Ballerina (2025) Dir: Len Wiseman

Instagram post:

https://www.instagram.com/p/DRR-aN2jIuc/?igsh=MXFkNXliYXlrbXRubw==

After the monumental successes of the four 'John Wick' films, which redefined modern action films with their incredible action sequences, and breathed new life into one of Hollywood's most loved actors, spin-offs were inevitable. First came the Prime original series; 'The Continental' which didn't quite achieve the popularity of the films, and then it was the turn of this Len Wiseman action film, set between chapters 3 and 4 of the feature films.

The film fit nicely into the entertaining action universe established by Chad Stahelski in the decade prior, and, for the most part, it looked the part. The cinematography never quite matched the quality of those previous films, but it certainly wasn't ugly. There was a little too much CGI for my liking, including an overabundance of CGI blood spray, which was more distracting than gruesome.

Similarly, the action was not quite as crisp or satisfying as in those four 'John Wick' films, but I still enjoyed it nonetheless. The use of Tchaikovsky's 'Swan Lake', particularly when integrated into the more contemporary soundtrack, was very cool, albeit the rest of the music wasn't quite as memorable. The narrative followed a familiar formular for these films; revenge, with a through-line of actions and their consequences. This was fine, but it never quite had the emotional heart of the main quadrilogy.

Part of the problem was that I didn't quite connect to Ana de Armas or her vengeful protagonist. Her action sequences were very decent, but some of her dialogue delivery was a little awkward. I think she is a very capable and talented actress, but I'm not quite sure if this character suited her. I would, however, be interested to see if she could build on her performance in a subsequent sequel or further spin-off, if she gets that opportunity.

Keanu Reaves' appearance was heavily advertised in the run-up to the film's release, so I don't mind talking about his performance as if it wasn't treated as a reveal in the film. He brought his familiar quiet but determined delivery and smooth action to the fore once again, and honestly blew everyone else away with his epic "suit-jitsu" abilities. His appearance did feel a little bit like it was there to justify this film's place in the franchise, but I didn't mind that too much.

Ian McShane returned to the franchise, and provided another wonderfully charismatic and composed performance. Few people have suited a role like he does in this franchise. I wanted to like Anjelica Huston's performance a good deal more than I did, but she didn't seem to have the poise or snap that she had done in her previous appearances. I enjoy both of these actors in their roles, and they hold two distinct and very interesting places in the franchise.

New additions to the franchise; Gabriel Byrne and Catalina Sandino Moreno, had a mixed time in their roles, with Byrne threatening to be a good villain, but never quite achieving that, and Moreno starting off a little weakly, but improving as the film progressed. As far as anyone else was concerned, Norman Reedus was the clear standout - I hope he appears more in this universe, whilst Ava McCarthy, Juliet Doherty, and the late Lance Reddick, also deserve to be mentioned.

Overall, whilst this film was never quite able to emulate the hugely popular and effective formula of the main 'John Wick' films, it still proved to be an entertaining action film, which expanded the lore of the universe in an enjoyable way. As I talked about above, I would be happy too see Ana de Armas return to the franchise in the future, but I would be even more happy if that meant Chad Stahelski would return to direct any future projects.