Black Widow is a 2021 superhero film based on the edgy and extremely popular Marvel Comics character of the same name. Produced by Marvel Studios and distributed by Walt Disney Studios Motion Pictures, it marks the 24th film in the Marvel Cinematic Universe (MCU).
From director Cate Shortland (Berlin Syndrome), Black Widow gives us a an in-depth look at the Marvel character with a dark past and troubling upbringing, to say the least. At birth, the Black Widow (aka Natasha Romanova) is given to the KGB, which grooms her to become its ultimate operative. When the U.S.S.R. breaks up, the government tries to kill her as the action moves to present-day New York, where she is a freelance operative. The standalone film will find Romanoff living in the United States 15 years after the fall of the Soviet Union, and take place directly following the events of Captain America: Civil War.
The impressive cast includes Scarlett Johansson as Natasha Romanoff / Black Widow alongside Florence Pugh, David Harbour, O-T Fagbenle, William Hurt, Ray Winstone, and Rachel Weisz. Like many films, Black Widow was severely impacted by the COVID-19 pandemic, derailing an initial plan for a May 2020 release date and getting delayed 3 times in total. It is the first film to kick off Phase 4 of the MCU.
Black Widow finally made it’s theatrical debut on July 9th, and is also available to stream at home through Disney+ with Premier Access (an additional $29.99 on top of the subscription cost).
THE GOOD
Black Widow and Phase 4 of the MCU is finally here folks, and let me just say I am still smiling from ear to ear. I have been waiting for this movie for years it feels like, and couldn’t wait to sit down with my hot buttered popcorn and child like giddiness. This movie checked all the boxes for me, entertaining from start to finish, check, very well-written, check, loaded with action and tons of humor, check, check, and double check. Black Widow gives fans what they want with an immersive origin story for a beloved character that recently met her demise (if that is a spoiler for you, perhaps you shouldn’t be reading this review). Now even though this is an origin story, only about 20% or so is dedicated to the build-up, with the rest focusing on the primary storyline which picks up with Natasha on the run after the events in Civil War, where she helped Captain America and Bucky escape Black Panther. I love me some Captain Marvel sure, but nobody brings it quite like Natasha. She is the total package.
The stunts and fight scenes were top notch as you would expect with a Marvel film with what seems to be an unlimited budget, I mean we are talking Disney money after all. Every fight is intense and extremely well choreographed, and we are also treated to a few car ahem tank chases that would give F9 a run for it’s money. Seriously, one in particular is just too good. I loved the score and soundtrack, and also felt like they paid extra attention to the cinematography this time around with some great shots during some of the more pivotal moments. The intro alone is incredible, giving viewers a firsthand example of what things were like for Natasha and her sister growing up in a matter or 45 seconds or so. I also thought the editing team did a fantastic job, ensuring that the entire 2 hours and 10 minute runtime felt necessary and never slow or rushed.
A Marvel film wouldn’t be complete without an absolutely badass antagonist, and we are given a pretty damn good one if you ask me. I won’t give away the identity, but we are introduced to a formidable foe known as the “Taskmaster”, and boy is this character a blast to watch. The character exudes a level of confidence and in some ways reminded me of The Winter Soldier as far as that “it factor”. Maybe I just think the masks are cool, but Taskmaster moves with a certain “F with me and you will regret it” type confidence and has the moves to back it up. Apparently in the comics his skill is that he can learn the skills and tactics of any enemy and use it against them, which sounds pretty damn effective to me. I’m not sure where they plan to take things from here, but that is a character I would love to see more of. I would even be on board for an origin story/spin-off. I haven’t read the comics (aside from a little google research), but maybe we can come up with a cooler name? Just a thought. Anyway, moving on.
As I am sure you can imagine, the performances were exceptional. Scarlett Johansson remains one of the most talented (and easy on the eyes) actresses in the MCU, and it was such a blast watching her character develop with more backstory. She absolutely embraces the ability to be empathetic and ruthless at the same time, which is why she is such a fan favorite. Florence Pugh was amazing in her role as well, and had great chemistry with Johansson. We will be seeing more of her (no spoilers, I promise) and I am very happy about that. Plus like her “sister”, she is absolutely beautiful in a dangerous way. Rachel Weisz was great as usual which really comes as no surprise to anyone. My favorite role was played by my guy David Harbour, who most know from Stranger Things. Did anyone realize that he was in Brokeback Mountain?! Yeah me neither, but he has a pretty diverse resume definitely worth a “Google”. He is hilarious and plays his role with so much personality and the perfect balance of goofy and intense. He has sort of a Thor cockiness to him which is a ton of fun. He is sure to become a fan favorite after this movie and I really hope we haven’t seen the last of him.
THE BAD
Reading this review I’m sure you aren’t expecting much as far as negativity, and you would surely be on to something. Black Widow fires on pretty much all cylinders and makes for one heck of an entertaining experience. With that being said, it did lack certain things I was hoping for but it will be hard for me to get specific without giving away any spoilers. This is more from the perspective of a fan who has missed watching these movies so it is hardly a knock on Black Widow.
THE VERDICT
A well-crafted origin story packed with non-stop action and incredible performances, Marvel’s Black Widow starts Phase 4 of the MCU off with a bang. Marvel fans, and movie fans in general, will have a blast with this movie and will be excited for what the future holds, just be sure to stick around for the trademark post-credit scene. Getting to see a Marvel movie in theaters will have you forgetting about the pandemic, and that alone is well worth the price of admission if you ask me.
TED TAKES RATING - 8.5/10
Black Widow is now playing in theaters and IMAX and available on Disney+ as a $29.99 Premium Access. Check out the latest trailer below.