'Black Widow' action-packed spy adventure

Natasha Romanoff, aka Black Widow, was introduced in the Marvel Cinematic Universe in the 2010 movie, ‘Iron Man 2.’ After that movie was released, the character appeared in several other MCU movies, and had a major impact in ‘Avengers: Endgame.’

For years, eager MCU fans have been clamoring for the character to have her own solo feature movie. Now, after waiting for many years (and additional delays thanks to COVID), Black Widow’s solo feature finally makes its way to the big screen. And, it was worth the wait!

In the long-awaited Marvel Studios release ‘Black Widow,’ Natasha Romanoff, aka Black Widow, confronts the darker parts of her ledger when a dangerous conspiracy with ties of her past arises.

Pursued by a force that will stop at nothing to bring her down, Natasha must deal with her history as a spy, and the broken relationships left in her wake long before she became an Avenger.

‘Black Widow’ is an extremely entertaining and action-packed adventure that MCU fans will surely enjoy. The action sequences in the movie are very slick and incredible. The most memorable action comes at the third act, which is extremely climactic and visually outstanding.

This MCU feature also does an amazing job giving the iconic Black Widow/Romanoff character an remarkable backstory. Over the years, there have been bits of pieces of her story being talked about. But, never went into great detail. It is also good to see Scarlett Johansson reprise her role, potentially for the final time.

The long-awaited solo feature also introduces us to another standout character - Yelena Belova. Some of the character’s moments have quite a bit of emotion and even a few little laughs. I’m certain that we’ll see this character again in numerous MCU projects down the road.

So, make sure to come on down to the Dietrich and don’t miss ‘Black Widow.’ This MCU feature does an outstanding job delivering the action, the emotion and even some of the humor. Also, like usual, stay for the end credits scene that will show what a particular Disney Plus/MCU series could be about.

The cast: Scarlett Johansson (Jojo Rabbit) as Natasha Romanoff/Black Widow; Florence Pugh (Little Women; Midsommar) as Yelena Belova; Rachel Weisz (The Favourite) as Melina; David Harbour (Netflix’s Stranger Things; HBOs No Sudden Move) as Alexei; Ray Winstone (Cats) as Dreykov; Michelle Lee as Oksona; O-T Fagbenle (Hulu’s The Handmaid’s Tale) as Mason and William Hurt (Avengers: Infinity War/Endgame) as Secretary Ross.

‘Black Widow’ is written by Eric Pearson (Thor: Ragnarok; Godzilla vs. Kong) and directed by Cate Shortland.

A ‘Black Widow’ movie has been in development for many years. Momentum of a solo feature built up even more when Black Widow’s backstory was briefly seen in the ‘Avengers’ sequel, ‘Age of Ultron.’

The movie takes place not long after the conclusion of ‘Captain America: Civil War’ and does an incredible job leading into ‘Infinity War.’ On July 6, 2020, it was announced that Marvel executives, including Kevin Feige, were so impressed with Florence Pugh’s performance as Belova that they plan to include her in future MCU films and she may even become the new Black Widow.

‘Black Widow’ is the first movie to be released in the Phase Four slate. Due to some shuffling around with release dates during the pandemic, the fourth phase of Marvel projects actually began in January with the Disney Plus event series ‘WandaVision,’ followed by ‘The Falcon and the Winter Soldier’ and the recently released ‘Loki.’ There are also three more MCU movies set for release later this year: ‘Shang-Chi and the Legend of the Ten Rings,’ ‘Eternals’ and ‘Spider-Man: No Way Home.’

‘Black Widow’ is rated PG-13 for intense sequences of violence/action, some language and thematic material and has a running time of 133 minutes.