Despite having the lowest ratings in the series, Ballerina excels in one particular area compared to the John Wick sequels. As the inaugural spinoff film in the John Wick franchise, it primarily showcases Keanu Reeves’ John Wick in a supporting capacity.
Therefore, it’s not unexpected that the film’s reviews fall short of the other entries in the franchise. Nevertheless, Ballerina has received fairly positive reviews, although expectations were significantly elevated, given that the John Wick films are widely regarded as some of the finest action movies of all time.
While Ballerina may not reach the heights of some other films in the franchise, it remains an incredibly entertaining action movie. Furthermore, as the inaugural spinoff, it effectively broadens the universe of the franchise.
Following the conclusion of Ballerina, we are eager to discover more about Ana de Armas’ character, Eve Macarro, and we would love to see the Cult make a comeback in a potential sequel. In summary, Ballerina stands out as a fantastic action film, and it highlights a crucial element that was introduced in the original John Wick movie but largely overlooked in its sequels.
The First John Wick Film Established The Entire Concept of Baba Yaga, Also Known As The Boogeyman
In the first John Wick film, Reeves’ character chooses to emerge from retirement and embark on a rampage after his dog is killed by Losef Tarasov and his associates. John Wick’s comeback is met with serious concern by notable assassins and criminals, including Viggo Tarasov, Losef’s father.
In a montage early in the film, Viggo labels John Wick as the “Baba Yaga,” which he explains means “the boogeyman.” Although this translation is widely accepted and recognized by nearly every character in the franchise, it is fundamentally incorrect.
The nickname Baba Yaga does not refer to the boogeyman; rather, it denotes a witch from Russian folklore who entices children into her dwelling to consume them. Despite this error, John Wick’s identity as the Baba Yaga instills fear in nearly all the other characters in the first film.
John Wick emerged as an incredibly captivating character in the first movie, as he intimidates others, including even the formidable leaders of crime families, to a great extent.
Individuals Began To Confront John Wick Without Any Hesitation
Despite John Wick eliminating both Iosef and Viggo at the conclusion of the first film, he finds himself drawn back into the assassin’s realm, becoming a target for others who must follow the High Table’s regulations. As a result, the sequels to John Wick clearly illustrate that it will be incredibly challenging, if not entirely unfeasible, for Reeves’ character to retire and enjoy a tranquil existence.
Given that John Wick is perpetually pursued by fellow assassins in the second, third, and fourth installments, these films feature significantly more action than the original. Although the John Wick sequels feature significantly more intricate and imaginative action scenes, they largely overlook the fact that he is famously known as the Baba Yaga.
John Wick continues to be called the Baba Yaga numerous times, yet the assassins pursuing him appear far less intimidated than those he faced in the original film. Perhaps the bounty on his head has emboldened other assassins, but we would have preferred if the characters in the sequels recognized just how perilous it is to confront John Wick.
Ballerina Recalled John Wick’s Title As The Baba Yaga
The newly launched Ballerina takes place in the timeline between the third and fourth John Wick films. In this spinoff, the Director, who heads the Ruska Roma, dispatches John Wick to the Cult’s town to deal with Eve Macarro.
Upon his arrival and meeting with Eve, he presents her with a choice – she can either vacate the town or face death at his hands. Nevertheless, John Wick is reluctant to take Eve’s life. During their confrontation, it becomes evident that he is making every effort to minimize the harm he inflicts on her.
Ultimately, John Wick goes against the Director’s commands and permits Eve to pursue her mission against the Chancellor, the leader of the Cult. As she battles her way through the town, John Wick chooses to assist Eve during the thrilling climax of Ballerina.
This moment not only gives John Wick a chance to shine but also sees him eliminate multiple members of the Cult. Fortunately, Ballerina pays tribute to the original film in the series, as the Cult members are genuinely terrified to confront John Wick.
In one intense fight scene, a member of the Cult exclaims, “This is suicide, that’s John Wick,” just before meeting his end at the hands of Baba Yaga. This moment clearly illustrates that confronting John Wick is the absolute last thing the Cult members desire.
Furthermore, the Chancellor’s fear of John Wick is evident in Ballerina. Initially, the Chancellor is reluctant to abandon the town, asserting that no leader of the Cult has ever vacated their position of power in millennia. Yet, upon realizing they have lost track of John Wick, the Chancellor swiftly decides to escape.
Ballerina Should Be Acknowledged For Reviving A Neglected Detail From John Wick
The Chancellor’s fear of John Wick, which prompts him to flee the town, ultimately guides him straight to Eve. Thus, if John Wick and his fearsome reputation as the Baba Yaga hadn’t intimidated the Cult members so profoundly, Eve might not have had the opportunity to exact her revenge on the Chancellor.
Consequently, Ballerina deserves acknowledgment for ensuring that this vital element of John Wick’s character is once more highlighted within the franchise. Although Ballerina is presently the lowest-rated film in the franchise, it does an excellent job of depicting John Wick. His return in Ballerina, while arguably unnecessary, certainly aids in solidifying Eve as a significant character within the franchise.
While it may not be essential for him to make another appearance in a possible sequel to Ballerina, we appreciate how this film portrayed him effectively and illustrated the fear that Baba Yaga instills in other assassins.