I was ultimately surprised at how much I enjoyed this one. As someone who's a big fan of the John Wick films, I went in cautiously optimistic, but this ended up delivering a lot more than I expected. While nothing quite tops the original John Wick, which still stands as the best in the series for me, Ballerina earns its place in that world and holds its own alongside the main entries.

From the beginning, it dives right into the action, and it doesn't let up. The fight sequences are intense, slick, and creative, with the kind of clean choreography and visual style that fans of the franchise have come to expect. It captures that same energy without just rehashing what's already been done. There's a freshness to it, even though it stays firmly grounded in the Wick universe.

What impressed me was that there's more story here than I initially thought. It isn't just a string of shootouts. The plot has depth, the characters have motivation, and the emotional core lands. It provides us with another perspective on the world we already know, expanding the lore without overexplaining or slowing down the pace. That balance between action and narrative is handled well, and it made the experience more engaging.

Additionally, it's just a fun movie. Stylish, tightly made, and fully committed to its tone, it respects the world it comes from while doing its own thing. You can feel the care that went into the design, the choreography, and even the quieter moments. It feels like a genuine part of the franchise, not just a spin-off hastily thrown together to capitalise on the brand.

All in all, this exceeded my expectations. It doesn't try to outdo the original, but it belongs in the same conversation. If you're a fan of the John Wick universe, this is one worth watching.