Ballerina Movie Reviews: Ana de Armas Shines in Explosive John Wick Spin-Off—First Reactions Unveiled!

Ana de Armas takes center stage in the highly anticipated "John Wick" spin-off, "Ballerina," and early Ballerina movie reviews are buzzing with excitement!

Set to release on June 6, 2025, this action-packed thriller introduces Eve Macarro, a fierce ballerina-turned-assassin trained by the Ruska Roma, seeking vengeance for her father’s death.

Initial reactions from critics and fans alike highlight Ana de Armas’ commanding performance, jaw-dropping action sequences, and the film’s bold expansion of the John Wick universe.

But does it live up to the hype? Let’s dive into the first impressions and everything you need to know about this thrilling new chapter!

What Are Critics Saying About Ana de Armas’ Performance in "Ballerina"?

Early reactions to "Ballerina" spotlight Ana de Armas as a standout, with many calling her a “true action star” and “an action hero for the ages.” Jonathan Sim of ComingSoon.net raved, “Ana de Armas is an action hero for the ages,” praising her mind-blowing fight scenes and phenomenal choreography.

Christopher Rates It echoed this sentiment, noting her “ice-breaking, bone-crunching and gut-spilling action” makes her “the perfect fit for Eve” in her best action role yet.

De Armas’ Eve Macarro is no mere female John Wick; she’s a unique force, blending ballet’s grace with brutal, unconventional combat—think grenades, flamethrowers, and ice skates as nunchucks!

While some, like Germain Lussier of io9, found the story “painfully boring,” they still hailed de Armas’ ability to “kick ass” and deliver “wild action.” Her training with 87Eleven stunt veterans shines, cementing her as a convincingly dangerous tornado of death.

How Does "Ballerina" Fit Into the John Wick Universe?

Set between "John Wick: Chapter 3 – Parabellum" and "John Wick: Chapter 4," "Ballerina" weaves seamlessly into the franchise’s timeline. Eve Macarro, briefly introduced in "Parabellum" (originally played by Unity Phelan), is now embodied by Ana de Armas, who brings a fresh yet fierce energy to the Ruska Roma traditions.

The film features familiar faces like Ian McShane as Winston, the late Lance Reddick as Charon, and Anjelica Huston as the Director, alongside new additions like Gabriel Byrne as the villainous Chancellor and Norman Reedus as Daniel Pine.

Keanu Reeves’ John Wick also appears, though some critics, like Lussier, felt his inclusion “hurts the movie,” while others appreciated the nod to the franchise’s roots.

Ballerina movie reviews praise its ability to honor the John Wick legacy while carving a new path with inventive action.

What Makes the Action in "Ballerina" Stand Out?

Is the action worth the hype? Absolutely, according to early Ballerina movie reviews! Critics call the sequences “brutal and relentless,” with highlights including a Prague battle featuring hand grenades, a flamethrower duel, and ice skates turned into deadly weapons.

Jonathan Sim described it as “absolute mayhem from start to finish,” with “incredible stunts and improvised weapons” that push the franchise’s boundaries.

Director Len Wiseman, known for "Underworld," delivers slickly choreographed chaos, amplified by reshoots from franchise architect Chad Stahelski to ensure John Wick-level intensity.

Amon Warmann of Empire Magazine noted the “variety” in combat, from “grenades! flamethrowers! roller skates!” to violent sword and gun-play, making it a crowd-pleasing spectacle. While some felt the first half stumbles, the third act’s “gruesome and clever” kills have critics buzzing, with one exclaiming, “THAT IS ABSOLUTE CINEMA.”

Is the Story of "Ballerina" a Weak Point?

Does the plot hold up? Ballerina movie reviews are mixed here. The revenge-driven narrative—Eve avenging her father’s murder by the Chancellor’s clan—is called “simple” and “threadbare” by some. The New York Times labeled it a “back-of-a-matchbook plot,” driven by “arterial motives,” while Indiewire noted a shaky start with a story that “kinda sorta weighs family against fate.”

However, others, like The Straits Times, praised its “coherent revenge story” with a clear beginning, middle, and end— a refreshing contrast to the bloated plots of later John Wick films. Chris Killian of ComicBook.com admitted the story is “a little shallow” but insisted that if you’re here for Ana de Armas killing “enough assassins to fill a small European village,” it’s a “bloody badass good time.”

How Did Ana de Armas Prepare for "Ballerina"?

What went into Ana de Armas’ transformation? The Cuban-Spanish actress underwent grueling preparation, training for four months with 87Eleven stunt veterans in gun-fu, live-fire rooms, and pointe-shoe grappling.

She spoke of the physical toll, saying, “I’m in pain… my body, my back, everything hurts,” but found inspiration rehearsing with Keanu Reeves, who powered through stunts without complaint.

De Armas also valued the role’s depth, telling WWD, “As much action as there was on the page, I could see the heart too… The emotionality of the character is so important.” This blend of physical prowess and emotional fury makes Eve a compelling, relatable avenger, distinct from John Wick’s stoicism.

What’s the Verdict on "Ballerina" as a Franchise Spin-Off?

Early Ballerina movie reviews paint "Ballerina" as a worthy addition to the John Wick universe, with Ana de Armas delivering a fierce, magnetic performance. The action is “over-the-top,” “brutal,” and “inventive,” living up to the franchise’s gun-fu legacy, even if the story occasionally stumbles.

Some Closing Thoughts:

Set to hit theaters on June 6, 2025, with an R rating for “strong bloody violence and pervasive language,” the film teases future potential, hinting at High Table politics and Eve’s return in possible sequels.

Whether you’re a John Wick diehard or a newcomer, "Ballerina" promises a thrilling, bloody ballet of revenge.

Mark your calendars and get ready for Ana de Armas to slay—literally and figuratively.