
Ballerina first reactions: John Wick spin-off hailed as a ‘worthy addition' to franchise with ‘mind-blowing' action
Fans are eagerly waiting to see how actor Ana de Armas fares in the John Wick spin-off Ballerina. The film had its first screening in London where it was showed to selected members of the press, and if the early reactions are anything to go by than fans can expect a summer blockbuster which promises 'jaw-dropping' action sequences and stunts. (Also read: Tom Cruise is all praise for Ana de Armas-starrer Ballerina amid romance rumours)
Reporter Jonathan Sims called Ballerina 'the best movie of the year,' in his tweet, and went on to add: 'Absolute mayhem from start to finish. Mind-blowing fight scenes, phenomenally choreographed and staged. Ana de Armas is an action hero for the ages. A simple revenge story with incredible stunts and improvised weapons, from flame throwers to grenades to ice skates. You have to see it to believe it.'
Amon Warmann of Empire Magazine said, 'Really dug #Ballerina! Slickly choreographed action which has lots of variety - Grenades! Flamethrowers! Roller skates! - and Ana de Armas proves she can scrap with the best of them. A worthy addition to the John Wick franchise. More please!'
Several press members noted the relentless action sequences in the film. The Nerds of Color said, 'The action's brutal and relentless! De Armas is terrific & I can't wait to be seeing more of Eve soon! Imperfect but worthy installment to the world of Wick.'
Meanwhile, Chalice Williams of Black Girl Nerds said, 'Ballerina is hands down one of the top 3 in the John Wick franchise! The action doesn't stop until the credits roll! Ana De Armas is THAT girl! The incredible fight sequences stole the show! Love how the film didn't need Keanu to carry it, it was a force on its own.'
Critics noted highly of the film's addition to the John Wick franchise. Chris Bumbray of JoBlo's movie network added, 'Happy to say Ballerina is actually a solid addition to the John Wick franchise, and a good star vehicle for Ana de Armas, who is a born movie star.'
Nadya Martinez of GothamGeekGirl noted, 'Ballerina expands the world of #JohnWick with absolutely stunning backdrops, an exciting and gripping vengeful story of consequences, and a heavy arsenal of creative weapon choices and quick-witted resourcefulness.'
Ballerina focuses on a young, highly skilled assassin played by Ana de Armas. The story follows her quest for vengeance against those who murdered her family, unfolding between the events of John Wick: Chapter 3 – Parabellum and John Wick: Chapter 4.
Hashtags

Try Our AI Features
Explore what Daily8 AI can do for you:
Comments
No comments yet...
Related Articles


Hindustan Times
4 hours ago
- Hindustan Times
"He owns Paramount': Tom Cruise's appearance on David Beckham's UCL final show sets Internet ablaze
Tom Cruise teamed up with close friend David Beckham for a special broadcast for Saturday's UEFA Champions League final between PSG and Inter Milan in Munich Germany. Paramount had already announced Tom Cruise's appearance on Beckham & Friends Live for Saturday afternoon's title match between Paris Saint-Germain and Inter Milan. The alternate broadcast, hosted by CBS Sports' Kate Scott and starring Beckham, debuted during the Champions League semi finals on May 6 and 7. Guests during the first two iterations of the show included director Guy Ritchie, French soccer legend Thierry Henry, actors Stanley Tucci and Joseph Fiennes and comedian James Corden. Now Beckham and Scott added the Mission Impossible actor, setting the internet on fire. Tom Cruise's appearance on the Paramount streaming of the Champions League final set the internet on fire. A fan wrote on X: 'Tom Cruise and David Beckham are comparing their historical broken metatarsals on Paramount+, great scenes. Kate Scott has just explained to Cruise that the Champions League anthem is "iconic".' Another fan said: 'Tom Cruise on UCL Finale Coverage ??? He own Paramount lmao.'


Pink Villa
7 hours ago
- Pink Villa
Mission Impossible – The Final Reckoning Day 15 India Box Office: Tom Cruise starrer sees weekend boost with Rs 3 crore earnings
Tom Cruise's latest Mission: Impossible film, The Final Reckoning, maintained a steady pace at the Indian box office today. On its 15th day, the film netted an estimated Rs 3 crore, reflecting a sharp 75 percent jump from Friday's figure of Rs 1.75 crore. It was obviously the weekend holiday that drove the film's domestic total to a decent Rs 82.40 crore. The title opened with strong numbers, clocking Rs 15.50 crore on day 1 and Rs 15.75 crore on day 2 before witnessing the expected weekday dip. Sadly, the film could not make a comeback even during its second weekend, during which it earned a collective Rs 14 crore. The start of the third weekend frame, as discussed earlier, isn't groundbreaking either. Here's a day-wise breakdown of The Final Reckoning's India box office collection so far: Day Collection (Rs net) Day 1 Rs 15.50 crore Day 2 Rs 15.75 crore Day 3 Rs 5.75 crore Day 4 Rs 5.50 crore Day 5 Rs 4.00 crore Day 6 Rs 4.00 crore Day 7 Rs 4.00 crore Day 8 Rs 7.00 crore Day 9 Rs 7.00 crore Day 10 Rs 2.50 crore Day 11 Rs 2.50 crore Day 12 Rs 2.15 crore Day 13 Rs 2.00 crore Day 14 Rs 1.75 crore Day 15 Rs 3.00 crore Total Rs 82.40 crore Directed by Christopher McQuarrie, Mission: Impossible – The Final Reckoning is the eighth installment in the long-running franchise and a direct sequel to Dead Reckoning Part One (2023). The film continues the story of Ethan Hunt, who, along with his IMF team, is tasked with stopping a rogue AI known as the Entity from wreaking global chaos. Boasting a massive estimated budget of USD 300–400 million, the film is one of the most expensive ever made. It stars Cruise alongside Hayley Atwell, Ving Rhames, Simon Pegg, Henry Czerny, and Angela Bassett. The film premiered in Tokyo on May 5 and screened out of competition at Cannes on May 14 before hitting global theaters on May 23. In India, makers decided to launch the sequel a week earlier on May 17, giving more time for audiences to engage with it. However, the move hasn't paid off the way the MI team had hoped. With current trends, it seems Dead Reckoning will continue to hold the crown as the best-performing endeavor of the franchise with its Rs 106 crore net total in the region.


India Today
14 hours ago
- India Today
Tom Cruise on admiring Keanu Reeves in The Matrix, John Wick: I dig those movies
Actor Tom Cruise praised 'John Wick' star Keanu Reeves for his charismatic presence and ability to feature in larger-than-life action films such as 'Speed' and 'The Matrix'. Cruise admitted that he looks up to these films and always calls Reeves to congratulate him whenever he features in a big 'Mission Impossible: 8' actor, in an interview with Extra TV, expressed admiration for the efforts Reeves puts into his work. He said, "I grew up with Keanu. You see 'Speed', you see 'The Matrix', and also what they did with the [John] 'Wick' franchise, and looking at that you're saying, look at how they captured the tone from that and that ability and charisma. I know what it takes to do that stuff so I always call him. I'm like, 'Hats off man, hats off,' and I dig those movies, I really love it."advertisementCruise had recently mentioned watching 'From The World of John Wick: Ballerina' featuring his rumoured girlfriend Ana De Armas in the lead role. During an interaction with social media influencer Javier Ibarreche at the London premiere of 'Mission Impossible: 8' Crusie said, "I just saw the movie - it kicks a**. It's right in that tone. I am so excited about that." The spin-off to the 'John Wick' series and is set against the backdrop of the events of 'John Wick: Chapter 3 - Parabellum' and Chapter 4. Eve Macarro, played by Armas, is a ballerina-assassin who trains in the assassin traditions of the Ruska Roma and sets out to exact revenge for her father's is currently receiving an overwhelming response from audiences about the final instalment of 'Mission Impossible' franchise. The actor recently posted a gratitude note to everyone for the historic success of his spy is looking forward to his next comedy with Mexican filmmaker Alejandro Gonzalez Inarritu, tentatively titled 'Judy.'Apart from a special appearance in 'From The World of John Wick: Ballerina', Reeves will also feature in the documentary, 'Wick is Pain' and Aziz Ansari's American comedy 'Good Fortune.'Trending Reel