Ballerina Spin-Off Draws Mixed, Cautious Reviews

Ballerina, the first John Wick spin-off starring Ana de Armas as assassin Eve Macarro, expands the franchise with visually impressive and innovative action sequences but suffers from a thin, uninspired plot and heavy reliance on Keanu Reeves’ John Wick. While some critics praise Ana de Armas' fresh energy and the film's inventive set pieces, many feel the movie is a missed opportunity to establish a unique identity separate from the main series. The film struggles to balance new world-building with its dependence on familiar franchise elements, which affects its ability to stand independently. Critics also note that skepticism over studio-controlled early reactions has shaped the film's mixed critical response. Despite these flaws, Ballerina is considered a fun addition for action fans, though not a new classic. The movie ultimately offers entertainment through its choreography but falls short of the high bar set by previous John Wick installments.