From the World of John Wick: Ballerina

Ballerina is messy. Instead of differentiating a tired formula with proper drama, it convolutes it with impotent side plots. Simplistically motivated, none of its characters are developed, producing a bland protagonist. In turn, the acting is monotonous. Despite physicality plus brief vulnerability, the self-serious performances are void of personality. The script superficially gestures at a theme about fate but does nothing to examine it. There's excessive exposition, blunt dialogue (telling over showing), tensionless cliches, pointless twists, shoehorned fan service, and sequel bait rather than resolution. Therefore, Ballerina's story seems both bloated as well as thin.

Technically, Ballerina is sometimes stylish, sometimes dull. The cinematography combines gaudy lighting with a murky color palette. Though there are match cuts and montages, its editing can feel overlong, choppy, and repetitive. Action as well as heightened distortions activate the soundscape. Despite generic scoring at times, its music establishes a techno identity plus a ballet motif. The production design has world-building aesthetics but frequently looks quite drab. Aside from a famous lead, its cast boasts a questionably distracting cameo. The effects provide good stunts, ample pyrotechnics, and wonky CGI. Overall, Ballerina offsets interesting pieces with as many flaws.

Writing: 3/10

Direction: 5/10

Cinematography: 7/10

Acting: 5/10

Editing: 5/10

Sound: 8/10

Score/Soundtrack: 7/10

Production Design: 7/10

Casting: 7/10

Effects: 7/10

Overall Score: 6.1/10

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