Movie Review: BALLERINA

There have been questions about whether or not the world needed another “John Wick” film. One that is long on stylized action and short on character development and plot. “Besides”, the questions asked, “who is the target audience for this”.

Me. I am the target audience.

Starting out as something other than a typical John Wick-style film and then quickly evolving INTO a John Wick-style film, BALLERINA tells the tale of a female assassin that has a brief encounter with John Wick in the 3rd John Wick film, PARABELLUM (this film takes place between the 3rd and 4th JW films).

Ballerina follows EVE (Ana de Armas) as she becomes an assassin in the world (if not on the level) of John Wick who then turns her back on that life to seek vengeance.

Like previous installments in this film, there is little (to no) concern on character development or plot, rather the emphasis is on high octane action fight scenes that go hard and brutal with the violence being blunt and final in an almost balletic way.

Oh, and did I mention they have DUELING FLAMETHROWERS?

Casting de Armas (known for her action work in the last Daniel Craig James Bond flick NO TIME DIE) is a perfect choice as she can handle both the action and the ballet portions of this film, gliding through the proceedings with a strength and grace that is a joy to behold. She has the star charisma to hold the audiences attention in the (very) rare slow, studious parts of this film and is an easy character to root for during the action sequences.

She is ably assisted with such action stalwarts as Gabriel Byrne, Norman Reedus and a plethora of “that guy” stunt men that bring a real edge to the action sequences that brings a (fleeting) thought to your mind that maybe, this time, the bad guys will win.

Coming back from previous John Wick films are Ian McShane, Angelica Huston, the late great Lance Reddick (in his last film role, R.I.P.) and, of course, Keanu Reeves shows up in an extended cameo that lends credibility and authenticity to this film being in the John Wick universe.

The Director of the first 4 John Wick films, Chad Stahelsky, is working as a producer on this one as Len Wiseman is elevated from Head Writer to Director for this outing without missing a beat as Wiseman understands the the type of film he is directing and just who he is directing this film for.

And…it works beautifully as an escapist, action, popcorn flick perfectly suited for a summer outing to a movie cineplex near you.

And don’t forget the dueling flamethrowers.

Letter Grade: A

9 stars (out of10) and you can take that to the Bank (ofMarquis)