Ballerina – Movie Reviews by Ry!

Ballerina – A Dance of Blood and Revenge: I am an Assassin

The power of cinema is defined by many things.  From the invisible pull on the heart to the clasp of one’s imagination, films provide a place for endless possibilities.  It is through a visual journey that the unrecognizable becomes astute in its indelible escape.  That feeling an individual gets is personal, but the everlasting effects can be worth the memories.  In this review, I look at the latest action film to hit the big screen.  In a spin off, we follow an assassin on a tale of blood and destruction.  Even with a predictable premise, Ballerina is an intuitive spin in the familiar trail of action and revenge.

In a world of organized assassins, one will head on a path of destruction … hoping to achieve vengeance.  In the idea of defined parameters, action films become a sandbox of accepted circumstances.  Any story in this genre goes against the grain of logic, pulling through a sense of high-octane moments.  For all the unbelievable statures that can be had, there are always a few franchises that stand out.  With this film, it builds off the John Wick franchise through a twist of the familiar with a new assassin. In the beginning, we are introduced to our main character, Eve (Ana de Armas), who goes through a tragedy with the death of her father to an unknown organization/cult.  From this prologue, the film moves into the present where we find Eve learning to be an assassin from the Ruska Roma organization.  After a series of expositional conversations, training montages and assassination jobs (for the organization), she comes across information (MacGuffin) that catalyzes her to find those responsible for her father’s death and take them out.  From here, the film heads down a linear directive that builds on the ‘revenge tale’ foundation.  As Eve goes about finding additional clues, it leads to situations that blend the heart of action into the surreal nature (of this world).  Each confrontation spins vulnerability with combat, leading to creative action sequences that propel a raw appeal to the otherwise predictable tale.  Even as our main character is moving through a typical ‘point A-to-B’ like narrative, it is the action that creates that grip … propelling our main character through unorthodox scenarios.  As each sequence builds off the last, it is an infusion of simple storytelling through the art of visual abstraction … an inventive spin of irony in the clichés that should derail the experience.

As Eve slowly weaves through each moment of unexpected conflict, her actions start to have a ripple effect that causes uncertainty for her organization (in this world).  As her path of destruction becomes more than just about her personal revenge, other players come into play, including the infamous John Wick (Keanu Reeves).  With Eve at a crossroads of truth, we head into a third act that pushes all the action to the forefront.  This leads down a path of continued inventive action sequences, unexpected revelations and a fallout of endearing consequences.  Even as we come to a typical climax, Eve’s journey ends on a note of unexpected jeers of what may be next.  Ballerina plays along familiar tropes through a spin of refreshing delight.  If you are a fan of this property, action films or revenge tales, this is one for you.  I say there are enough adrenaline filled moments for a good time at the theaters.   

Full Score – 3.5 out of 5 (Matinee)