Ballerina (2025) Movie Movies4u

The John Wick universe expands with Ballerina, a thrilling spinoff that brings fresh energy to the beloved action franchise. Directed by Len Wiseman and starring Ana de Armas in the lead role, this 2025 release takes audiences on a revenge-fueled journey through the same stylized world of assassins.

The film features an impressive ensemble cast including Keanu Reeves reprising his iconic role as John Wick, alongside Ian McShane and Anjelica Huston. Set within the intricate underworld of the Continental Hotel, Ballerina serves as both a spinoff and spiritual successor to the John Wick films.

Ballerina Movie Actors

Plot and Storyline

The story centers around Eve Macarro, whose life is shattered when her father, a member of the Ruska Roma crime syndicate, is murdered. Trained in the deadly arts of assassination from a young age, Eve embarks on a relentless quest for revenge.

The screenplay weaves together multiple storylines, connecting Eve’s personal vendetta with larger conflicts within the assassin community. The film explores themes of family, loyalty, and the cost of violence while maintaining the breakneck pace audiences expect.

Cast Performance

Ana de Armas delivers a powerhouse performance as Eve Macarro, proving she can carry an action franchise with intensity and charisma. Her portrayal balances the character’s lethal skills with emotional depth, creating a protagonist who is both sympathetic and terrifying.

Keanu Reeves’ return as John Wick provides crucial continuity and gravitas to the film. Ian McShane reprises his role as Winston with characteristic wit, while Anjelica Huston returns as the Director, bringing depth to the Ruska Roma storyline.

Direction and Cinematography

Director Len Wiseman brings his experience with stylized action cinema to the John Wick universe. His direction maintains the franchise’s signature aesthetic while introducing his own visual flourishes and pacing.

The film’s action sequences are meticulously choreographed and shot with attention to detail that made the original films legendary. Wiseman creates visually stunning set pieces that showcase de Armas’ physicality while maintaining the franchise’s commitment to practical effects.

Critical Reception and Ratings

Ballerina received generally positive reviews from critics. On Rotten Tomatoes, 76% of 241 critics gave positive reviews, though this places it as the second-lowest score in the franchise.

However, the film performed significantly better with audiences, with Ballerina holding the record for the highest-rated Rotten Tomatoes audience score for the John Wick franchise. The film earned a 7.3 rating on IMDb, indicating solid audience appreciation.

Box Office Performance

The film earned $3.75 million from Thursday previews and debuted to $24.5 million, finishing second behind Lilo & Stitch. The film grossed $57 million worldwide, representing solid performance for a spinoff film.

The international box office showed particular strength, with audiences embracing Ana de Armas’ take on the assassin world. The performance indicates strong appetite for more stories in this universe.

What I Liked

I found Ballerina’s action sequences to be the film’s greatest strength, maintaining the franchise’s reputation for innovative choreography. Ana de Armas proves herself more than capable of anchoring an action franchise, bringing both physical prowess and emotional depth.

The integration of ballet elements into fight choreography creates unique and memorable action moments that feel fresh. I appreciated how the film successfully expands the mythology of the John Wick universe without feeling disconnected from the main series.

The production values remain high throughout, with excellent practical effects and set pieces that maintain the franchise’s visual standards. The return of key franchise players helps ground the new story effectively.

Areas for Improvement

While Ballerina delivers on action, I felt the revenge plot was somewhat formulaic. The story beats are predictable, and the film occasionally feels like it’s following a template rather than breaking new ground.

I noticed pacing issues that slow down momentum, particularly in the middle act where the film balances character development with action. Some quieter moments feel less confident than the action sequences.

The film’s runtime could have been tightened, with some subplot elements feeling underdeveloped. Certain elements feel like setup for future films rather than serving the current story.

Technical Excellence

The film’s sound design and musical score maintain high standards set by the franchise. The gunplay sounds visceral while hand-to-hand combat has appropriate weight and impact.

Costume design deserves special mention for incorporating both ballet elegance and practical action needs. The weapon design and choreography continue the franchise tradition of making violence feel both beautiful and deadly.

Final Verdict

From the World of John Wick: Ballerina succeeds as entertaining action cinema that expands the beloved franchise while introducing a compelling new protagonist. While it may not reach the heights of the best John Wick films, it offers spectacular action and strong performances.

Ana de Armas proves herself worthy of carrying the franchise forward, and the film opens interesting possibilities for future stories. The movie delivers what audiences expect – stylized violence, innovative choreography, and practical effects over CGI spectacle.

For action movie fans and John Wick lovers, Ballerina provides a worthy addition that maintains core appeal while successfully expanding scope. It’s a film that knows exactly what it wants to be and delivers with style and conviction.