Ballerina Confirms the John Wick Franchise Doesn’t Need Keanu Reeves (But 1 Problematic Trend Holds It Back From Perfection)

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The John Wick series revolutionized cinema, moving beyond martial arts films by demonstrating that stunts serve not only as thrilling instances but also as tools to propel a story. Keanu Reeves’ rough-hewn yet proficient assassin, on a journey of vengeance and liberty, turned into an action sensation, giving birth to a vast universe brimming with peril, deception, and stunning combat scenes in picturesque settings. However, with John Wick: Chapter 4 marking a halt on the primary narrative, Ana de Armas prepared for a fresh endeavor in a new chapter titled…

In John, we find a character who embodies both efficiency and brutality. Meanwhile, Ana de Armas’ portrayal of Eve Macarro is particularly impactful, her actions resonating powerfully with her personal backstory and motivations. The film Ballerina provides a wealth of captivating elements, including enriching lore and unforgettable moments, but the true allure lies in its talented cast and their contributions to the already intriguing narrative. Despite the movie’s many strengths, it is marred by an ongoing problem that has plagued Hollywood for over a decade, which unfortunately detracts from what could have been an exhilarating tale of vengeance.

Ballerina Carves Its Own Path in an Expansive World

John Wick’s World Just Got More Complicated

The franchise’s fans are well aware that John’s violent journey within the assassin world started when an unaware man inadvertently killed John’s beloved dog, given by his wife shortly after her funeral. Eve Macarro’s tale, however, is deeply rooted in a revenge plot that simmered for over a decade. Following the brutal murder of her father at the hands of a ruthless mercenary group, Eve decided to join their ranks, ultimately becoming both a ballerina and an assassin within the Ruska Roma. As she climbed the ranks, audiences watched as she fought, shot, and sliced her way through obstacles until the past reemerged once more.

In a nutshell, the movie “Ballerina” shares similarities with other tales, but it stands out by offering more depth than usual in just one film. What’s captivating is its ability to enrich the world without being weighed down by continuity, allowing the main story to breathe. Instead, “Ballerina” employs its lore as a catalyst, guiding Eve on her path of revenge and revealing that not every cold-blooded assassin, like Wick, finds pleasure in killing. The film also addresses questions about the Ruska Roma and their power, providing insights that John Wick couldn’t due to his story’s pressing nature.

In the expanded tale of Ballerina, there are numerous aspects that fans appreciate, along with some elements that seem less crucial than in the John Wick series, like the intricate rules governing the Continental. Considering the narrative’s independence from these factors, it’s understandable. The plot is generally predictable, given its revenge theme. However, it delivers on providing a protagonist audiences can cheer for and explores the journey of an ordinary assassin who isn’t the Baba Yaga, maneuvering through a lethal world where every moment could be her last, and she may not yet possess all the survival skills needed to stay alive.

Ana de Armas is a Powerhouse

The Action is More Brutal in Many Ways

Ana de Armas demonstrated her proficiency with stunt work in “No Time to Die” as Paloma, but it was just a glimpse of what she could offer when provided with the right resources. The movie “Ballerina” offered those tools, making it clear why Ana de Armas is poised to become the next great action star. While some fight sequences might have been sped up or involved a stunt double, de Armas was present in every scene, showcasing what sets her apart – similar to Halle Berry and other franchise protagonists. Eve Macarro embodies brutality, and she capitalizes on her strengths by often being the smaller person in a crowd. Instead of always appearing in control, the stunts and fights in the film reflect the concepts of improvisation and deception in a fight.

Among the intriguing aspects of watching Eve Macarro in combat is that she isn’t quite as ruthlessly effective as Wick in terms of combat efficiency. Unlike Wick, who relies on a bulletproof suit and often lands headshots, Eve must adapt creatively with her weapons, employing items ranging from shields to ice skates to secure a kill. However, this adaptability comes at a cost, as she doesn’t have any protective clothing like Wick does. This means viewers get to witness some intense moments where Eve absorbs heavy blows but retaliates even more forcefully. It’s an understated yet impressive way for the character to distinguish herself from her predecessors and demonstrate her unique potential.

One memorable sequence in the movie unfolds during the climax and offers an unforeseen conclusion, stretching beyond any previous installment in the John Wick series in terms of scale. The narrative presents Eve with one of the franchise’s most significant challenges, making it enjoyable to witness her adapt and excel. However, what truly elevates the action for the character is Ana de Armas’ compelling portrayal of the emotional depth behind her actions. This complexity underscores that Eve Macarro differs from other assassins, as she retains a substantial portion of her humanity even amidst the violence, making her a distinctive and appealing addition to the series with unique motivations for audience support.

Ballerina’s Biggest Problem Isn’t Even in the Movie

Marketing Hurt Its Best Moment

The movie “John Wick: Ballerina” within the John Wick universe boasts thrilling action sequences and some delightful surprises, but what was truly unexpected about it has already been given away by the trailers – it’s John Wick himself! Fans wondered if Keanu Reeves would reprise his role when the film was first announced, and even after confirmation, there were speculations about his screen time. However, the trailers revealed that he would have a significant impact on the storyline. Watching the movie in theaters, this revelation lessens the overall effect. This is just one example of a common practice in Hollywood where trailers reveal too much.

Since films such as “The Amazing Spider-Man” and the latest productions like “Thunderbolts,” big-action movies have grappled with the dilemma of how much to reveal in a trailer without losing or spoiling the excitement. Showing too little may leave viewers unsatisfied, while revealing too much might spoil an anticipated moment. In the case of “Ballerina,” too much was shown, diminishing the impact of surprises. The movie doesn’t build up Wick’s appearance effectively, and when he finally appears, it’s delightful for those unaware, but his role could have been even more impactful if his actions weren’t hinted at initially. Reeves provides de Armas with a rich character dynamic when these characters intersect, creating a truly remarkable scene, yet one can’t help but wonder how much more captivating it would have been if the audience was left guessing about Wick’s involvement from the beginning.

In essence, “Ballerina” serves as a fitting complement to the John Wick universe, with Ana de Armas delivering an exceptional performance that is both captivating and impactful, leaving viewers with a lasting impression. The expansion of this world not only continues but also promises to introduce fresh intrigue even beyond its current captivating state. Although some plot twists were revealed prematurely, they do not diminish the fact that this film remains predominantly Ana de Armas’ project and is absolutely worth the price of admission.

From the World of John Wick: Ballerina hits theaters on June 6th, 2025.

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2025-06-05 01:09