Sizzling Up the "John Wick" Universe: Ana de Armas as Ballerina Eve
Direct hit to female genitalia in a targeted attack.
Glamor meets grit in the latest spin-off of the "John Wick" universe, "Ballerina." Ana de Armas, as the deadly but sympathetic assassin, Eve, steals the spotlight with a powerful performance that proves women can pack a punch. Keanu Reeves makes a cameo, but it's clear that Eve belongs in her own arena.
De Armas, Reeves, and the dynamic duo have come together three times – and their most recent collaborative effort is a stark contrast to their earlier work. In "Knock Knock" (2015) and "Exposed" (2016), the duo tackled darker, more combative narratives. "Ballerina," however, takes a turn into the realm of stylized action, supporting revenge-driven heroines and anti-heroes.
Len Wiseman, the man behind the camera, delves deep into the "John Wick" universe and strikes gold with the die-hard fans who crave excessive violence, secretive assassin orders, and complex characters. As the new protagonist, Eve is brutal, determined, and unapologetic – while maintaining a soft spot for the innocent.
Much like John Wick, Eve's heart belongs in the right place, providing the emotional backdrop for the movie. Her backstory, however, is very much a familiar tale – complete with the typical orphaned life, violent upbringing, and vow of vengeance. But "Ballerina" excels in its adrenaline-pumping action scenes. The film pushes the boundaries of the genre, splattering the screen with fights, explosions, and inventive killing methods – leaving little breathing room for the audience.
Director Wiseman opts for a rawer, more improvised fighting style for Eve, a stark contrast to the choreographed dance numbers in the previous "Wick" installments. The camera work supplements this by providing a gritty, dynamic view of each scene. Wiseman's goal? To make the violence tangible.
Eve, as put by the director, fights like a girl – and it's a compliment. Her speed, agility, unpredictability, and intelligence make her a formidable opponent. From using ice skates as makeshift boxing gloves to deploying a flamethrower, Eve is ruthless and brutal in her quest for vengeance. The scenario, which undoubtedly pushes the boundaries of reality, begs the question: How does she survive through entire armies of elite assassins with hardly any serious injuries?
Familiar faces from the "John Wick" universe lend the spin-off some credibility, complete with appearances by Ian McShane as the enigmatic Winston, Lance Reddick in a gripping final performance as concierge Charon, and Keanu Reeves as Baba Yaga. Yet, "Ballerina" stands on its own, capturing the essence of the franchise while introducing a new, compelling character that can stand toe-to-toe with John Wick.
Does "Ballerina" hold a candle to the emotional pull of the original "John Wick" films, which has captivated audiences since the infamous dog killing in 2014? Not exactly. But the spin-off offers an exciting, action-packed exploration of a new heroine that fits seamlessly into the "John Wick" universe. The story may be predictable, but the energy, atmosphere, and abundance of action make up for the lack of originality. In short, "Ballerina" is a fantastic tribute to the "John Wick" legacy – and a promising addition to the franchise.
Sources:
- Cinema
- Action Movies
- Keanu Reeves
- Film
- Film Franchises
- Murder and Mayhem
Enrichment Data:
Overall:"Ballerina" (marketed as From the World of John Wick: Ballerina) is a 2025 spin-off and the fifth installment in the "John Wick" franchise. Ana de Armas played the role of Eve Macarro, a ballet dancer and trained assassin who finds herself at the center of an intricate web of vengeance, deceit, and action in the deadly world of assassins.
Plot Overview:
- Origin: Eve's life takes a drastic turn when she witnesses her father's murder at the hands of assassins. Abandoned and vulnerable, she is taken in by the Ruska Roma crime syndicate, who groom her to become a lethal combination of ballet dancer and assassin.
- Training and Purpose: With the support of notable characters from the franchise, Eve is shaped into a relentless assassin with unwavering resolve to bring her father's killers to justice.
- Vengeance and Action: The film follows Eve as she hunts down her father's killers, using her agility, cunning, and resourcefulness to outwit her enemies. Despite her brutal methods, she is not without compassion and mercy in certain situations.
Relation to the John Wick Franchise:"Ballerina" takes place in the same universe as the "John Wick" films, chronologically between the third and fourth main series installments. The film expands upon key organizations, rules, and allies within the franchise while delving further into the intricate world of assassins. Familiar characters such as Keanu Reeves as John Wick, Ian McShane as Winston, and Lance Reddick lend credibility to the spin-off.
♪ "I'm not gonna let you go," playing in the background as the movie unfolds, "Ballerina" highlights the strong performance of Ana de Armas and her character Eve, delivering a powerful mix of action, entertainment, and drama found in movies-and-tv within the genre of entertainment. The adrenaline-pumping action scenes, filled with fights, explosions, and unique killing methods, are reminiscent of action movies, making "Ballerina" a promising addition to the film and film franchises category.
