Ballerina 2025 Movie

This John Wick spin-off works as a natural extension of the saga, though it gains its own identity thanks to the magnetic presence of Ana de Armas. The film leans on the same mix of impossible choreography, stylized violence, and atmospheric settings, but what stands out is the space it gives a female lead who not only holds her own but shines in every action sequence. From the very first scene, de Armas takes over the screen. Her physicality, controlled expressiveness, and ability to convey vulnerability without losing toughness make her instantly compelling. The script doesn’t reinvent the wheel —the revenge plot is straightforward and predictable— but she elevates even the most routine moments. Watching her wield weapons and dive into meticulously choreographed combat is pure spectacle. Alongside her, it’s a pleasure to see David Castaneda again, bringing freshness and chemistry to a universe usually dominated by solemnity. Len Wiseman’s direction may lack the refinement of Chad Stahelski’s work in the main saga, but it delivers strong visuals and relentless pacing. The elegance and inventiveness of the original films are missed, yet the movie compensates with energy. The weak points are clear: a forgettable villain and a script more concerned with fitting into the “Wick canon” than standing on its own. Still, when it focuses on what it does best —pure, creative, brutal action— the result is tremendously entertaining. Overall, Ballerina is a solid addition to the franchise. It doesn’t aim to reinvent the formula, but it proves the John Wick universe can expand beyond its original hero. With Ana de Armas driving the film, it delivers exactly what it promises: an intense, stylish action spectacle that keeps on dancing in the middle of chaos.

[spoilers] There just wasn’t enough story here to make me care. The characters felt thin and underdeveloped. The film opens with the death of a parent we know nothing about, revolves around a daughter we barely get to know, and ends with the death of a sister whose relationship to the protagonist is never meaningfully explored. The writers seem to think these moments will land emotionally, but there’s no real foundation for them. The near-constant action is solid and expected in the John Wick universe—and there’s no shortage of explosions (possibly a record of grenades used in film)—but after two hours, I needed something more. The film needed stronger narrative depth and character work to balance the chaos. 3-2.5.