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From the World of John Wick: Ballerina (2025)

 

From the World of John Wick: Ballerina follows a trained assassin seeking revenge in the familiar but slightly off-center world of Wick's underground.

Directed by Len Wiseman, best known for Underworld and Live Free or Die Hard, the film has his usual stylized flair. It feels just different enough from the mainline Wick entries to stand on its own. There’s still that slick gun-fu and neon-drenched worldbuilding, but with a touch more grace and a little less grit. Wiseman’s touch gives it personality without straying too far from the formula.

Ana de Armas, coming off action-heavy roles in No Time to Die and The Gray Man, does a great job handling the physicality. The choreography doesn’t pretend she’s stronger than her frame allows. Instead, she’s thrown around like Peter Parker, flipping, dodging, and surviving through skill and speed. It’s refreshing to see an action film acknowledge size and weight realistically. She’s believable, stylish, and focused.

Keanu Reeves and Ian McShane reprise their roles from the John Wick franchise. Reeves brings the same quiet intensity that he’s known for from both The Matrix and Wick films, while McShane, always composed and calculating, slides right back into Winston with ease. Their appearances feel earned and never forced, acting more like connective tissue than distractions.

Norman Reedus, best known for The Walking Dead and The Boondock Saints, is a strong addition. He plays his role with that same grimy charm he’s known for and fits into the world effortlessly. He’s got a presence that hints at something bigger, and if there’s a sequel, he’s a solid foundation to build on.

Sharon Duncan-Brewster, known for Dune, doesn’t land the same way. Her performance feels flat and detached. In a movie full of sharp edges and deliberate style, she’s the only piece that doesn’t quite click.

It's another Wick film. Result: B

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