Reviews Are In For Marvel’s Black Widow
One of the year’s most anticipated releases, the MCU is delivering their first theatrical release in over two years; with the film a week away, reviews are in for Marvel’s Black Widow.
A film that explores the untold story of Natasha Romanoff; one of the original avengers who returns to her roots as a Black Widow, and a member of the revered group of assassins.
The film suffered many setbacks during the delays of the COVID-19 pandemic; and remained finished and unchanged at Marvel for over a year, before finally being able to find a theatrical audience this year.
Reviews have been predominantly positive; with Black Widow earning an 86% aggregate score on Rotten Tomatoes, and receiving mostly positive acclaim from the critics.
now that reviews are in for Marvel’s Black Widow, let’s look at some of the most notable reviews, and see what they say!
For Jamie Jirak of ComicBook.com, Natasha’s story came far later than it should have, but the film proves the depth and quality of that character and concludes her story, as well as any, would.
Jirak Stated;
“While it’s hard not to dwell on the fact that Black Widow should have been made a decade ago, the new movie still manages to be a well-placed addition to the franchise and the perfect send-off for Scarlett Johansson and Natasha Romanoff.”
Caryn James of the BBC gave credit to the tone of the Black Widow; which differs greatly from the projects Marvel Studios have released over their decade-long pantheon of films.
James Notes;
“Maybe it’s no surprise that the film is entertaining and full of action. It is unexpected, though, that Black Widow may be the least Avenger-like movie in the series so far.”
John Oleskinski of the New York Post seems to echo James’ sentiments on Black widow and its differing tone while adding that the film is reminiscent of another highly popular, and critically acclaimed, series of espionage and action; James Bond.
Oleskinski notes;
“The movie’s vibe isn’t like your average MCU entry at all, really. What it reminded me of are the many James Bond films where 007 goes rogue and cavorts around world cities seeking his revenge du jour.”
It was Mara Reinstein of US Weekly that is perhaps the first pointed out the flaws she saw in the film; noting that the prequel formula fails at creating the necessary stakes for fans to invest, which limits the effectiveness of the films antagonists.
Reinstein noted;
“The stakes are nonexistent. No matter how many times a bad guy (or girl) aims a gun at our beloved heroine, we know she has a specific Endgame.”
Tom Grierson of Screen International notes that, although Black Widow certainly qualifies as a good movie, it seems to merely be a film meant to curve the appetite of the Marvel faithful until the next saga comes clearer into focus; not standing as a part of Marvel’s overarching plan for the MCU’s next great voyage.
Grierson stated;
“‘Black Widow’ seems like a missed opportunity – an energetic placeholder in the Marvel Cinematic Universe meant to tide audiences over until a bigger, richer adventure comes along.”
Finally, Scott Mendelson reiterated the criticism that Black Widow should have appeared much earlier in the Marvels Phases; and sees the film operating, primarily, as an introduction to the MCU’s new Black Widow in Florence Pugh’s Yelena Belova.
Mendelson writes;
“The years-too-late solo flick for Scarlett Johansson’s MCU superhero is both too much of a glorified backdoor pilot for its co-star and not up to par with the spy films and espionage thrillers it wishes to emulate.”
Fans will be able to see Black Widow for themselves this July 9th in theatres, IMAX, or with Disney+ Premiere Access!