Black Widow movie review 2021

MOVIE TITLE: Black Widow

After its premiere was pushed back multiple times due to the pandemic, this new Marvel film is now available in theaters and on Disney+!

RATING: PG-13

LENGTH: 2 hours 13 minutes

IN A NUTSHELL:

This newest addition to the Marvel Cinematic Universe features Natasha Romanoff in her quests between the films Captain America: Civil War (Theatrical) and Avengers: Infinity War. It’s an interesting backstory mixed with spy capers, a dysfunctional family comedy, and some hard-hitting action.

The superhero action flick is directed by a woman, Cate Shortland.

THINGS I LIKED:

I’m so happy for Scarlett Johansson for finally getting her own feature film. This movie fleshes out her character with an interesting backstory that makes for an entertaining and touching solo Avenger movie. Unfortunately, this will probably be her last one since her character has already died in the MCU died in the story arc!
Florence Pugh is stellar in this movie as Scarlett Johansson’s sister! She has been putting out some great work lately and has an incredibly bright future. She has the athleticism, beauty, and fierceness to be an excellent Yelena. I’m such a fan. The subtleties in her facial expressions and Russian accent made her the true acting standout in this movie. She’s also the one who has the most connected relationships with the other characters in the story and brings real heart to the movie. Her character has a full arc demonstrating her toughness and vulnerability. She should definitely be added to the MCU.
David Harbour is absolutely fantastic and one of the highlights of the movie. I love his endearing obsession with Captain America. I get it. I do too. One of my favorite scenes of his is when he’s in a room having a heart-to-heart with Yelena (Florence Pugh’s character).
There are quite a few action sequences and entertaining moments I can’t wait to see again already.
When is Rachel Weisz going to start aging? She looks great.
Great cat fight scene between the sisters, but the Taskmaster fight sequences were electric. Taskmaster’s presence instantly darkened the tone and made it feel like a superhero movie. Kudos to the stunt team because the sequences hit HARD.
The opening credits are striking and kind of different for a Marvel movie.
I thought the “Avengers posing” conversation between the sisters was pretty funny.
Sweet firefly moments. They’re so magical.
The comedic banter works most of the time.
There are a few Easter eggs for true Marvel fans.
Some critics have pointed out that Natash spends Act 1 hiding. The more I thought about it, the more I thought that was appropriate since actual black widow spiders do the same. Then, when the prey is in sight, they pounce and kill.
So many Russian braids. ha ha
It has the elements of a spy movie with double-crosses and alliances, making some film critics call it a Marvel version of a The James Bond Collection [Blu-ray] movie.
As with all Marvel movies, keep watching after the final rolling credits for another clip, a fun cameo, and an intriguing teaser!

THINGS I DIDN’T LIKE:

There are a LOT of quiet, talking moments. Some of them are touching but because of them, Act 3 feels rushed.
The CGI and stunt doubles are often very noticeable.
It’s so sad that there wasn’t a Stan Lee moment in this Marvel movie.
I would have loved an even stronger Russian influence.
It takes about 40 minutes to set up the actual plot.
There are several times when you’ll laugh and say, “Come on!” when certain people miraculously survive ridiculously deadly moments.
The actual villain doesn’t show up for a very long time. He’s disappointingly bland.

TIPS FOR PARENTS:

Some profanity.
Gross conversation about a forced hysterectomy
Lots of destruction
Violence with only a tiny bit of blood even though it’s brutal.
Some subtitles when Russian is spoken.

THEMES:

Family
Revenge
Female empowerment
Control, power
Mental strength
Choice
Sisterhood

FUNNY LINES:

“This is a much less cool way to die.” – Yelena Belova (Florence Pugh)

INTERESTING LINES:

“The truth rarely makes sense when you omit details.” – Yelena Belova (Florence Pugh)
“Pain only makes us stronger.” – Melina (Rachel Weisz)
“If you got soft, it wasn’t on my watch.” – Melina (Rachel Weisz)
“The world functions on a higher level when it is controlled.” – Yelena Belova (Florence Pugh)
“The best part of my life was fake.” – Yelena Belova (Florence Pugh)
“I’ve always found it best not to look into the past.” – Melina (Rachel Weisz)