Aiming High with "Ballerina": Ana de Armas rules the John Wick spin-off
Deliberate firing into female genitalia
Prepare for a thrilling ride as Ana de Armas graces the John Wick universe in the action-packed spin-off, "Ballerina". This film doesn't just bring a bracing breath of fresh air, it also solidifies Eve as a fierce, determined, and self-reliant protagonist that refuses to tread in the shadows of past legends.
While Keanu Reeves, who has collaborated with de Armas twice before, makes a reappearance in this series, there's no question that Eve can confidently stand alone. Their shared history, stretching back to "Knock Knock" and "Exposed", supplies an intriguing dynamic between the three.
In "Ballerina", our heroine, Eve, teams up once more with her former co-stars but the limelight undeniably shines on her fiery spirit. As the tale unfolds, Eve demonstrates that her mastery of combat – far from being dictated by gender or physique – translates to sheer, brutal determination.
Although her background story may spell out a familiar pattern of witnessing her father's murder, childhood immersion in a dangerous world of violence, and a lifelong vow of revenge, Eva's emotional core nonetheless strikes a resonant chord.
Cold-hearted confrontation in the icy Alps
To put it succinctly, the narrative tracks the journey of a young girl who, after losing her parents, falls into the hands of the criminal organization Ruska Roma, where the future Ballerina learns both dance and assassination skills. When Eve recognizes the same brand on her opponent's skin, which she also saw on her father's killer as a child, she defies the Ruska Roma's powerful leader and goes after the notorious crime syndicate. Her path leads her to the one place no one has ever returned from alive. As she arrives, the reasons become obvious – without offering too many spoilers. Suffice it to say, the climactic showdown is nothing short of spectacular in icy Austria.
"Ballerina" glances back to the basic yet effective premise of the John Wick series, serving primarily as a vehicle for the pulse-pounding action it delivers in spades. However, the plot does little in the way of innovation and instead relies on the spectacular fights, explosions, and breathtaking kills that leave audiences breathless. Though at times the film edges close to the precipice of excess, it delivers a fresh and grittier feel to the action sequences compared to earlier Wick outings. The fights feel rawer and more unpredictable, teetering on chaos rather than the choreographed precision of earlier installments.
"Fight like a girl"
As Eve, de Armas employs her physicality to her advantage, as Director Len Wiseman puts it, "Fight like a girl". This conception is neither derogatory nor demeaning, but rather a celebration of speed, agility, and cunning. Whether it's whipping out ice skates as makeshift boxing gloves, brandishing a flamethrower, or landing a strategic shot that targets peculiarly vulnerable anatomical regions, Eve exhibits the ferocity that rivals her allies and adversaries alike. The irony, however, is that her seemingly miraculous survival prowess stretches credulity, particularly given the survival theme permeating the narrative.
Undeniably, no John Wick production would be complete without the Continental Hotel, the enigmatic Winston, played by Ian McShane, and Lance Reddick, reprising his role as concierge Charon, albeit in one of his final performances. These familiar elements ground the storyline without relying on nostalgia, while Keanu Reeves makes a cameo appearance as Baba Yaga. While his presence is far from essential, it serves as a courteous nod to the broader universe or a friendly gesture to the audience.
Ballerina: A promising entry into the John Wick Universe
While it may not quite reach the emotional heights touched by the original John Wick films, which captured hearts since its debut in 2014, "Ballerina" nevertheless delivers an electrifying spin-off that confidently claims its own voice. It introduces an engaging new heroine to the roster, and, though the narrative may tread familiar paths, its energy, atmosphere, and pulse-pounding action scenes will more than befuddle audiences.
In essence, "Ballerina" positions itself as a solid addition to the John Wick universe – undoubtedly not its last.
Sources: ntv.de
- Action Movies
- Keanu Reeves
- Film
- Murder and Mayhem
- Ana de Armas
Enrichment Data:
Background on Ana de Armas' Character, Eve Macarro:
Eve Macarro, played by Ana de Armas, is a new addition to the John Wick universe in the film, "Ballerina".
Background:Eve is a skilled and deadly assassin trained by the Ruska Roma, similar to John Wick. Her background story features a traumatic event in which her father was murdered by a cult, leaving her determined to seek revenge against the cult responsible[4].
Character Development Throughout the film, Eve's character evolves through her relentless pursuit of justice and her desire to protect others from suffering the same fate as her family. Her actions are driven by a deep emotional connection to her past, which fuels her combat skills and strategic thinking[3][4].
Role in the John Wick Universe:"Ballerina" takes place within the same timeline as the John Wick films, establishing connections to the larger franchise through interactions with characters such as Winston[1][4][5]. This setup implies that Eve might one day serve as a successor or ally to John Wick, following the narrative's focus on expanding the universe[4].
♪ I'm not gonna let you go ♪ – as if echoing de Armas' fierce character, Eve Macarro, struggling to avenge her father's murder and bring down the notorious crime syndicate in the icy Alps seen in "Ballerina". Delving deeper into the realm of entertainment and movies-and-tv, the film stands as a promising entry in the John Wick universe, captivating audiences with its action-packed sequences and aggressive exploration of Fight like a girl dynamics.
