By Nick Nitkowski 

It goes without saying that we all know who John Wick is. The Baba Yaga himself played by the one and only Keanu Reeves that gave his career a much-needed boost and did so in the most spectacular fashion. I remember when I had passes to see an early screening of the first “John Wick” movie and I also remember not being sure if I really wanted to see it, but I was bored and had nothing better to do so I took a chance on it and much to my surprise, it was absolutely incredible. I couldn’t believe how great it was with all the nonstop and unique action sequences. And now here we are 11 years later and we have the first ever spin-off movie “Ballerina”. The only question is, can it pack the same punch as the Baba Yaga?

“Ballerina” focuses on a young woman named Eve, played by Ana de Armas, who finds herself in the familiar John Wick world of hitmen and assassins at a young age after the murder of her father. Now that she has become a skilled assassin, she seeks revenge on the man who orchestrated her father’s death.

I can honestly and enthusiastically say that this movie does, in fact, pack a punch that is up to par with the “John Wick” franchise. Like most, I was also on the fence about a spin-off movie because it was the character of John Wick that brought it all together. But I went in with an open mind and allowed the movie to present itself, and I was pleasantly surprised. Even with John Wick not at the forefront this time, this movie managed to capture the same soul and charm that made the “John Wick” franchise so entertaining.

From the moment that the film starts, it lets you know almost immediately that this is still very much a “John Wick” style film. The actions sequences are just as unique, innovative, and nonstop as the previous entries. There were even plenty of action moments that triggered reactions from the audience from shocked “Oohs” to laughter from sheer enjoyment. There is not a boring moment in this movie. 

Ana de Armas obviously carries this movie on her shoulders, and I believe she did so very well. While this is not her first time being the focal point of a film, I believe the first movie that she was the main focus on was “Knives Out”, she really excels in this film as she has to do a lot of action scenes. The choreography of which seems just as intense as the previous films with hand-to-hand combat, combat with various objects, and, of course, the well-established Gun Fu.

If I had to find something wrong with this movie, it would be that a certain character shown in the advertisements didn’t have much screentime. At least not enough to be on the poster. This particular character felt more like a glorified cameo appearance. In addition to that, some characters got a lot more screentime than what I was expecting. Once in particular is Lance Reddick who sadly passed away just days before “John Wick Chapter 4” was released back in 2023 which had the gears in my brain really turning as it had me thinking about how long ago they had to have filmed this movie to have him in it.

Much to my surprise, this movie is directed by Len Wisemen, who directed movies like the first two “Underworld” movies, “Live Free or Die Hard”, and the “Total Recall” remake. I can honestly say that while I enjoyed those movies for different reasons, this is by far his best work yet. He’s obviously no stranger to the action genre, but with the world of John Wick at the helm, the action had to be cranked up to eleven, and he handled it with grace. 

Overall, “Ballerina” is a very welcomed addition to the “John Wick” franchise. I had a really great time watching it. It provides all of the hard-hitting action sequences that we’ve grown to love and expect from a “John Wick” movie and even provided a splash of humor. Any John Wick fan is sure to enjoy this movie, and anyone who is skeptical could possibly walk out of the movie very pleasantly surprised. I did see a single person leaving the theater that was not raving about it, and there wasn’t a single dissatisfied look on anyone’s face on their way out. It’s definitely worth seeing and most definitely worth seeing on the big screen with the best audio option. This “Ballerina” sure can keep up with the Baba Yaga in this dance of carnage. 

4.5 stars