Ballerina: A Disappointing Addition to the John Wick Universe

An Underwhelming Franchise Entry

What has become of Hollywood's beloved franchises? The latest installment of Mission Impossible was a tedious experience, and the less said about Karate Kid Part… whatever, the better!

Now, we have Ballerina, which is supposedly connected to the John Wick universe. However, let me clarify that this fifth chapter offers very little of what made John Wick appealing. Instead, it bombards us with an overwhelming number of Wick-inspired moments.

A Lackluster Plot

Throughout the film, I found myself gritting my teeth as Eva Macarro, played by the stunning Ana de Armas, navigated a screenplay that desperately seeks attention but fails to earn it.

The storyline revolves around two sisters torn apart in childhood by a ruthless clansman known as the Chancellor (Gabriel Byrne). This plot feels like a cliché straight out of a 1980s Manmohan Desai film, complete with absurd tattoos for identifying missing individuals.

Visuals vs. Substance

If Manmohan Desai were alive, he might have considered legal action against this poorly crafted film. The audacity of the creators behind this poorly written, stiffly acted, and excessively violent ballet of bullets is astonishing. The only crew member who appears to take his role seriously is cameraman Romain Lacourbas, who captures each frame with a sense of urgency, creating visually rich compositions that yearn for emotional depth.

Action Sequences Fall Flat

What we are left with are repetitive action sequences. Unfortunately, Ms. Armas, despite being one of America's promising young talents, does not shine as a fighter. Her stunts seem overwhelmed by their own complexity, and the chemistry between her and her choreographer feels more like a private admiration club than an engaging performance for the audience.

Supporting Cast Disappoints

The supporting cast feels unnecessary and, even worse, a parody of their characters from the John Wick series. Angelica Houston, once a respected actress, unintentionally brings humor to her scenes, though that may not have been the intention.

Midway through this chaotic mix, Norman Reedus appears as an assassin trying to protect his daughter. His performance ranges from bizarre to erratic, and when Eva steps in to assist, it feels more like an unwelcome interruption.

A Heroine in Need of a Hero

Nothing seems to align, especially Ana de Armas' stunts, which are all over the place. Why does everyone seem so tense in Ballerina? Perhaps they realize they are part of a lackluster project. This is especially true for Keanu Reeves, whose John Wick makes a brief appearance at the end to aid the heroine in dismantling a cult that abducts young girls and trains them as assassins.

In conclusion, even a strong female lead requires a hero to rescue her in the end.