A Familiar Story, Freshly Executed
"FROM THE WORLD OF JOHN WICK: BALLERINA" centers on Eve Macarro (played by Ana de Armas), a young woman who witnesses the murder of her father at the hands of a mysterious cult led by the Chancellor (Gabriel Byrne). Taken in by the Ruska Roma under the guidance of the Director (Anjelica Huston), she spends 12 years honing her skills as both a ballerina and a deadly assassin. Now ready, Eve defies a long-standing truce and sets out to exact her revenge, a path that inevitably leads to chaos and confrontation.
While Shay Hatten's story follows a familiar, even clichéd, revenge template, the screenplay and direction manage to keep the narrative engaging. Director Len Wiseman brings a different energy to the franchise compared to Chad Stahelski's work on the main "John Wick" films. His execution is pacy, and the training sequences, which establish Eve's deadly capabilities, are a particular highlight. The film finds its strongest footing in the second half, where the depiction of the town of Hallstatt and its unique residents adds a novel and visually compelling element to the series.
Performances and Technical Prowess
The film is largely anchored by a powerful lead performance from Ana de Armas. She brings a commanding presence and intensity to the role of Eve, effortlessly handling the demanding physical and emotional aspects of the character. Keanu Reeves reprises his role as John Wick in a significant supporting capacity, and his scenes are expected to be a major highlight for fans of the franchise. Gabriel Byrne is effective and subtle as the film's antagonist.
The supporting cast, including familiar faces like Ian McShane and the late Lance Reddick, lend able support. However, some characters, such as those played by Norman Reedus and Catalina Sandino Moreno, feel underdeveloped by the script.
Technically, the film aligns with the high standards of the "John Wick" series. The musical score by Tyler Bates and Joel J Richard is catchy and thematically consistent. Romain Lacourbas's cinematography is a strong point, beautifully capturing the action and the unique setting of Hallstatt. The action sequences are entertaining and visceral, with a fight in an eatery and a scene involving a flamethrower standing out as particularly memorable.
Minor Stumbles in an Entertaining Package
Despite its strengths, the film does have some narrative weaknesses. The story can feel repetitive, following the established pattern of the franchise, which may make it predictable for some viewers. The first half is considered serviceable but less compelling than the second, with some scenes feeling abrupt. The underdevelopment of certain supporting characters also detracts from the overall depth of the story.
A Worthy Expansion of the Universe
On the whole, "FROM THE WORLD OF JOHN WICK: BALLERINA" successfully and organically expands the beloved franchise. While it may not break new narrative ground, it delivers on the core promises of the series: stylish action, a compelling protagonist, and a deeper look into its fascinating world of assassins. The film overcomes its clichéd premise with a gripping second half, thrilling action, and powerful performances from Ana de Armas and the ever-welcome Keanu Reeves. For fans of the John Wick universe and action cinema in general, "Ballerina" is an engaging and worthwhile entry that proves there are still many stories to be told in this world.
