Lisa Johnson Mandell’s Ballerina review notes that although the film stumbles on occasion, it’s a satisfying addition to the John Wick universe.

Ballerina, the much anticipated John Wick spinoff, takes place during the events of John Wick: Chapter 3 – Parabellum, which is a really slick way to tie-in the iconic Keanu Reeves character, reported to have been killed in his latest film, with this new franchise hopeful.

And it just may work. Ballerina is packed with the same signature, violent chaos that fans crave, and they even get an eyeful of John Wick himself. This is no spoiler—he’s right there in the beginning of the trailer.

This story follows a young girl named Eve (latter played by Ana de Armas) from the time she loses her father as he tries to escape from a violent “cult,” through her training in the assassin traditions of the Ruska Roma, right up to her efforts to take down the people responsible for her father’s death.

Angelica Huston is amusing as her severe substitute mother figure and head of the Ruska Roma, headquartered in a European ballet company. Eve trains both in ballet and the more violent arts at the same time.

Ian McShane as Winston, the mercurial proprietor of the assassin sanctuary hotel chain known as the Continental, is woven in nicely, and Gabriel Byrne makes a solid addition as the evil “Chancellor,” who heads the father-killing cult. Norman Reedus drops in for a moment or two as one of those ill-fated fathers.

Yet for all these admirable attributes, there are also some very unsatisfying flaws. De Armas, as directed by Underworld franchise staple Len Wiseman, just doesn’t have the grit, gravitas, or grim humor that would benefit her wickish character. Her Eve feels like she might be more comfortable in a prom dress than the signature black suit. Her character is not helped by the numerous body/stunt substitutes, both in ballet and battle, which are at times laughable. Looks like AI hasn’t quite reached its peak yet.

Also disappointing is the painfully overused device of a music box with a ballerina that twirls to Swan Lake Op. 20—it’s not worthy of a film of this magnitude. We’ve seen it used dozens of times in lesser fare.

Still, all is not lost in this earnest attempt at fan pleasing. It’s stylish, there’s non-stop, outrageous violence which is weirdly mesmerizing, and the addition of dueling flame-throwers is a genre genius. While it’s not among my favorites of the year, I still give it a (somewhat limp) thumbs up.

Rated R

2 Hours 5 Minutes

If this Ballerina review encourages you to twirl on over to the cineplex, get times and tickets at Fandango.com.

Lisa Johnson Mandell’s Ballerina review notes that although the film stumbles on occasion, it’s a satisfying addition to the John Wick universe.