Photo: Murray Close/Lionsgate
**Ballerina: A Thrilling Second Half That Honors John Wick**
Ballerina takes us into the heart of vengeance, featuring **Eve Macarro**, a fierce assassin portrayed by **Ana de Armas**, who embarks on a relentless quest for revenge. Although positioned as a spinoff within the **John Wick** universe, it initially struggles to encapsulate the essence of what makes the franchise so captivating. Set against the backdrop of the third installment, **Parabellum**, the film attempts to carve out its identity within the well-trodden territory of assassin lore.
**Establishing the Foundation: A Clumsy First Half**
The film starts by delving into Eve’s tragic backstory, where her father’s brutal murder sets her on a path of retribution. Unfortunately, the initial pacing proves to be sluggish, bogged down by extensive exposition about the complex underworld rules that dominate this realm of warring clans. Here, **John Wick**—played by **Keanu Reeves**—intersects Eve’s storyline during a tense visit to the Romani crime family known as the **Ruska Roma**.
**An Overly Complicated Setup**
While the film attempts to weave intricate narratives, the **first half** feels bloated and uninspired. It frequently harks back to the themes of suffering and redemption that permeate the **Wick** series, yet falls short. The richer aspects of the franchise’s world—nightclub brawls and **bisexual lighting**—feel secondary to what translates into a convoluted revenge plot.
**A Game-Changing Transition: The Second Half Delivers**
Everything shifts dramatically in the **second half** of *Ballerina*. After what feels like a lackluster setup, the film suddenly reinvigorates itself with a feast of breathtaking action sequences. Reports suggest that producer **Chad Stahelski**, director of the original **John Wick** films, stepped in during *Ballerina’s* reshoots. Whatever his impact may have been, the **second hour** bursts forth in an exhilarating explosion of creativity.
**Action that Rivals the Best**
One particular scene featuring grenades showcases not only a leap in choreography but reveals the filmmakers’ mastery of action aesthetics—lengthy takes that allow every punch and kick to resonate. It’s during these sequences that the film truly **blooms**, transitioning from an overly complicated narrative into a thrilling display of violence and artistry.
**The Dilemma of Franchise Evolution**
Yet, this transformation prompts a larger question: at what point does a spinoff cease to embody the very essence of the original? The **first John Wick**, celebrated for its unique blend of stylistic choices and thoughtful storytelling, invites reflection as *Ballerina* struggles to establish a meaningful connection to its predecessor. The repetitiveness of revenge and the mechanics of the assassin trade diminish the allure of Eve’s journey.
**Eve as a Character: Limited Depth**
While de Armas excels in the film’s physical demands, her portrayal of Eve echoes that of a broken doll, devoid of emotional depth. The audience yearns for the wit and charm that imbued *John Wick* with life. Despite the abundant action, Eve’s arc feels stunted, hindered by a formulaic journey. It’s only during moments of levity that she gains momentum, such as when she unwittingly stumbles into a village full of assassins.
**A Glorious Finale: The High of Spectacle**
In this small Austrian town, *Ballerina* sheds its dreary constraints, pivoting to a jubilant display of chaotic violence—an exhilarating blend of intrigue and absurdity. Whether Eve is wielding ice skates like nunchucks or battling henchmen equipped with **flamethrowers**, the spectacle reaches dizzying heights. The film may falter in its early offerings, but by the climax, it ignites a fervor that makes one forget those missteps.
**Conclusion: A Mixed Bag That Leaves an Impact**
Though *Ballerina* may stumble through its beginnings, it ultimately aims to honor the legacy of the **John Wick** franchise. With a **stunning second half** that captures the essence of high-octane adrenaline and humor, the film manages to emerge as a **wildly entertaining** experience. While questions about its originality linger, the final act retains a signature flair that echoes the brilliance of its predecessor.
**Are you ready to dive into the electrifying world of *Ballerina*? Don’t miss it, and check out [John Wick’s](https://www.lionsgate.com/movies/john-wick) thrilling saga as well!**
