“John Wick” is a relic of a bygone period. It’s one of many final homegrown, in-house franchises that began from nothing and have become a worldwide sensation. Not because the unique “Austin Powers” has there been a sequence the place every installment noticed greater returns, each financially and commercially. Contemplating Lionsgate doesn’t have a lot IP in its arsenal, it is smart they’d wish to milk their golden goose for all it’s value. Nevertheless it’s nonetheless exceptional that “John Wick,” initially destined for a straight-to-DVD launch, has endured for over a decade, spawned a TV sequence, and now, a spin-off.
Enter “Ballerina,” or because the advertising retains hammering dwelling, “From the World of John Wick: Ballerina” (simply in case you had been confused). The spin-off, directed by Len Wiseman, has gone by way of a fair proportion of begins and stops. Many of the movie was accomplished again in 2022 however then underwent a sequence of reshoots to punch issues up, and, naturally, so as to add extra of Keanu Reeves’ iconic hitman, who pops in for a fast brawl or two.
The truth that it has managed to come back collectively in a tangible method after sitting within the enhancing bay for practically three years speaks to the sturdy basis franchise-stalwart Chad Stahelski constructed when Wick first sought vengeance for his slain pet. That basis ensures one factor: you’re assured jaw-dropping motion choreography. And on that entrance, “Ballerina” delivers. There’s a climactic showdown involving a flamethrower that simply ranks among the many saga’s most exhilarating moments.
However then there’s the spin-off conundrum. These sorts of movies at all times carry a sure non-urgency, like a made-for-TV particular that occurs to get a number of of the unique gamers again, but nonetheless feels prefer it’s greedy to justify its personal existence. That sensation is particularly current within the movie’s first hour, the place we meet Eve (Ana de Armas), a dancer with a tragic backstory involving her father’s loss of life. She climbs the murderer ranks of the Wickverse in pursuit of a shadowy determine often called The Chancellor (Gabriel Byrne), who she’s decided to make pay.
The setup is minimal — purposeful, actually — and it threatens to buckle below the load of franchise expectations. However across the midway mark, the movie flips a change. Eve uncovers The Chancellor’s location in a distant, snow-covered mountain city, and from there “Ballerina” doesn’t let up. One relentless, chaotic motion sequence follows one other, with every part from meat cleavers to grenades to shattered kitchenware serving to pave the street to revenge. A well-recognized face even drops in to present issues a jolt, and it doesn’t disappoint.
If this wasn’t set within the “John Wick” universe, “Ballerina” possible wouldn’t land the best way it does. At its core, it’s a easy revenge story that leans arduous on established lore and aesthetic. Midway by way of, it ditches any try at deeper themes or character improvement in favor of pure, unfiltered carnage. Nevertheless it’s executed with such propulsive visible aptitude that it’s arduous to complain.
De Armas proves herself a worthy addition to the franchise. As anybody who caught her electrical scene in “No Time to Die” already is aware of, she will be able to completely throw down. Like Reeves earlier than her, she spends the majority of the movie slashing, stabbing, capturing, and pummeling her method by way of waves of faceless thugs. Whereas she would possibly lack a few of the emotional gravitas or magnetic display presence of her predecessor, she makes up for it with sheer bodily dedication and a few genuinely gnarly stunt work.
As for the plot mechanics? Don’t overthink them. Wiseman and author Shay Hatten don’t hassle to elaborate on the “ballerina” idea. Regardless of Eve being launched as a dancer, it by no means actually elements into the story. However with motion this quick and livid, you’re usually keen to look the opposite method.
BALLERINA is now enjoying in theaters.