3.5 out of 5 bloody kills (Above Average)
Ballerina is the first John Wick movie I’ve enjoyed all the way through. Unlike a large majority of audiences and critics, I haven’t exactly been captivated by the Keanu Reeves Kill-A-Thon series because Reeves comes off as more wooden than a cabin door in them to me and the tone is stupidly self-serious for its ridiculous idea. Thankfully, Ballerina tap-dances in with a commanding Ana De Armas leading and some welcome levity alongside its enjoyably over-the-top action sequences the franchise is defined by.
From the World of John Wick: Ballerina (2025) Official Trailer – Ana de Armas
De Armas is Eve, a woman taken in and trained in both ballerina-ing and buttkickery by a shadowy organization of assassins following the death of her father by a rival group. Recruited by Winston (Ian McShane) and taught by The Director (Anjelica Huston, yes that is seriously her character’s name), Eve is sent out on her first field mission, which goes well, only for her to discover a perpetrator who works for the group that took her father from her all those years ago. With revenge on her mind and the ability to take down any unlucky soul who crosses her path, Eve sets out on a trail of bloodshed to bring down the bad guys once and for all.
Ballerina is primarily a vehicle for awe-inspiring action sequences, but still knows to give us some breathing room in-between them. The characters aren’t deep nor will their dialogue or performances take home any awards, but I was invested in Eve’s simple yet straightforward mission of revenge and enjoyed the ridiculous spectacle of it all. The camera is held far enough back for us to see everything going on and the great stunt choreography makes you feel every blow. The movie has a strong sense of fun during the action scenes, clearly knowing that’s why we’re here and serving us quite well. Ana De Armas showed her action chops in the excellent No Time To Die a few years ago and does strong work here in a full leading role. For John Wick fans out there, the trailers have spoiled his involvement in the film, but I’m pleased to report he doesn’t overshadow it or Eve being the focus (though one decision with him later on was a misstep in my eyes). McShane is fun, as is the departed Lance Reddick in his final role, and Huston (Returning from movie 3) brings some class to the proceedings. Lastly, Eve feels like she’s in danger during the action and throws just as many punches, kicks, and weapons as she takes. An action hero who can be hurt is paramount to a film like this working, and Ballerina understands that.
Again, the story here is thin, but with action this fun being delivered by De Armas and a talented stunt team, it’s a good time at the movies whether you’re a Wick convert or not. I hope we see Eve in future adventures. Ballerina delivers a fun concerto of bloody spectacle thanks to a well-cast Ana De Armas, great fight choreography, and a sense of fun that makes you hope this won’t be the last time we see her kicking butt and taking names. See it!
Rated R for Strong/Bloody Violence Throughout, and Language