REVIEW: ‘Ballerina,' is a violent dance for revenge
DAYTON, Ohio (WDTN) — Given that its a spinoff in the world of the ever-popular John Wick franchise, 'Ballerina' lives up to expectations.
That's the review.
Rating: R – for reasons obvious to most, but just in case, strong violence and language.
Runtime: 2 hours, 4 minutes.
Still here? Well, thanks, I'll expound a little bit.
If you're a fan of John Wick, then you'll be pleased with this effort here by the spinoff.
Ana de Armas is a convincing assassin 'From the World of John Wick,' and the action set pieces structured around her character's revenge tour are well executed.
The story and character development are each as thin as a veil, but that's the standard for these movies. John Wick got back into the business after his dog was killed; Eve Macarro (Armas) becomes an assassin to avenge her father. Once the revenge plot is set in motion in these movies, they really move from point A to Z at the speed of a thumping heartbeat.
For reference, 'Ballerina' takes place between John Wick: Chapter 3 – Parabellum and John Wick: Chapter 4. Wick does appear in the film (which is revealed in the trailer), and he is as cool as usual. Keanu Reeves can probably play this character in his sleep at this point.
To say more on the action pieces, they are elaborate and ever-present. While stuntman/filmmaker Chad Stahelski did not direct 'Ballerina,' the action here gives fans what they're looking for.
Personally though, the John Wick movies aren't my thing because of how much violence they contain, combined with bare story elements that make the characters doing the violence harder to care about.
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