From The World Of John Wick: Ballerina Blu-ray Review
Not even Ana de Armas can save ‘Ballerina.’
Taking place between “John Wick: Chapter 3- Parabellum” and “John Wick: Chapter 4,” “From The World Of John Wick: Ballerina” is a spin-off film centering around the character Eve Macarro. As a child, Eve’s assassin father was killed by an assassin cult led by the Chancellor. Eve enlists in the Ruska Roma in which the members are ballerina dancers and assassins. For years she trains and eventually becomes known as the Kikimora. However, Kikimora has one thing on her mind- revenge for her father. The matter is complicated by the fact that The Cult and the Ruska Roma have a truce, but will that stop her?
Eve meets a Cultist named Daniel Pine who turns out to be escaping the Cult in order to protect his daughter Ella, but Ella soon becomes taken by the Cult. Eve is eventually led to the Cult’s base in Hallstatt where she discovers a family secret, comes face to face with the Chancellor, finds Ella, and gets an ally in John Wick himself (he’s all over the marketing, folks).
Directed by Len Wiseman and scripted by Shay Hatten, “From The World Of John: Ballerina” is proof that there is such a thing as too much action. Much like “John Wick: Chapter 4,” ‘Ballerina’ is a relentlessly exhausting action movie. When your eyes start to glaze over at the action after a while, you know something is wrong. Sure, the flame thrower sequences in the final act are ridiculously over-the-top and fun (and are the best part of the entire movie), but the rest of the action is just downright tiresome violence and gun-fu. Is the franchise simply running out of steam? Perhaps, but it also feels like this spin-off didn’t bring enough new ideas to the table (while also borrowing from “Black Widow” a bit too). It doesn’t help that it features several familiar faces with Keanu Reeves, Ian McShane and the late Lance Reddick. Yes, the cameos may be a thrill to fans of the Wick universe, but it would have been nice to get more characterization and stronger new characters to latch on to instead of relying on what we have all seen before.
However one may feel about ‘Ballerina,’ there’s no denying that Ana de Armas is now a bonafide action movie star. From her scene-stealing sequence in “No Time To Die” to her incredible physical performance in ‘Ballerina,’ the actress goes all out here as the badass vengeful and resourceful Eve. It’s just a shame she didn’t have better material to work with. In terms of the new cast additions, Anjelica Huston is a welcome one as Ruska Roma Director. Norman Reedus could have used more scenes as Daniel Pine. Gabriel Byrne is a solid villain as the Chancellor.
Video/Audio:
Presentation: 2.39:1 1080p. How does it look? Viewers can expect a sharp hi-def transfer. Note: This title is also available on 4K .
Audio Track: Dolby Atmos. How does it sound? Every punch and bullet fired packs a punch with this Atmos track.
Extras:
* Digital copy
* DVD copy
* 7 deleted/extended scenes
* Theatrical trailer
* “The Making Of Ballerina” contains film clips, set footage, cast and crew interviews, and story and character discussions.
* “Building A Frozen Underworld” primarily covers the sets and locations.
* “The Art Of Action” is all about the action choreography and stunts.
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