Title: Black Widow
MPAA Rating: PG-13
Director: Cate Shortland
Starring: Scarlett Johansson, Florence Pugh, David Harbour
Runtime: 2 hr 14 mins

What It Is: Natasha Romanoff aka Black Widow (Johansson) is back…because for the first time the MCU is going backward in the timeline completely. Prior to the events of Avengers: Endgame we’re here to bear witness to how Black Widow broke the protocol that created her. With the help of her “sister” Yelena (Pugh) and her “father” Alexei (Harbour) and “mother” Melina (Rachel Weisz). But where do they find the control center for something so secretive?

What We Think: Really this film doesn’t do too much in the way of keeping me interested. It draws me in with a fantastic title sequence and from there attempts to top that and…it just can’t. The pacing is a little off but not enough to throw you off the film. Scarlett Johansson is serviceable in this…even if she comes off a little too…edgy. The supporting cast, Harbour, in particular, elevated this material and made the films a ton more fun. I loved Shortlands shooting of action. All the stunts are up to snuff because…you know…Marvel. Overall I think. Shortland is a huge positive for the film. She’s so solid and confident with the decisions she makes here.

Our Grade: C+, This is a production bailed out by the talents of the director. Which…let’s admit it, is something that’s happened several times in Marvels decade of dominance. See the film if you’re a fan of comic book films or if you really do want to complete the Marvel experience. Other then that you can pretty much go ahead and skip this one. This is one I definitely won’t be rewatching. That title sequence though…I’ve seen a few times since because it’s excellent. In fact maybe just watch that.