
‘Ballerina' movie review: Ana de Armas is spectacular in a middling ‘John Wick' spin-off
Ballerina begins by telling us who Eve is, and the film justifiably takes the necessary time for this crucial backstory. After Chancellor (Gabriel Byrne), the vicious leader of the Cult, killed her father, a young Eve (Victoria Comte) trains to become a ballerina assassin with the Ruska Roma in New York, under the care of the Director (Anjelica Huston, reprising her character from John Wick: Chapter 3) and Nogi (Sharon Duncan-Brewster), a mentor at the establishment. 12 years later, Eve is a killing machine who, as one would expect, crosses paths with the Cultists who killed her father and seeks vengeance, a quest that introduces us to an unknown world where it seems like Eve might be out of her depths.
From here, director Len Wiseman's film, written by John Wick 3 & 4 scribe Shay Hatten, goes full throttle as we flip through some grand action set pieces. Be it the fight sequence inside The Continental (where we are introduced to Norman Reedus' Daniel Pine, whose story further pushes Eve to seek vengeance) or the long climactic sequence in a snowy riverside village, there's seamless and innovative action choreography. However, what truly sells this action is how Armas' Eve is written.
Right at the beginning, Nogi teaches Eve to embrace her slight frame and the weaknesses she naturally carries. And so, Eve relies upon speed, spatial awareness, fluid body movements and impeccable accuracy. While she struggles to best her enemies initially, she finds her peak momentum during a spectacular fight at an ammunition store, and it's quite riveting to see an assassin who grows into herself. It also helps that Armas plays Eve with a perceptible wide-eyedness. A ballerina key toy becomes a symbol of how Eve looks at her life under the Ruska Roma. She yearns for freedom and to win over her fate, as she tells John Wick in a scene, but also to seek the truth of what happened to her father (interestingly, her Latin tattoo translates to 'Light amidst darkness,' while her father's tattoo denoted self-conquest).
'From the World of John Wick: Ballerina' (English)
Director: Len Wiseman
Cast: Ana de Armas, Keanu Reeves, Gabriel Byrne, Catalina Sandino Moreno, and Norman Reedus
Runtime: 125 minutes
Storyline: A young assassin takes on a secret cult to avenge her father's death
The issue with Ballerina is that, in attempting to stay true to the world of John Wick while also carving an identity of its own, the film falls in line with the notion many confuse John Wick to be: a trigger-happy adrenaline junky's wet dream. John Wick is more; these were narratives propelled by the rage, grief and world-weariness behind Keanu Reeves' sulky, cold eyes. There's very little of that going for Ballerina, as Armas' character is thrust into action set pieces even before she can hold control of the frames.
While it is unfair to wish Eve fit like a glove in a world John took four films to get accustomed to, Ballerina's attempts at establishing the dynamics between the protagonist and the secondary characters, like Winston, the Director, or even the Chancellor, are hardly effective; all we get are some juvenile exchanges.
Surely, one cannot pit a two-hour film against a three-episode series when it comes to character development, but the thought of characters from The Continentaldoes arise, especially when you meet the present-day Winston (Ian McShane) and Charon (the late Lance Reddick). Also, if that series moved away from Chad Stahelski's John Wick films, Ballerina attempts to be at the more pulpier extreme.
The simplicity of the plot isn't the question here — the John Wick films didn't work for their plot — but a lack of ambition. It's absurd how contrived and convenient the world of Ballerina seems for the newbie protagonist. She fights hundreds of Cultists with guns and flamethrowers, uses ice-skating shoes as shurikens, and throws grenades in close quarters (and somehow keeps her head), and while all that riveting action impresses you in the moment, the effect hardly lingers.
Instead, what you are left wondering is how John Wick's appearance fits into the larger scheme of things, since the film is set between the events of the third and fourth John Wick films. Seems like John somehow found time for this side quest even when he was declared excommunicado.
From the World of John Wick: Ballerina is currently running in theatres
Hashtags

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


Economic Times
4 hours ago
- Economic Times
Inside Eve Jobs' lavish $6.7million wedding to Harry Charles: Kamala Harris, Elton John confirmed guests
Agencies The extravagant wedding- rumoured to come at a hefty price tag of £5million - will take place over four days, starting on Wednesday Apple founder Steve Jobs' daughter Eve is all set to tie the knot in a dreamy $6.7 million wedding this week, New York Post reported. Eve Jobs is all set to marry Harry Charles, a British Olympian, well-known name in the equestrian Jobs will marry the Olympic equestrian gold-medalist fiancé at the stunning Estelle Manor country hotel set at Eynsham Hall, boasting family friend Kamala Harris on the guest list and a performance by Elton grounds of Estelle Manor, where rooms start at £795, is the scene of major preparations - while some guests are believed to be staying at the and the celebrity-famous Soho Farmhouse nearby. ALSO READ: Venus Williams announces engagement with Andrea Preti: Is she richer than her sister Serena? Check details Eve Jobs, 27, who once was named by society bible Tatler as one of its 'new generation of It Girls', and sportsman Harry, 26, got engaged last September. The two began dating in 2022, making their debut just a year ago at the Paris Olympic Games. The extravagant wedding- rumoured to come at a hefty price tag of £5million - will take place over four days, starting on Wednesday. And on the guestlist are a mixture of British sports stars, American politicians and even a sprinkling of US Vice President Kamala Harris is tipped to be among the VIP guests, with Sir Elton John reportedly set to be performing - for a rumoured fee of £1million - and even Princess Beatrice expected to attend, reports The Daily READ: Elon Musk's Tesla diner has robots serving popcorn, cybertruck food boxes and 66ft movie screens. Check full list of menu Also making the VIP guestlist are Kamala's daughter Phoebe and Bill Gates's daughter Jennifer, according to US media reports. They will be joined by celebrities including Arctic Monkeys star Matt Helders, Bruce Springsteen's daughter Jessica - an equestrian, Apple designer Jony Ive, Sofia Abramovich, daughter of ex-Chelsea owner Roman. Though details regarding Jobs' wedding looks have been kept under wraps this far, many have speculated that the blushing bride will opt for a unique couture gown for the main event. Last month, the 27-year-old jetted off to Capri for a lavish Italian bachelorette weekend — alongside close friends like Olympian Eileen Gu, and fellow Stanford fiancé's sister, Scarlett, and mother, Tara, also attended the glam girls' getaway. ALSO READ: $1,390 Stimulus check in 2025: Do Americans need to pay tax on the amount and who needs to apply? Born in 1998, Eve is the youngest daughter of Steve Jobs. She has two older siblings, Erin and Reed. She also has a half-sibling, is an established equestrian and has graduated from Stanford. Eve, despite maintaining a low profile since childhood, shared a Glossier ad she was part of in 2020, opposite Sydney Sweeney and Naomi Smalls. Eve reportedly ranks 5th out of 1000 best riders under 25, across the world. Eve is estimated to have an individual net worth of between $500,000 and $1 million. ALSO READ: Ozzy Osbourne's massive wealth exposed: How did the legendary rockstar make $220 million?Since graduating from Standford University, Eve Jobs has walked Paris Fashion Week runways for luxury labels like Coperni, competed in equestrian World Cup Finals and followed in her mother's philanthropic footsteps. Jobs is currently signed with DNA Model Management. In recent years, she has appeared on the cover of Vogue Japan — as well as a splashy Louis Vuitton campaign. Notably, the offspring of the late tech titan Steve Jobs will not inherit the Apple architect's billions, it has been widely reported.


India.com
4 hours ago
- India.com
Steve Jobs' daughter Eve to marry olympian Harry Charles in Lavish British countryside wedding, Here's all you need to know
Eve Jobs, daughter of late Apple co-founder Steve Jobs, is set to marry Olympic gold medallist Harry Charles this week in a grand $6.7 million celebration in the British countryside, according to The New York Post . The event is expected to have the presence of a high-profile guest list, including U.S. Vice President Kamala Harris and music legend Elton John. The event is being orchestrated by celebrity event planner Stanlee Gatti and the luxury wedding firm 'I do.' Preparations are reportedly going on in rural Oxfordshire, wherein the area is already in news due to the proximity of the event. Eve Jobs Wedding Guest List Alongside Kamala Harris who shares a close friendship with Laurene Powell Jobs, Eve's mother, other notable attendees are expected, including equestrian Jessica Springsteen, Arctic Monkeys drummer Matt Helders, and Princess Beatrice. Elton John is reportedly set to perform during the celebrations. 'The wedding is being planned like a military operation. Guests are arriving throughout the week, with the main celebrations kicking off on Thursday'', claimed media reports Eve's siblings, Reed (33) and Erin (29), are expected to attend. However there is no guarantee about her half-sister, Lisa Brennan-Jobs presence. Eve Jobs Education Eve, 27, graduated from Stanford University where her parents first met. She started her career in high fashion. Represented by DNA Model Management, she has walked for luxury labels like Coperni during Paris Fashion Week and has graced the cover of Vogue Japan , in addition to starring in a Louis Vuitton campaign. Her fiancé, Harry Charles, is a decorated equestrian who competed at the 2024 Summer Olympics in Paris, where the couple made their first public appearance together. Eve Jobs Wedding Look Eve celebrated her weekend in Capri, Italy, joined by close friends like Olympian Eileen Gu, fellow Stanford alumni, and future in-laws Scarlett and Tara Charles. While her wedding gown is under wraps, fashion insiders expect her to choose a one-of-a-kind couture piece for the ceremony.


Time of India
4 hours ago
- Time of India
The Hunger Games: Sunrise on the Reaping set to release in 2026; Date, full cast, plot & key details revealed
Lionsgate has officially announced that The Hunger Games : Sunrise on the Reaping , the latest prequel in the blockbuster dystopian franchise, will hit theaters worldwide on November 20, 2026, bringing audiences back to Panem for a deeper look at one of the series' most enigmatic characters: Haymitch Abernathy . Based on Suzanne Collins ' 2025 bestselling novel of the same name, the film chronicles the events of the 50th Hunger Games, also known as the Second Quarter Quell, and offers a gripping origin story of the man who would later mentor Katniss Everdeen. Explore courses from Top Institutes in Please select course: Select a Course Category others healthcare CXO Artificial Intelligence Cybersecurity MBA Data Science Degree Finance MCA Technology Healthcare Product Management Operations Management Others Public Policy Design Thinking PGDM Data Analytics Data Science Project Management Digital Marketing Leadership Management Skills you'll gain: Duration: 16 Weeks Indian School of Business CERT - ISB Cybersecurity for Leaders Program India Starts on undefined Get Details 'In Sunrise on the Reaping, Collins continues her exploration of propaganda and power, this time through the eyes of a 16-year-old Haymitch,' Lionsgate said in a statement earlier this week. 'It's a story of brutality, survival, and the cost of becoming a victor.' From page to screen, again Francis Lawrence , who directed Catching Fire and the Mockingjay films, returns to helm the prequel, while screenwriter Billy Ray adapts the script. The book, released in March 2025, topped bestseller charts in multiple countries and sold more than 1.5 million copies in its first week. Live Events Set 24 years before the original trilogy, the story follows Haymitch as he is reaped into a deadly arena that's twice the size of any previous Games. Collins has cited the 18th-century Scottish philosopher David Hume as inspiration, particularly his work on the 'fragility of trust in perceived reality during societal collapse.' A powerhouse ensemble cast Lionsgate has assembled an all-star cast for the film, with rising actor Joseph Zada portraying a young Haymitch. Whitney Peak, known for Gossip Girl, plays Lenore Dove, while McKenna Grace steps into the role of Maysilee Donner, a tribute fans will recognize from Haymitch's haunting recollections. Rounding out the cast: Ralph Fiennes as President Snow Jesse Plemons as Plutarch Heavensbee (taking over the role originated by Philip Seymour Hoffman) Elle Fanning as a young Effie Trinket Maya Hawke as Wiress Kelvin Harrison Jr. as Beetee Kieran Culkin as Caesar Flickerman Billy Porter as Gamemaker Magno Stift Glenn Close as Drusilla Sickle The challenge of casting without a script Casting the film posed a unique challenge. At the time casting began, neither the book nor the screenplay was available. 'We had to rely on character breakdowns and instinct,' casting director Debra Zane told Teen Vogue. 'It was unlike any project I've worked on.' Producer Nina Jacobson, who has overseen every film in the franchise, praised the final selections: 'Once the manuscript came in, everything clicked. These actors didn't just fit the characters visually, they became them.' The Hunger Games franchise has grossed more than $3 billion worldwide, and with Sunrise on the Reaping, Lionsgate appears poised to reignite the phenomenon for a new generation. 'It's not just a return to the arena,' Lawrence said in a recent interview. 'It's a return to the soul of Panem.'