Ballerina

It’s exciting to watch a franchise grow in real time, especially when it’s largely audience-pushed and wasn’t necessarily thought of initially as something that could run and run.

That’s certainly the case for John Wick as spin off Ballerina hits cinemas.

The core, four film strong, series is excellent and TV prequel The Continental, whilst not quite as memorable, was still a nice addition (and, crucially, didn’t outstay its welcome with only a few episodes.)

Ballerina is also a quasi-prequel, slotting in between films 3 and 4 and introduces a new lead character and further fleshes out this world of underground assassins.

Straight off, that world expansion is where you can start the see the franchise straining a little.

Always a cool concept but naturally riddled with plot holes, trying to introduce new elements to this world building is quite easy to poke at and nit pick.

However, considering its continuing adherence to being a tongue in cheek, loud and brash action movie we can let that slide a little.

So what we have is another revenge-led action epic but with Ana De Armas’ Eve utilising a more diverse set of weaponry to dispense her vengeance.

You know to take the plot with a pinch of salt and, whilst dispensing with the more lavishly choreographed, almost ‘dance-like’ sequences of John Wick and instead having Eve use any and every thing she can get our hands on, it gives this film its own footing within the series. Despite its title suggesting the contrary.

As such, it isn’t quite as ‘pure’ cinematically and more in line with ‘conventional’ action fare but this is still within the John Wick universe, so does all of that to the absolute max.

We get some brutal violence, a mesmerising café brawl and a ‘flamethrower off’ where you’ll marvel at the stunt work.

Is it better than any of the John Wick films? Not quite but is it a worthy addition to this franchise and perhaps a surprise contender to lead to further films? Definitely.

Final note: please use more of Norman Reedus if a sequel is confirmed and never make a John Wick film where Keanu Reeves doesn't at least show up to offer a customary 'yeah' in that signature dulcet tone.

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