 |
| images courtesy Disney |
Scarlett Johansson and Florence Pugh bring the action in this weekend's long awaited release of Black Widow. After numerous delays caused by the global pandemic, this newest Marvel entry looks to reinvigorate the summer box office with a massive opening weekend that will definitely vanquish the latest Fast and Furious chapter with a story that's all about.......family.
When Scarlett was first introduced as the on screen version of Natasha in 2010's Iron Man 2, she was never given the respect or the depth of character she deserved. After 11 long years and a painful onscreen death in Endgame, the Black Widow finally gets her due in a movie that exceeds expectations while doing something outside the box. Gone are the alien invaders. There are no earth destroying mega weapons or time traveling heroes. Instead, we're given an old school action spectacle in its purest form that remembers how audiences like to be engaged in actual human context interwoven with skillfully choreographed fight scenes. There are nods and mentions of her Avenger friends but they're nowhere to be found as her solo film takes flight around the globe.
Pinned as another adventure in the long running Marvel Cinematic Universe, fans of the character are given a back story for Natasha Romanoff as she battles her way through her own history and a legion of super troopers hell bent on destruction. Ray Winstone carries the villainous torch as the controlling Russian terror monger, Dreykov.
 |
| Ever seen a man in a bear suit? |
Director Cate Shortland finds a perfect balance in abandoning the Marvel formula as she creates a female led Bourne-like tentpole flick that just so happens to fit into the Avengers chronology. Taking place between Civil War and Infinity War, Black Widow is an adrenaline shot that finds a great pacing between its massive fight scenarios, perfectly timed exposition, character development, and David Harbour absolutely owning his role as the Red Guardian. As a throwback to a greater time in cinema, Black Widow feels much like an older James Bond style film with its weapons, flying supertoys, motorcycle chases, vehicular destruction and high stakes plot.
Sure, there is plenty of CGI to go around, and there is tons of hand to hand combat and gun play, but Shortland sets her sights on the interaction between Johansson, Pugh, Harbour, and Weisz. It's in the moments that they're acting as a family that really brings her message into focus. Knowing Natasha's fate in Endgame, this is a worthwhile step in amplifying the importance and legacy of the character in the entire Avengers saga. At the same time, we're offered an excellent tale that revels in the bond between sisters. The emotional connection between Scarlett and Florence is something often missed in comic book movies.
Sadly though, this story came way too late. This one off film about Black Widow will likely be the swan song for Scarlett in the role. She deserved this movie a long time ago.With all that said, Florence Pugh is a force to be reckoned as the MCU moves into its next set of movies. She has the on screen charisma, physical chops, and sheer talent to carry forward into this phase of the MCU.
-CG
