Ballerina first reactions: John Wick spin-off hailed as a ‘worthy addition' to franchise with ‘mind-blowing' action
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
Time of India
2 hours ago
- Time of India
Malayalam star's accent 'concerned' Oscar-winning director; asked him to undergo unpaid training in US
' Didn't Feel The Fire' Reports About Tom Cruise Link Malayalam star Fahadh Faasil recently disclosed that he had once been approached for an international project helmed by Academy Award-winning filmmaker Alejandro González Iñárritu, known for acclaimed works such as The Revenant and Birdman. In an interview with Cue Studio, the actor revealed that discussions had progressed to a video call with the director, but the collaboration did not move explained that the issue came down to his accent. According to him, Iñárritu had suggested that in order to perfect it, he would need to stay in the United States for three to four months. However, the arrangement required him to bear the expenses himself, as the team was not willing to pay for the training period. The actor admitted that while many in his position would have accepted the opportunity, he did not feel strongly enough to commit to such a demanding process solely to adjust his actor clarified that it was not a case of outright rejection but rather a mismatch between expectations. He said the director likely realised during their conversation that he was not the right fit for the role. Fahadh reflected that he has faced similar situations before, where potential projects did not materialise after initial meetings. He stressed that he did not regret the decision, pointing out that he did not feel the required passion or 'fire' to make the of viewing the missed opportunity as a setback, Fahadh expressed gratitude for his career in Malayalam cinema . He emphasised that all the defining moments of his life as an actor have come from the industry in Kerala. For him, any significant creative transformation or breakthrough should also originate from Malayalam films rather than from outside. He added that he does not see himself leaving the region in search of such Fahadh did not specify the project in question, several media reports suggested that the film could be Iñárritu's upcoming project starring Tom Cruise, which is slated for release in 2026. The film reportedly features a global ensemble cast, including Sandra Hüller, John Goodman, Jesse Plemons, Riz Ahmed, and Sophie the home front, Fahadh continues to be one of the most respected names in contemporary Indian cinema. Known for acclaimed performances in films like Maheshinte Prathikaaram, 22 Female Kottayam, Varathan, and Aavesham, he has built a reputation for seamlessly balancing commercial and content-driven cinema. He was most recently seen in Maareesan and is preparing for the release of Odum Kuthira Chadum Kuthira, directed by Althaf Salim, which arrives in theatres on August 29. The film also stars Kalyani Priyadarshan, Lal, Vinay Forrt, Revathi Pillai, and Anuraj O.B.
Economic Times
2 days ago
- Economic Times
Is it a snub? Tom Cruise rejects Trump's 2025 Kennedy Center honors, cites this as the reason
Tom Cruise, one of Hollywood's most iconic and bankable stars, has reportedly turned down an offer to receive a Kennedy Center Honor in 2025 a year when the high-profile event is being shaped under the direct guidance of President Donald Trump. According to The Washington Post , Cruise declined the recognition due to 'scheduling conflicts,' though the actor has not publicly remarked on the stance. The Kennedy Center Honors, traditionally organized by the institution's board, are now widely influenced by Trump after his recent appointment as its chairman earlier this year. In his latest announcement, Trump revealed the 2025 recipients: country music great George Strait, rock band KISS, Broadway veteran Michael Crawford, disco queen Gloria Gaynor, and action icon Sylvester Stallone. Notably missing from the lineup was Tom Cruise, as his participation would have arguably delivered the ceremony its biggest mainstream draw. Trump has stated openly that he played an active role in curating the list, even admitting that he personally excluded certain names he deemed 'too woke.' His remarks have further fueled debates about political influence in a ceremony historically intended to honor artistic achievement beyond partisan boundaries. Although Cruise's representatives attribute his decision to prior commitments, industry insiders point out that the actor's calendar is indeed filled. He is actively promoting Mission: Impossible – The Final Reckoning and is speculated to be developing Top Gun 3 . However, observers claim the political scenario surrounding this year's event could have influenced his decision. Throughout his career, Cruise has long maintained a careful public image that avoids explicit political association. Participating in a Trump-led cultural event could have ignited speculation about his political opinions, an outcome the actor may have been keen to ignore. By citing scheduling conflicts, Cruise maintains a neutral stance for avoiding the figures have turned down Kennedy Center Honors and similar awards before when the events have political interventions. In earlier years, stars like Mel Brooks and other entertainers have quietly declined invitations when ceremonies were hosted under politically charged scenarios.Q1. Who is Tom Cruise? A1. Tom Cruise is an American actor and producer known for blockbuster films like Top Gun and the Mission: Impossible series. He is considered one of Hollywood's most successful and highest-paid stars.Q2. What are the Kennedy Center Honors? A2. The Kennedy Center Honors recognize individuals for lifetime contributions to American culture through the performing arts. They are awarded annually by the John F. Kennedy Center for the Performing Arts in Washington, D.C.
Time of India
2 days ago
- Time of India
Is it a snub? Tom Cruise rejects Trump's 2025 Kennedy Center honors, cites this as the reason
Tom Cruise , one of Hollywood 's most iconic and bankable stars, has reportedly turned down an offer to receive a Kennedy Center Honor in 2025 a year when the high-profile event is being shaped under the direct guidance of President Donald Trump . According to The Washington Post , Cruise declined the recognition due to 'scheduling conflicts,' though the actor has not publicly remarked on the stance. The Kennedy Center Honors , traditionally organized by the institution's board, are now widely influenced by Trump after his recent appointment as its chairman earlier this year. Trump's List of Honorees In his latest announcement, Trump revealed the 2025 recipients: country music great George Strait , rock band KISS, Broadway veteran Michael Crawford, disco queen Gloria Gaynor, and action icon Sylvester Stallone. Notably missing from the lineup was Tom Cruise, as his participation would have arguably delivered the ceremony its biggest mainstream draw. by Taboola by Taboola Sponsored Links Sponsored Links Promoted Links Promoted Links You May Like Dementia and Memory Issues Have Been Linked To a Common Habit. Do You Do It? Memory Research Click Here Undo Trump has stated openly that he played an active role in curating the list, even admitting that he personally excluded certain names he deemed 'too woke.' His remarks have further fueled debates about political influence in a ceremony historically intended to honor artistic achievement beyond partisan boundaries. Why Cruise Might Have Said No Although Cruise's representatives attribute his decision to prior commitments, industry insiders point out that the actor's calendar is indeed filled. He is actively promoting Mission: Impossible – The Final Reckoning and is speculated to be developing Top Gun 3 . However, observers claim the political scenario surrounding this year's event could have influenced his decision. Live Events Throughout his career, Cruise has long maintained a careful public image that avoids explicit political association. Participating in a Trump-led cultural event could have ignited speculation about his political opinions, an outcome the actor may have been keen to ignore. By citing scheduling conflicts, Cruise maintains a neutral stance for avoiding the controversy. Hollywood's History of Declining Honors High-profile figures have turned down Kennedy Center Honors and similar awards before when the events have political interventions. In earlier years, stars like Mel Brooks and other entertainers have quietly declined invitations when ceremonies were hosted under politically charged scenarios. FAQs: Q1. Who is Tom Cruise? A1. Tom Cruise is an American actor and producer known for blockbuster films like Top Gun and the Mission: Impossible series. He is considered one of Hollywood's most successful and highest-paid stars. Q2. What are the Kennedy Center Honors? A2. The Kennedy Center Honors recognize individuals for lifetime contributions to American culture through the performing arts. They are awarded annually by the John F. Kennedy Center for the Performing Arts in Washington, D.C.
