An assassin trained in the traditions of the Ruska Roma organization sets out to seek revenge after her father’s death.

Ana De Armas spins off from the usual John Wick universe with this family-fight fest set between the 3^rd and 4^th Wick movies. In true wick fashion, the story is convoluted and messy but mostly unnecessary as the point is all about showcasing expert fight scenes and killer choreography. On this, Ballerina delivers.

Unfortunately, there’s way too much spent on building a backstory that is grasped in a few minutes and otherwise feels tedious. Wick mainstays Lance Reddick (in one of his final appearances before his untimely death), Ian McShane, Anjelica Huston pop in for requisite cameos, and Gabrial Byrne, Norman Reedus and Catalina Sandino Moreno take over as the antagonists. Keanu Reeves Wick has a couple segments, not enough to detract, but just enough to make you wish this was a true Wick film and not a slapped together spin-off. At least de Armas’ Eve gets the same semblance of invulnerability as Reeves’ Wick. And the segment involving her unleashing hell with a flame thrower is worth the price of admission (even if it goes on too long).

Somewhat fun, but a bit forgettable.

Jonathan’s Grade – C