From the World of John Wick: Ballerina is a stylish and brutal addition to the ever-expanding John Wick universe. Set between the explosive events of John Wick: Chapter 3 – Parabellum and Chapter 4, the film seamlessly slots into the timeline without feeling like a stopgap. Instead, it builds something fresh, introducing a new protagonist on a vengeful journey of her own.

Ana de Armas delivers a fierce and emotionally layered performance as Eve Macarro, a ballerina-trained assassin seeking justice for her family. While her motivations mirror Wick’s, the film avoids repetition by diving deeper into the Ruska Roma and High Table lore. It’s a testament to the world-building that this spin-off doesn’t just feel justified—it feels essential.

As expected, the fight choreography is at its peak—gritty, inventive, and ruthlessly beautiful. Every action set-piece hits with a kinetic energy that’s both thrilling and brutal. This franchise continues to prove that when it comes to stunt work and direction, it’s in a league of its own. Can the John Wick series really disappoint? So far, no.

The story is tight, the pacing brisk, and each supporting performance, especially the cameos from familiar faces, adds weight and continuity to the narrative. Ballerina proves that this universe is more than just one man’s war; it’s a whole underworld waiting to be explored.

With compelling characters, rich mythology, and jaw-dropping action, Ballerina is a strong 9/10—one of the best spin-offs in recent memory.

Few directors in the modern cinematic landscape have reshaped genre filmmaking quite like James Gunn. Known for blending irreverent humor with profound emotional depth, Gunn has left an indelible mark on both indie horror and superhero franchises. As he transitions into leading DC Studios, it’s the perfect time to revisit his five finest works—each a statement of his unique voice in an often formulaic industry.

1. Guardians of the Galaxy Vol. 2 (2017)

Rating: 9.5/10

A rare sequel that deepens its characters rather than merely expanding its universe, Vol. 2 is Gunn at his most personal. The film wrestles with the pain of abandonment, the search for belonging, and the complexity of father-son dynamics—cloaked in vibrant visuals and a killer soundtrack. Yondu’s “He may have been your father, boy, but he wasn’t your daddy” line alone secures its legacy.

2. The Suicide Squad (2021)

Rating: 9/10

Chaotic, gory, and gleefully anarchic, The Suicide Squad is a wild remix of the superhero genre. Gunn injects pathos into misfits like Ratcatcher 2 and Polka-Dot Man, proving his unmatched talent for humanizing the bizarre. It’s a subversive spectacle that doubles as an anti-war allegory—with a giant alien starfish to boot.

3. Guardians of the Galaxy (2014)

Rating: 8.8/10

The film that redefined Marvel’s creative boundaries, Guardians took a gang of obscure comic-book characters and turned them into pop culture icons. With its perfect balance of humor, heart, and ‘70s mixtape vibes, it’s the origin story of Gunn’s mainstream rise and one of the MCU’s most beloved entries.

4. Slither (2006)

Rating: 8/10

Before superheroes and intergalactic misfits, Gunn gave us Slither—a grotesque and hilarious horror-comedy with serious B-movie charm. This film showcases his roots: practical effects, quotable dialogue, and an affection for the genre’s oddballs. It’s disgusting, delightful, and distinctly Gunn.

5. Guardians of the Galaxy Vol. 3 (2023)

Rating: 8/10

An emotionally charged finale to the Guardians trilogy, *Vol

Final Destination: Bloodlines is a thrilling and satisfying return to a franchise that made death a character of its own. From the very first scene, fans of the series will feel a surge of anticipation — the opening catastrophe is as elaborate and nerve-wracking as ever, delivering a masterclass in suspense and setting the tone for the chaos that follows.

What truly elevates Bloodlines above previous installments is its well-written story. Rather than relying solely on gory set-pieces, the film digs deeper into the mythology of Death’s design, tying together threads from across the series. The narrative cleverly explores how past survivors’ legacies still echo in the present, giving the story weight and emotional resonance.

Of course, the deaths are as brutal, creative, and jaw-dropping as fans would hope. Each kill is meticulously staged, balancing shock and inevitability in that uniquely Final Destination way. But it’s not just about carnage — this film remembers the soul of the series.

That soul comes full circle with the return of William Bludworth. His appearance is more than just a cameo — it’s a meaningful, heartfelt moment that brings the lore full circle. Tony Todd’s performance is subtle yet powerful, offering a sense of closure and reverence that longtime fans will deeply appreciate.

With its strong storytelling, inventive deaths, and emotional callbacks, Final Destination: Bloodlines proves the franchise still has life — and death — left in it. I’d give it a solid 8.5/10.