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

Comments

Nobody 2 (2025)

Nobody 2 comes with a change in creative leadership, as Timo Tjahjanto takes over directing duties from Ilya Naishuller . The difference is noticeable, with the sequel lacking the same energy and spark that made the first film stand out. The script, written by Aaron Rabin , suffers from uneven pacing and tonal issues. While he avoids some of the pitfalls that bogged down his work on Marvel’s Secret Invasion , his late-game writing choices undercut the story’s tension and credibility. Bob Odenkirk once again commits to his role, doing the best he can with a weaker script. His physicality and dry delivery still make him a compelling lead, but the film doesn’t give him much new ground to cover. You'll remember Bob from Better Call Saul and Breaking Bad . Connie Nielsen is underwritten, with her character lacking individuality or meaningful development. She feels more like a placeholder than a partner to Odenkirk’s character, which is disappointing given her talent. You'll r...

Americana (2025)

Americana (2025) is written and directed by Tony Tost , best known for his work on Longmire . His approach here focuses more on character work than plot, with the script itself being serviceable but not remarkable. Still, it provides a strong platform for the cast to showcase their abilities. Sydney Sweeney delivers an impressive performance as a waitress with a stutter, bringing nuance and empathy to a role that could have easily felt one-note. It’s one of her more grounded performances and a highlight of the film. You'll remember Syd from her American Eagle commercial. Halsey is nearly unrecognizable in her role, playing with a fierceness that stands out and proves her versatility outside of music. Her presence commands attention whenever she’s on screen. I was first introduced to her from MGK 's music video Forget Me Too. Eric Dane takes on a villain role and succeeds at being thoroughly hate-able, leaning into his darker side effectively. His work gives the film muc...

Barbarian (2022)

Barbarian is about a woman staying at an AirBnB and discovers that there is more to the house she has rented than what was expected. Written and Directed by Zach Cregger, Barbarian is the third film behind Miss March and The Civil War on Drugs. Both were forgettable and both were before Cregger knew really how to direct. This change is night and day, almost like how Ben Affleck made the switch over from doing Gili in 2003 to The Town in 2010. The writing is just shy of great. A great horror film will keep you wondering just how things will end. There certainly were moments I was wondering just how Cregger would end this film. There are some predictable scenes and certain directorial choices make you believe for a second that something else is happening entirely. There is one scene of exposition I despised and didn't help the storyline at all except pander to audiences that aren't intelligent. Georgina Campbell plays Tess, the main character. She is expressive and carries the ...

Movies, Film, and Chili

Search This Blog