Review | Marvel Studios' Black Widow

Black Widow is a captivating action-packed movie with some great plot twists and an amazing cast. Scarlett Johansson and Florence Pugh are absolutely delightful!

Today is finally the day for Black Widow in some countries. In the United States, it will be released on July 9th in cinemas and on Disney Plus Premier Access. The film was originally scheduled to be released on May 1, 2020. Unfortunately, it was delayed due to the COVID crisis like many other movies. Thankfully, we are finally able to experience this movie on the big screen (or on Disney Plus). It was worth the wait!

ENDGAME AFTERMATH

As you all know, Natasha Romanoff a.k.a Black Widow died in Avengers Endgame. It was heartbreaking. She is still dead as this movie takes place after Captain America: Civil War. However, I’m just so glad to see Black Widow again and most importantly that she finally got her solo movie. It was long overdue. She should have gotten a trilogy like Iron Man, Thor, and Captain America. First, we got the Captain Marvel solo movie, and now Black Widow, I’m looking forward to seeing what comes next! Women superheroes can finally shine with their own solo movies and it was about time!

STORY

The Avengers movies only mentioned Natasha’s past but with this movie, we finally get her backstory. We learn how she became a Widow and what happened in Budapest with Hawkeye. This event has been mentioned quite a few times. So, it’s great that at last, we learn the story behind it.

Moreover, Black Widow delivers a fantastic story with great plot twists. From beginning to end, I was captivated! It’s undoubtedly the most action-packed MCU movie. On that side, it reminds me of Captain America: The Winter Soldier. Except, it’s even better. The fight sequences are brilliantly choreographed! It’s an action spy movie so it’s more grounded than say WandaVision or Loki. The MCU is so good at telling different types of stories and giving us different genres.

FAMILY

Beyond the action, at heart, it’s a family drama. Indeed, we have Black Widow reuniting with her “family.” And they have a lot of issues to deal with. It allows Natasha to close some unfinished business while opening doors for what comes next. We are actually introduced to new characters – Yelena Belova, Taskmaster, Red Guardian, Melina Vostokoff. And, for some of these characters, their stories are not over yet. So at the same time, it’s a beautiful swansong for Black Widow and the beginning of the adventure for others.

SUPER-VILLAINS

I also want to say a few words about the villains. Dreykov played by Ray Winstone is a cruel guy. It’s the type of villain who stays in the shadows and does terrible things. You are going to hate him. Then there is his henchman. I love what they did with Taskmaster in the MCU. A surprise to be sure but a welcome one!

Jac Schaeffer who was the showrunner on WandaVision once again impresses with her story ideas on this movie. She deserves more recognition. I also want to congratulate Cate Shortland the director on her awesome work!

ALL-STAR CAST

Black Widow features an all-star cast with some actors I had no idea would be in it (including one that I won’t mention)! First, let’s talk about Scarlett Johansson. She has been phenomenal as Black Widow from the beginning. She delivers a poignant and amazing performance that is fitting for Natasha’s final appearance. Then, the other lead of the movie is Florence Pugh who plays Yelena Belova. She is absolutely delightful and she brings so much to her character. Yelena is sure to become an instant fan favorite!

Rachel Weisz and David Harbour are also highlighting in this movie. Red Guardian is pretty much the comic relief and Harbour plays the character so well. His line delivery is on point! Weisz brings a more serious tone with her performance. I like the balance between these two as they play the “parents” of Yelena and Natasha.

Ray Winstone is great at playing villains and this movie is no exception. I also need to mention Olga Kurylenko who appears in the movie because I love this actress. So as you can guess I was incredibly happy to see her in the MCU! It was a big surprise! All I need now is for her character to appear in future projects.

VALENTINA

Vanity Fair broke the news during The Falcon And The Winter Soldier. Julia Louis-Dreyfus is in this movie playing her character Valentina. I won’t say what she does but I will say that Julia’s presence on screen is like in TFAWS – she owns the scene!

SOUNDTRACK

Finally, let’s talk about the soundtrack. Lorne Balfe has done sensational work with the score. It has this superhero vibe to it and it adds so much to the already brilliant action scenes. If you want to listen to it like me again and again, it will be available on Spotify and digital download on July 9th.

VERDICT

Black Widow is a captivating action-packed movie with some great plot twists and an amazing all-star cast! It’s a beautiful swansong for Scarlett Johansson’s Natasha Romanoff while also a fantastic beginning for our new characters! Florence Pugh is delightful and her character is sure to become an instant fan favorite. David Harbour also brings a lot of fun! I’m excited to see what comes next!

Stay until the end, there is a post-credit scene! You do not want to miss this one. It prepares us for what comes next.

Black Widow is directed by Cate Shortland and written by Eric Pearson (story by Jac Schaeffer and Ned Benson). It stars Scarlett Johansson, Florence Pugh, David Harbour, O-T Fagbenle, William Hurt, Ray Winston, Rachel Weisz, Olga Kurylenko, Julia Louis-Dreyfus, and more. Scarlett Johansson also gets her first executive producer credit in the MCU.