Introduction – A Pirouette of Violence and Vengeance
Welcome to our Ballerina Movie Review, where we explore the deadliest ballet performance in Hollywood history. Forget delicate pointe shoes and graceful swans; Ana de Armas brings guns, grit, and gorgeous in this Ballerina Movie Review, the plot stands out for chaos in a John Wick spin-off that promises ballet but delivers bullets. If you’re reading this Ballerina Movie Review, you’re likely a Wickverse fan — and that’s good news. The question everyone is asking: Does Ballerina twirl its way into greatness or trip over the Wick-sized expectations? This Ballerina Movie Review dives into whether the John Wick spin-off lives up to the hype. Let’s find out.
The Plot – A Dance of Death Set in the Wickverse
Ballerina follows Rooney (Ana de Armas), a young assassin trained in the deadly art of dance, on a path of vengeance. After her family is brutally murdered, Rooney’s quest takes her deep into the murky world of the High Table — the very same universe John Wick almost burned down. Unlike Wick, whose motivation was avenging his dog, Rooney has an entire bloodline to avenge. More emotional stakes, more intensity, and yes, more headshots than your last FPS game.
The plot weaves elegance and brutality, balancing moments of eerie calm with explosive violence. It’s not Shakespeare, but it doesn’t have to be. Fans wanted revenge ballet — and they got it, with extra pirouettes of pain.
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Ana de Armas – The Deadliest Ballerina You’ll Ever See
Ana de Armas is the heart (and the broken ribs) of this movie. We’ve seen her charm in Knives Out and bring sultry menace in No Time to Die, but Ballerina proves she can lead an action franchise. Her transformation into Rooney feels authentic — you believe every kick, spin, and bullet drop. One reason this Ballerina Movie Review praises is the action of Ana de Armas
Unlike typical action heroines who just “look” dangerous, Ana moves like a dancer and kills like an assassin. There’s grace in every takedown, a poetry in her violence that feels both cinematic and savage. Honestly, if John Wick had a sister, she’d be Rooney.
Action & Cinematography – Gun-Fu Meets Grand Jeté
If you came here for action, buckle up. Ballerina borrows Wick’s stylish, neon-soaked visuals and cranks up the choreography. Our Ballerina Movie Review confirms that action fans will love the choreography. Director Len Wiseman (known for Underworld) ensures that every fight scene feels like a violent ballet recital. Think pirouettes with pistols, pas de bourrées with bloodshed.
Highlights include:
- The Dance Studio Showdown: Rooney takes out five killers mid-choreography — pirouette, pistol shot, headshot. Beautiful chaos.
- The Frozen Lake Fight: An homage to Swan Lake, except with knives and silenced guns. Breathtaking.
- The Hotel Continental Sequence: Yes, the iconic location makes a comeback, and it’s glorious.
Every frame screams style. The cinematography plays with shadows, mirrors, and symmetry, making the violence almost hypnotic.
Read More about Ballerina on IMDb
Supporting Cast – Reeves, Gibson & Cameos Galore
Yes, Keanu Reeves returns as John Wick in extended cameo sequences, reminding us why he’s the king of gun-fu. His mentorship moments with Rooney are subtle yet powerful — no cheesy dialogues, just pure Wick energy.
Then there’s Anjelica Huston reprising her role as the Director from John Wick: Chapter 3, and Ian McShane as Winston (because what’s Wickverse without him?). Surprisingly, Mel Gibson as the villain adds an old-school menace to the mix. Love him or hate him, his presence works.
What Works in Ballerina
✔ Ana de Armas steals the show — fierce, graceful, and believable.
✔ Jaw-dropping choreography that feels fresh in an action landscape drowning in mediocrity.
✔ Strong connection to the John Wick lore without feeling like a cash grab.
✔ Cinematography that makes violence look like art.
What Falls Flat
✖ The story is thin — revenge narrative 101. Don’t expect Shakespeare in stilettos.
✖ Pacing dips in Act 2; you might wish for fewer dialogues and more action.
✖ Gibson’s villain could’ve used more depth (he’s basically “Bad Guy No. 47”).
The Big Question – Is Ballerina Better Than Wick?
No. Let’s be real — dethroning John Wick is like trying to outshine Shah Rukh Khan at a romantic dialogue contest. But Ballerina is a worthy spin-off that expands the Wickverse without feeling like a filler. It’s a bloody ballet worth every pirouette.
Verdict – Should You Watch Ballerina?
Absolutely. If you love sleek, stylish action with a fresh female lead who can actually fight (and not just pose with guns), Ballerina deserves your time. It’s not perfect, but it’s bold, brutal, and breathtaking. To sum up this Ballerina Movie Review: Ana de Armas makes it a thrilling spin-off worth watching.
Our Rating: ★★★★☆ (4/5) – A dance of death you don’t want to miss.
FAQs About Ballerina
Q1. Is John Wick in Ballerina?
Yes, Keanu Reeves appears in extended cameo scenes, mentoring Rooney.
Q2. Do I need to watch John Wick before Ballerina?
Not mandatory, but highly recommended to understand the world-building.
Q3. Who directed Ballerina?
Len Wiseman, known for the Underworld series.
Q4. Is Ballerina part of the official John Wick timeline?
Yes, it takes place between John Wick: Chapter 3 and Chapter 4.
Q5. Is Ballerina worth watching in theaters?
Definitely! The visuals and action sequences deserve the big screen.
Q5. What is our verdict in this Ballerina Movie Review?
Ballerina is a stylish, adrenaline-pumping spin-off that successfully expands the John Wick universe without feeling like a cash grab. Ana de Armas delivers a powerhouse performance, blending elegance and lethal precision in every scene.