Ballerina – A Vengeful Pointe in the John Wick Universe
Alright, fellow High Table aficionados, grab your best tailored suit and prepare for a deep dive, because Ballerina has finally arrived, and let me tell you, it absolutely delivers on the promise of adding a new, deadly layer to the John Wick universe. As someone who’s practically memorized every rule and every gun-fu sequence from the main films, I walked into this spin-off with high hopes – and it met them with a graceful yet brutal kick to the face.
From the moment the familiar neon glow hit the screen, you just know you’re home. Director Len Wiseman, along with writers Shay Hatten and Michael Finch, haven’t just paid homage to Chad Stahelski’s masterpiece; they’ve artfully woven a new thread into the tapestry, making it feel both fresh and intrinsically connected. This isn’t just “John Wick, but with a girl”; it’s a meticulously crafted expansion that feels completely earned.
Ana de Armas: A New Kind of Deadly Grace
The most striking “unique thing” about Ballerina is, without a doubt, Ana de Armas as Rooney. Holy smokes, did she embody this character! We’ve seen assassins driven by grief and vengeance before, but Rooney brings a distinct, icy precision born from a lifetime of discipline. Her background within the Ruska Roma syndicate isn’t just window dressing; it’s central to her fighting style. The “ballet-fu” isn’t just a gimmick; it’s a seamless integration of fluid movement and bone-crunching brutality. De Armas doesn’t just perform the choreography; she lives it. Every spin, every shot, every close-quarters takedown feels like a grim ballet, choreographed for maximum impact and pain. Her emotional performance, layered with silent fury and aching loss, truly anchors the whirlwind of violence.
Expanding the Wick-Verse: Lore and Familiar Faces
What truly impressed me as a long-time fan is how organically the film integrates into the existing lore. We get to delve deeper into the Ruska Roma’s internal workings, seeing their unique training methods and the stringent rules they adhere to. The brief, but impactful, appearance of Keanu Reeves’ John Wick isn’t just fan service; it serves a crucial narrative purpose, acting as both a mentor figure and a grim reminder of the inescapable nature of their world. There’s a subtle nod to the wider underworld network and its unyielding code that made me punch the air. This film doesn’t just rehash; it enriches.
Action, Atmosphere, and Unflinching Style
The action choreography remains top-tier. You get the signature long takes that allow you to appreciate every brutal hit and every inventive use of the environment. The practical effects shine, making every broken window, every blood spatter, feel viscerally real. The pacing is relentless when it needs to be, offering just enough breathing room to absorb Rooney’s personal journey before plunging back into another exquisitely staged massacre. The fight scenes are inventive, leveraging Rooney’s unique balletic style to create sequences that are both aesthetically pleasing and utterly devastating.
Final Pointe: A Triumphant Spin-Off
Ultimately, Ballerina is a triumphant addition to the John Wick saga. It respects what came before, expands on its rich mythology, and introduces a compelling new protagonist who can stand shoulder-to-shoulder with the Baba Yaga himself. It’s violent, stylish, and unexpectedly poignant, delivering precisely what a fan like me craves from this universe. If you love the John Wick films, you’re going to love this. It’s a testament to the fact that this universe has so many more stories to tell, and plenty more assassins ready for their curtain call. Go see it in theaters today
casualverse- 0 Comment
- Movie Reviews, Reviews
- June 10, 2025
- 8.5Total Score
In the end, Ballerina is a triumphant and stylish addition to the John Wick saga. It masterfully blends balletic grace with brutal action, delivering a compelling revenge narrative anchored by Ana de Armas's unforgettable performance. As a worthy expansion of the Wick-verse, it's a must-see for fans.
