Starting with part 2 they expanded the Wick Universe by creating a concept called the High Table with its arcane rules and extreme sense of justice. This has gone some way to supplying a backbone to the story arc and they have leaned into this in every film since. With Ballerina it barely generates a mention and it’s a sad absence because this work is very light on dynamics and story.

Ana de Armas is fine as the main character Eve and her ability in the fight scenes is engaging and exhilarating. But we learn so little about her life or her motivations. Those moments of exposition are sadly missing and would have given the audience a breather to help build anticipation for the next fight scene and provide a path to the person under the persona.

The fight scenes do stand out as Eve’s technique of using any and all available items as weapons is quite a departure from Wick’s modus operandi. No one can argue the motivation behind Wick’s explosion of violence but Eve’s is not as clearly defined. Setting almost every fight scene in dark surroundings also blunts the impact. Taken in the context of the Wick Universe, it’s a worthwhile view but as a solo work not so much.
Rob Hudson
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From the World of John Wick: Ballerina stars Ana de Armas, Anjelica Huston, Gabriel Byrne, Lance Reddick, Catalina Sandino Moreno, Norman Reedus, with Ian McShane, and Keanu Reeves.

From the World of John Wick: Ballerina is coming to Australian cinemas on June 5, 2025
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After a chance encounter at a local bar, strong-willed Kathy (Jodie Comer) is inextricably drawn to Benny (Austin Butler), the newest member of Midwestern motorcycle club, the Vandals led by the enigmatic Johnny (Tom Hardy).

Much like the country around it, the club begins to evolve, transforming from a gathering place for local outsiders into a dangerous underworld of violence, forcing Benny to choose between Kathy and his loyalty to the club.
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Seen through the lives of its members, the club evolves over the course of a decade from a gathering place for local outsiders into a more sinister gang, threatening the original group’s unique way of life.

Starring Austin Butler, Jodie Comer, and Tom Hardy, Michael Shannon, Mike Faist, with Norman Reedus is coming to cinemas July 4!
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