After enduring several COVID-related delays, Black Widow faces more pressure than ever to deliver another standout entry in the MCU canon. Originally scheduled to hit theaters last May, Natasha Romanoff’s very first solo movie is finally hitting screens next month. And now that the embargo for social media reactions has lifted, critics are beginning to share their first impressions of the film.
Overall, Phase Four appears to be off to an auspicious start, with praise given to Black Widow’s stunts, performances, and its ability to show moments of levity even in the darkest of places. Check out some of the highlights below.
Many critics, including Brandon Davis and BuzzFeed’s Nora Dominick, claimed that Black Widow is one of Marvel’s strongest standalone films to date. Others continued to point out that Natasha’s time in the spotlight was long overdue.
#BlackWidow might be one of my favorite solo origin movies in the MCU. There’s something about seeing Natasha finally get her story that made me emotional in all the best ways. Also, Florence Pugh was born for the MCU, and her dynamic with Scarlett is a triumph
— Nora Dominick (@noradominick) June 17, 2021
#BlackWidow is one of Marvel’s best solo films.
Start to finish, the movie is great. Excellent surprises, emotional character moments, bad-ass action, and Scarlett Johansson finally gets to pour everything into the role.
Director Cate Shortland nailed it. Bravo. pic.twitter.com/sgEkUW63cT
— BD (@BrandonDavisBD) June 17, 2021
Marvel movies are back and Phase 4 kicks off with the very entertaining and action-packed #BlackWidow. Giving us a long-overdue look at Natasha’s backstory, with solid performances throughout and thrilling set pieces that demand you see this movie on the biggest screen possible. pic.twitter.com/Pr6qeBlSGQ
— Umberto Gonzalez (@elmayimbe) June 17, 2021
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Florence Pugh was also mentioned in several reactions as one of the movie’s high points. The actress especially shines in scenes where she’s featured opposite Scarlett Johansson’s Natasha. And despite Pugh’s claims that Black Widow isn’t a “passing of the torch” story, a number of critics suggest that Yelena Belova may indeed have a role to play in future MCU installments.
Marvel movies are back! #BlackWidow is a tense, action-packed spy thriller that truly completes Natasha’s story in a visceral & emotional way. Florence Pugh CRUSHES it & is an instant MCU icon. This is like the MCU’s Bond movie w/ shades of MISSION: IMPOSSIBLE & THELMA & LOUISE. pic.twitter.com/bauc2XVQlF
— Erik Davis (@ErikDavis) June 17, 2021
#BlackWidow is excellent. An exhilarating shot of adrenaline. Scarlett Johansson & Florence Pugh nail the banter & ballet-like stunts. David Harbour is absolutely terrific. Big action set pieces are thrilling, propulsive & capably constructed. Multi-layered thematic resonance. pic.twitter.com/ew9r1NXvfL
— Courtney Howard (@Lulamaybelle) June 17, 2021
The #BlackWidow cast is great at building fun, larger-than-life characters, but Florence Pugh as Yelena Belova is an ABSOLUTE STANDOUT. Marvel fans will ADORE her. I walked away from this movie excited about her future involvement in the MCU. She’ll be an instant fan favorite.
— Meagan Damore (@metathor) June 17, 2021
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And of course, it wouldn’t be a Marvel movie without a few dazzling fight sequences. Thankfully, it sounds as though director Cate Shortland and her team didn’t disappoint. Some reviewers compared the action scenes to other high-octane franchises like John Wick, which makes sense. After all, as Collider’s Steven Weintraub pointed out, the films share a few crew members.
Loved #BlackWidow for very unexpected reasons. Yes, it’s wall-to-wall action (and Cate Shortland approaches Russo levels of physicality and intensity). But the movie’s heart, and display of a broken family, hit me hard. Very much appreciated this deeper dive into Natasha. (1/2) pic.twitter.com/j6m1gvv3B0
— Sean O’Connell (@Sean_OConnell) June 17, 2021
#BlackWidow shows exactly why Natasha Romanoff was the glue that held the Avengers together. Shades of John Wick fight scenes & inventive action sequences wrapped in a heartfelt & poignant story about family & how the world treats girls. Excited to see Yelena carry the torch.
— Alisha Grauso (@AlishaGrauso) June 17, 2021
Also the action is non-stop in #BlackWidow and so well done. And if you like it, you can thank 2nd unit director Darrin Prescott. You know his work from the ‘John Wick’ movies, ‘Black Panther,’ and ‘Captain America: Civil War.’ Don’t watch on Disney+. See this in a movie theater. pic.twitter.com/SiCuL66llR
— Steven Weintraub (@colliderfrosty) June 17, 2021
Black Widow hits theaters and Disney+ Premier Access on July 9.
What do you make of these early reviews for the film? Tell us what you think in the comment section below!
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