Before we go further, some clarification on where this film fits into the timeline. Let’s forget (for now) that there was a John Wick 4, because the events of “Ballerina” take place during the third movie. So, erase from your mind whatever huge, life-altering thing may or may not have happened in the last film. OK?

Of course, it’s all fight scenes, which get tiresome. But Anjelica Huston plays a Russian mob boss in a moment worth waiting for.

Ana de Armas takes center stage in a John Wick prequel about a dancing orphan's quest for vengeance. The plot flails, but the creative carnage gets an ovation.