“Black Widow” is currently out in theaters and streaming on Disney Plus. So far, the overdue film earned positive reviews from critics, fans and movie goers alike. Originally slated for a release date on May 2020, Marvel Studios & Disney postponed the film’s release due to COVID-19. Thankfully, they finally selected July 9th, 2021. Two weeks before my birthday.
As every Marvel fan like me, is aware “Shang-Chi And The Legend Of The Ten Rings,” “Eternals” & last but not least, “Spider-Man: No Way Home” will be released this year. “Loki” is currently streaming on Disney Plus. There will be more upcoming Marvel Cinematic Universe content including “What If,” “Moon Knight” “Ms. Marvel” & “She-Hulk.” One more thing, a video game based on “Guardians Of The Galaxy” will be released this fall.
Today’s review doesn’t contain any crucial SPOILERS. I’m gonna give y’all a chance to see it. Is Black Widow’s overdue solo movie worth the wait? Let’s find out shall we?
Pros & Cons
Pros: Scarlett “Scarjo” Johansson reprises her role as the titular character. She did an excellent job for her performance. In addition to headlining, Scarjo also served as an executive producer with assistance from Marvel Studios boss Kevin Feige.
Newcomers to the MCU such as David Harbor, Florence Pugh, Ray Winstone, O-T Fagbenle & Rachel Weisz all did a great job for their respective performances.
Fun Fact: Both David & Rachel are linked to the “James Bond” franchise. The former appeared in “Quantum Of Solace” & the latter is happily married to 007 himself, Daniel Craig. I guess Rachel asked Dan for advice to portray a spy.
Cate Shortland did an ok job directing the movie.
Action Sequences managed to raise my testosterone levels up as they contain gunplay, hand-to-hand-combat, a chase scene among a few good things.
Character Development involving Natasha. As the film progresses, she fully embraces trust in her allies.
Visual Effects are superb and they didn’t seem fake at all. Thank goodness not a single one doesn’t resemble The Rock in “The Mummy Returns.”
David Harbor’s character Red Guardian basically stole the movie. He totally redeems himself after starring in that horrendous “Hellboy” reboot.
Humor has some legit funny moments. Feels good hearing a crowd in a theater laughing with them.
Lorne Balfe (The Lego Batman Movie, Mission Impossible: Fallout, Assassin’s Creed games) served as a composer.
Set after the events of “Captain America: Civil War,” Natasha is running from The U.S. Government. She reunites with a folks from her past as she navigates a global conspiracy and crosses paths with a dangerous opponent known as Taskmaster. With the power to mimic a superhero’s ability.
We get to learn more about Natasha’s backstory prior to becoming an Avenger.
Primary Themes are Family, Sisterhood, Trust & Acceptance. Each theme is handled maturely.
There’s a few shots of Scarjo’s behind. I’m giving each one an Extra Point. Hear me out. Unlike Bill Cosby & Marilyn Manson, I keep my gosh darn pants on like a professional. Scarjo is one of my biggest celeb crushes besides Natalie Portman, Kat Dennings, Iggy Azalea, Hunter Schafer, Rosario Dawson & Michelle Rodriguez.
According to Cate, the story is influenced by “Thelma & Louise,” “No Country For Old Men” & “How To Train Your Dragon.” Scarjo mentioned Black Widow is influenced by “Logan,” “Terminator 2: Judgement Day” & “The Fugitive.”
William Hurt reprises his role as General Ross. One of Hulk’s adversaries from the comics.
Olga Kurylenko has a role. Coincidentally, she was also in Quantum Of Solace with David Harbor.
Mila Jovovich’s real life daughter Ever plays a younger version of Natasha in a flashback scene. Ever is following in her mother’s footsteps. She’s slated to participate in a live action remake of “Peter Pan.”
Stay tune for a Post-Credits Scene. It could possibly set up what’s in store for the MCU’s future. I can’t tell what it is, you are gonna have to see for yourself. This review is classified.
Cons: Cinematography suffers from Shaky Cam.
Without giving anything away, a Plot Twist ruins one signature character. It’s like Deadpool in “X-Men Origins: Wolverine” all over again. It’s as. If M. Night Shyamalan wrote this scene. I have to Double Down this con on screenwriter Eric Pearson (Thor: Ragnarok, Godzilla VS.Kong) for butchering a memorable character.
Remember both “Iron Man & Godzilla: King Of The Monsters” ended with using a song named after them as in Black Sabbath & Blue Öyster Cult’s songs? I think Marvel wasted a golden opportunity to use Iggy Azalea’s “Black Widow” during the opening or end credits. It fits so perfectly.
The Final Verdict: B, FOR BEAUTIFUL!
I was gonna give Black Widow a B-, but it deserves a B. Why? Because I had a blast seeing the Marvel Cinematic Universe back on the big screen where it belongs, not as a $30 fee on Disney Plus even though I’m already paying a monthly fee. Definitely worth the wait. If you’re eager to see Black Widow, I highly recommend it. I can’t wait to see Shang-Chi And The Ten Rings, Eternals & Spider-Man: No Way Home.
Nickthemoviecritic.com 