“Ballerina” shines with Ana de Armas’ stellar performance.

While Keanu Reeves’ iconic hitman continues to reign supreme within the “John Wick” franchise, the spotlight shifts to Ana de Armas with the electrifying spin-off, Ballerina. This film marks a thrilling departure, showcasing de Armas as a formidable force in the supernatural underbelly of the Wick universe.

Unleashing the Chaos: A Dancer’s Revenge

In Ballerina (★★★½ out of four; rated R; releasing on June 6), directed by Len Wiseman, de Armas smashes her way through a maelstrom of gunfights and intense brawls. If you thought watching Tom Cruise hang off a biplane was wild, just wait for de Armas wielding a flamethrower in this cinematic spectacle!

A New Heroine Rises

While John Wick (Reeves) makes his usual entrance, he takes a back seat as Eve Macarro (de Armas) takes the stage. Orphaned at a young age after witnessing her father’s murder, Eve is molded into both a dancer and an assassin under the tutelage of the fierce Director (played by Anjelica Huston). This ominous figure also has a history with Wick, deepening the connections within this universe.

As Eve deftly learns to “fight like a girl”—navigating through the complexities of vengeance and personal evolution—her determination leads her on a treacherous quest. After eliminating members of a dangerous cult responsible for her father’s death, she sets her sights on a rescue mission when a little girl is kidnapped, taking her from the neon lights of New York to the icy landscapes of Austria.

The Thrills of the Wick Universe

Set in the timelines separating the third and fourth films, Ballerina explores the intertwining stories of its characters. The chemistry between de Armas and Reeves is palpable, especially during their gripping confrontations. As Eve challenges the established rules, viewers gain insight into Wick’s own origins and struggles.

Action Like Never Before

The “John Wick” franchise has consistently elevated the world of action cinema, and Ballerina is no exception. In this installment, while Reeves may not showcase his iconic gun fu, de Armas proves that everyday objects can become lethal weapons. From remote controls to firehoses, her creativity in combat embodies a fresh take on the genre.

Amongst this chaos, de Armas delivers standout moments—including a flamboyant flamethrowing shootout and the detail of reclaiming her knives post-battle, adding layers to her character that are often overlooked in traditional action films.

Notable Performances and Direction

Director Len Wiseman returns with his unparalleled knack for crafting action-centric narratives. Having previously helmed the Underworld series and various high-octane films, his expertise shines in this prowess-filled narrative that matches the noir charm of its predecessors. Notable references cleverly weave through the storyline, such as Eve’s quest paralleling biblical themes, enhancing the depth of character exploration.

Fans will also recognize Ian McShane and Lance Reddick, reprising their respective roles as Wick allies Winston and Charon. Reddick’s warmth resonates especially in his final performance, providing a bittersweet sense of nostalgia for audiences.

A Star is Born: Ana de Armas Shines

Ana de Armas’ portrayal of Eve encapsulates her star potential previously glimpsed in No Time to Die. With her ability to dominate the screen, she emerges as a beacon of strength and charisma, rendering any hope for a female 007 or even a woman Wick obsolete—what we truly crave is a sequel centered around Eve.

How to Watch Ballerina

The action thriller Ballerina, the latest chapter of the John Wick franchise, hits theaters on June 6. Rated R by the Motion Picture Association for its strong and bloody violence, this film is not one to miss.