made the style of fighting and her missions make more sense. They aren’t trying to
make her equal to the Baba Yaga which would diminish the legend of Wick. Instead, they let her be her own thing with strengths and weaknesses bound by her own training, anger, hate, loyalty and everything in between to become what she does. She gets smacked around a lot but finds ways to hold her own and deliver her own brutal defense and kills to great results. This might be the world of John Wick, but this film is firmly Ana de Armas kicking ass and taking names in her own perfect way.
Filled with connections and cameos from familiar faces from the franchise, the film weaves an interesting story into this existing story while starting something fresh and new to either build from or leave as is. I hope it kicks off a new franchise for her because she kicks ass and put in the work to make it so. The story works and nothing is overly deep like the other films in the franchise, but enough to keep you engaged. We all know the real reason everyone wants to see these are for the action and it delivers a ton.
There is a bit of a lull early on after a high octane opening as it sets up her journey and the montage of training and life with the Ruska Roma. It’s compelling, but once she steps out the door we are on our way, and they pull no punches. There are so many great fights, shoot-outs, grenade assaults and a dueling flame thrower fight that is epic. I don’t remember the last time I saw this many fire burn stunts in one film and it is beautifully violent.
I was concerned this film might not be able to hold its own, but I am ok with letting Wick take his freedom rest and let Eve take the stage now. With her and the planned Donnie Yen Caine spin-off there is plenty for us to enjoy. This is a perfect entry into this series that keeps its effective and dominant place in the action genre and one that I will definitely be adding to my rotation of regular viewing.
In addition to the film, they are offering up some great bonus content including deleted & extended scenes, featurettes and more. Return to the Ruska Roma in the comfort of your own home with From the World of John Wick: Ballerina available now on digital, 4K, Blu-ray and DVD from Lionsgate.
