"Black Widow" Review: The Long Awaited MCU Espionage Thriller
Black Widow opens with arguably one of the top 3 openings in a Marvel film to date! Much like its television shows, Black Widow doesn’t feel like most Marvel films. It’s an espionage thriller with a mix of super heroes. It start strong, lulls, and finds its footing again. A solid entry in the development of a long-overdue solo film for Natasha Romanoff (Scarlett Johansson).
The film is a snapshot of what happened after the battle of Leipzig/Halle Airport in Captain America: Civil War. It starts further back in Natasha’s childhood, setting up an understanding of her psyche and her family dynamics. The opening sequence is equal parts you name it Spielberg kids scene and Jason Bourne action. From there, the film is off to the races sending us to present post-battle life.
While this film struggled to the release finish line, the film’s secret weapon is its ensemble cast. Florence Pugh’s entrance into the Marvel Cinematic Universe (MCU) is worth the film being created alone. As Natasha’s sister, Yelena, Pugh establishes herself as a take no prisoners, dark humor, force to be reckoned with. There is no doubt that she will make a mark and quickly become a fan favorite in future films. David Harbour and Rachel Weisz bring the gravity and nuance to their roles as Natasha’s parents. Harbour’s comic timing as a dad reliving his greatest battles/missions is reminiscent of Mr. Incredible from The Incredibles, but a real life version.
There are some pacing issues with this stand alone film. Somewhere in act two the film comes to a halt as it settles into one of its themes of family. While the moment provides reflection and character building, it’s hard not to notice the difference in pace and change of tone. It’s as though we can see writer, Eric Pearson, step into a hole and try to write his way out without thinking of how to skip the hole in the first place.
Ultimately, Black Widow is a fun, espionage installment in the MCU with big set pieces and action sequences that give a nice curtain-call for Romanoff. We know her fate, but now we know a little more of her backstory. Most importantly, she has a sister that we’ll see a lot more of!
Rating: B-
