Source: Marvel Studios
The first reviews of Black Widow praise Scarlett Johansson and Marvel newcomer Florence Pugh.
On July 9th, the long-awaited Phase Four of the Marvel Cinematic Universe begins with the official release of Black Widow. After numerous postponements, due to script revisions, the film wrapped production in October 2019, set for a November 6, 2020 release date. Then came the COVID-19 pandemic. At long last, the film is set to hit theaters on July 9th. On Thursday, the media embargo was lifted, and the first round of reviews hit the net. Here’s what critics think of the new phase in the MCU.
Decider‘s Brett White calls the movie a “hard-hitting romp with thrilling action sequences.” White praises the film’s “fantastic car chase,” as well as “the kind of vibrant performances that make the MCU such a special place to visit.”
#BlackWidow is a hard-hitting romp with thrilling action sequences, including a fantastic car chase, and the kind of vibrant performances that make the MCU such a special place to visit. It left me wanting to campaign for another #BlackWidow movie so, some things never change.
— Brett White (@brettwhite) June 17, 2021
Variety‘s Courtney Howard calls Black Widow an “exhilarating shot of adrenaline,” featuring “big action set pieces…thrilling, propulsive and capably constructed [with] multi-layered thematic resonance.”
#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
Though fans are already familiar with the titular character, played by Scarlett Johansson, however some critics point to Florence Pugh’s character Yelena.
“Florence Pugh crushes it,” said Erik Davis of Fandango and Rotten Tomatoes. “An instant MCU icon. This is like the MCU’s Bond movie [with] shades of Mission: Impossible & Thelma & Louise.”
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
“Black Widow shows exactly why Natasha Romanoff was the glue that held the Avengers together,” wrote Alisha Grauso of ScreenRant. “Yelena will be a new fan-favorite…Florence Pugh knocked it out of the park.”
Yelena will be a new fan-favorite after #BlackWidow too. Florence Pugh knocked it out of the park. She and Scarlett Johansson are phenomenal together as two “sisters” used and abused by a system they need to break.
— Alisha Grauso (@AlishaGrauso) June 17, 2021
“Black Widow pays a beautiful and long overdue tribute to Natasha Romanoff,” wrote Orlando Nelcine. “It’s also the spy thriller fans of the character have been asking for all these years. It’s funny, thrilling and very emotional. Florence Pugh is fantastic as Yelena Belova, who is definitely here to stay.”
#BlackWidow pays a beautiful and long overdue tribute to Natasha Romanoff. It’s also the spy thriller fans of the character have been asking for all these years. It’s funny, thrilling and very emotional. Florence Pugh is fantastic as Yelena Belova, who is definitely here to stay. pic.twitter.com/i0jimxIJG0
— Lando (@orlandoenelcine) June 17, 2021
The action begins in theaters on Friday, July 9th. If you’d rather watch the movie at home, Disney+ subscribers can purchase the movie for $29.99.
