My first film in a cinema as we come out of the pandemic had to be a superhero movie. Marvel’s BLACK WIDOW is a thrilling triumph for the cast and crew who gave the Avenger her own solo film. The hidden chapter of Natasha Romanoff marks an incredible final performance by Scarlett Johansson in the Marvel Comics Universe and sets the stage for future women heroes to swing into action. Seeing the movie at the movies felt perfect for this time of celebration, reflection and looking forward.
How did it feel to be back in a movie theater? How is the film?
We bought tickets ahead in the sweet spot of a middle row, just like everybody else. There obviously is a huge difference between watching at home and a theater. The big screen, big sound and big darkness around you sets the tone for big action. It felt good to let myself be immersed back into the Marvel Comics Universe with a huge screen of action and action as Black Widow took us on an amazing mission that was very personal for the character and the fans.
I have definitely cheered in my easy chair at home while streaming then texting friends I knew were watching or had watched. There is that shared experience of friends and strangers in the cinema as Natasha takes out her enemies inspiring cheers and big laughs from her family we never knew.
What about the film?
BLACK WIDOW is set after the events of CAPTAIN AMERICA: CIVIL WAR and before AVENGERS: INFINITY WAR. Natasha is being hunted by General Ross (William Hurt) and SHIELD after she sides with Captain America in defiance of the Sokovia Accords (aka the Superhero Registration Act for comics readers) when her past reaches out for her.
Black Widow is one of the most haunted, darkest Avenger in the MCU. Natahsa lived with her violent, tragic past and always felt like she will never pay enough for the red in the ledger. Knowing Natasha’s fate in AVENGERS: INFINITY WAR gave this film a bittersweetness for me that aligns with this complicated character. Natasha finally gets back to the Red Room that stole her youth and her family before the Avengers.
Without giving away spoilers here’s what fans can expect, and this fan loved about BLACK WIDOW:
Origin. Natasha was a small-town Ohio girl with a father, mother and sister living the American Dream until her parents lie was exposed.
Yelena Belova. In comics this Red Room graduate seized the Black Widow name. Yelena later became Natasha’s ally. Florence Pugh plays Yelena, Natasha’s “sister” who escapes the Red Room. Johansson and Pugh share incredible on-screen chemistry. In Black Widow’s world you could say they pass the Widow’s sting weapon instead of a torch. Pugh/Yelena is worthy successor and I hope to see her again.
Mom and Dad. Rachel Weisz and David Harbour are incredible as Natasha and Yelena’s parents. Weisz’s Melina is not just a formidable Black Widow but a brilliant scientist. Harbour brings the little-known Red Guardian (Russia’s Captain America) to boastful, boisterous life.
Villains. Taskmaster is one of my favorite Avengers villains. The soldier that can mimic any fighting style is giving a deviation from the comics version but the twist fits with the Red Room. I can’t say much more about it without giving away a big twist. Ray Winstone emerges as one of my favorite MCU villains. The mastermind of the Red Room and the Widows is a vile, ruthless representation of male power at its worst. Natasha’s showdown with the mystery man who shaped her life and lives of so many other women is a triumph.
Director Cate Shortland needs to be signed up for more MCU missions. BLACK WIDOW is a spy thriller packing as much action as a James Bond or Mission Impossible adventure with a dysfunctional spy family reunion bringing humor and heart to Natasha’s final secret adventure. Wait for a post-credits scene that is bittersweet and exciting for the legacy of a founding Avengers in the MCU.
By Editor