From the World of John Wick: Ballerina

⭐️ ⭐️ ⭐️ 1/2 (out of 5 stars)

John Wick conjures up a range of responses and emotions from fans worldwide. In the decade since the former assassin was introduced, he has garnered an unprecedented following of people from all walks of life. The magic spun by director Chad Stahelski and writer Derek Kolstad has become a cinematic icon that rivals James Bond and Jason Bourne. Yet, as Lionsgate looks to spin off the series with new characters existing within this dark, hitman-inspired world, they need to tread lightly to honour the ethos of this franchise.

Thus, Eve Macarro (Ana de Armas) enters this environment mid-franchise between the storylines of John Wick: Chapter 3 – Parabellum and John Wick: Chapter 4. An orphan who comes under the protection of Winston Scott (Ian McShane) and Ruska Roma's Director (Anjelica Huston) as a child rises through the dance company's ranks, fronting as a training ground for specially trained assassins. Yet, throughout her life and training, Eve's goal is to avenge the death of her father (David Castañeda), who was killed protecting her from the Tribe leader, The Chancellor (Gabriel Byrne).

Underworld series director Len Wiseman takes the helm of this beloved franchise and does his best to hold onto all that made it Uniquely memorable while giving it a fresh spin. The combination of the seminal characters mentioned, including the Concierge (Lance Reddick - in his final screen appearance), helps the story to feel grounded in a world of rules and order amongst a band of killers. The biggest challenge for fans to back this chapter is being convinced that Ana de Armas can fill the shoes of Keanu Reeves. Thankfully, everyone can be put at ease as Shay Hatten's script keeps her from taking over the series and merely coming alongside the Baba Yaga.

The Cuban-born actress has the skills to perform the action sequences in commanding form. She shows she can convincingly shoulder the role. Yet, one noticeable difference from the rest of the films is that despite being labelled as the Ballerina, there is less elegance in the fight sequences. This becomes exceptionally apparent when John Wick makes his rare cameo and shows everyone how this action was meant to be done. Still, the choreography will satisfy audiences, especially during the most notable scene involving flamethrowers.

Ballerina may be a shadow of the character that inspired this franchise. In the end, this one still packs the punches needed to entertain the most devoted fans or those joining the party. A new chapter that does less to replace the towering influence of John Wick, instead learning from the master and making her own story.

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Reel Dialogue: Eve’s yearning for knowledge

One of the most poignant scenes in the film was the interchange between Eve and Winston Scott as she yearned to know the identity of her father's killer. Winston's answer was compelling as he said, "Ah, this is where we got into trouble at the beginning of time. Eve wanting knowledge that she shouldn't seek."

This quippy one-liner may not warrant a second listen, except that it shows how history bears repeating itself. Also, the Bible proves that the human condition hasn't changed since the beginning of time. When Eve believed the lie that she needed to eat from the Tree of the Knowledge of Good and Evil. The film shows what the Ballerina would do with her knowledge and how it would fuel her desire to enact her own form of justice.

Still, the quote reminds us how our selfish desires can lead us down the path to destruction rather than seeking God and his path to life.

Genesis 3: 2-7 (ESV) - The woman said to the serpent, “We may eat fruit from the trees in the garden, 3 but God did say, ‘You must not eat fruit from the tree that is in the middle of the garden, and you must not touch it, or you will die.’” 4 “You will not certainly die,” the serpent said to the woman. 5 “For God knows that when you eat from it your eyes will be opened, and you will be like God, knowing good and evil.” 6 When the woman saw that the fruit of the tree was good for food and pleasing to the eye, and also desirable for gaining wisdom, she took some and ate it. She also gave some to her husband, who was with her, and he ate it. 7 Then the eyes of both of them were opened, and they realized they were naked; so they sewed fig leaves together and made coverings for themselves.

Why not get the conversation started and bring the Third Space Discussion Guide - Justice to your next film screening.

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