KSL Movie Show review: Fighting like a girl takes on a whole new meaning in ‘From the World of John Wick: Ballerina’

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Hearing the word “reshoots” pertaining to a major motion picture is usually a kiss of death. Add to that a back-up director, the re-filming of massive sections of the film and a year delay, and you might as well send it to the trash heap… usually.

Only, somehow, “Ballerina” has managed to pirouette through all these obstacles and deliver a decent action thriller.

Ana de Armas plays Eve Macarro, an awkward young dancer, who is better suited for assassins school in the traditions of the Ruska Roma (for those playing at home, that’s the same group led by “the Director” Anjelica Huston that also groomed the legendary “baba yaga” John Wick).

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After we get a montage of Eve’s early, successful assignments, she learns of the violent cult that destroyed her family, fortunately easy to spot since they have Xs carved on their wrists and they apparently all hang out in this high mountain Bavarian village led by the Chancellor (Gabriel Byrne). If that doesn’t scream Nazi, I’m not sure what does.

Eve is determined to exact her revenge, which is in direct opposition to the orders of her Director, who is trying to keep an uneasy peace between her Ruska Roma group and these wacky Bavarian jack-booted killers.

And since Eve has been trained in the ways of the Wick, you’d expect her to be somewhat of a creative killer, and fortunately for us, she is. So while John sticks mostly to guns and the occasional blade, Eve, being smaller in stature and power, must utilize her wits, cunning and anything she can get her hands on to take out this small army of baddies, which includes an array of armaments that features guns, knives, swords, flamethrowers (that’s a new one), the random grenade and don’t forget the oldie but a goodie, the Claymore mine.

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There’s only one small problem. The Director forbids Eve from going after the Chancellor. And if you don’t follow the rules, the penalty is usually pretty final. Time to call in the Baba Yaga (Boogeyman) to restore order to this chaos.

Now keep in mind, this story takes place between the events of “John Wick: Chapter 3 – Parabellum” and “John Wick: Chapter 4,” so obviously what happens in four, hasn’t happened yet, if you catch my drift.

So the big question is — does Ana de Armas deliver the same kind of fear and trembling that John Wick is famous for? The answer is —pretty close. Plus I believe they give her enough creative ways to protect herself, that it comes off as a nice departure from the stoic actions of Mr. Wick.

Now, will people go and see it?

Well, that will be up to you, but I think they should, especially if word gets out that “fighting like a girl” has taken on a whole new meaning with this special edition of the John Wick franchise.

“From the World of John Wick: Ballerina” (B) Rated R for strong/bloody violence throughout, and language. Starring Ana de Armas, Ian McShane, Angelica Huston, Gabriel Byrne, Norman Reedus and the final big screen appearance for the late, great Lance Reddick. Directed by Len Wiseman (“Total Recall” “Live Free or Die Hard”) – filmed in Prague and Hungary. Running time: 125 minutes.

The KSL Movie Show with Andy Farnsworth and Steve Salles airs Fridays on KSL NewsRadio from 11 a.m. to 1 p.m. Follow the show on Facebook, and join The KSL Movie Show Club for exclusive perks by texting MOVIE to 57500. Message and data rates may apply. Text STOP to cancel. Message frequency varies.