Ballerina: A Disappointing Addition to the John Wick Franchise

A Lackluster Spin-off

What has become of Hollywood's beloved franchises? The latest installment of Mission Impossible left much to be desired, and the same can be said for the latest Karate Kid sequel.

Now, we have Ballerina, a supposed extension of the John Wick universe. However, let me clarify that this fifth chapter offers minimal connection to the iconic character of John Wick. Instead, it bombards viewers with an overwhelming amount of uninspired action.

Throughout the film, I found myself clenching my teeth as Eva Macarro, portrayed by the stunning Ana de Armas, navigates a convoluted plot that desperately seeks attention but fails to deliver.

The storyline revolves around two sisters torn apart in their youth by a ruthless figure known as the Chancellor, played by Gabriel Byrne. This narrative feels like a relic from the 1980s, reminiscent of the over-the-top films by Manmohan Desai, complete with absurd tattoos for identifying missing individuals.

If Desai were alive today, he might have taken legal action against this poorly crafted script, which is filled with stiff performances and excessive violence. The only standout is the cinematographer, Romain Lacourbas, who captures each shot with remarkable depth, making the visuals the film's only redeeming quality.

Unfortunately, the action sequences are repetitive and lack excitement. Ana de Armas, despite being a promising talent, struggles with the fight choreography, which feels more like a showcase for her and her choreographer than an engaging spectacle for the audience.

The supporting cast adds little value, often parodying their roles from the John Wick series. Angelica Houston, once a respected actress, now elicits laughter rather than the intended gravitas.

In the midst of this chaos, Norman Reedus appears as an assassin trying to protect his daughter, but his performance swings between bizarre and erratic. When Eva steps in to assist, it feels more like an unwelcome interruption.

The film's tone is perplexing, leaving one to wonder if the cast is aware they are part of a lackluster project. Even Keanu Reeves makes a brief appearance at the end, aiding the heroine in dismantling a cult that abducts girls for training as assassins.

Ultimately, the film suggests that even a strong female lead requires a male hero to rescue her.