The pandemic really threw the release of Black Widow off. Especially here in Melbourne, in and out of lockdown, and add a baby to the mix for us; it didn’t make it easy for us to watch our beloved Marvel’s latest release in the cinema. Its delayed release also created a slight hiccup to the timeline which will only make sense if you’ve kept up with the Marvel Studios TV shows, also on Disney+. Eventually, come October, on the same week of its free release to Disney+, it was only fair we finally watched it, regardless of the lack of the big theatrical experience. And to be frankly honest, I am kind of glad we didn’t spend the money on it. I do miss those gold class nachos though. Back to the review…

Black Widow is set after Civil War and just before Infinity War. In the first part of this film, we get a glimpse into the early life of Natasha Romanoff (Scarlett Johansson). She is the overprotective sister to Yelena (Florence Pugh), and the adopted daughter to Melina (Rachel Weizs) and Alexei (a.k.a. Red Guardian) (David Harbour). The film allows us to be witnesses to the methods of creating a black widow, and investigate further into the infamous red room that houses these stolen little girls that are created into fighting machines. All this is constructed by the mastermind, Dreykov (Ray Winstone). Nastasha’s main initiative here, is to destroy the red room, and kill Dreykov.

This film, was fun. The action, the CGI, the stereotypical superhero prerequisite was all there in plain sight; explosions, jumps off crazy heights, big guns, etc. But, simply, it dragged. It’s in that last hour that we are able to finally unwrap everything that there was to know about the intricate details of the red room, and the Black Widow project. That shit should have been spread out in the two and a bit hour long film. For me, in certainly didn’t feel like enough was done in that first hour and a bit to lead to the big show of the last hour. It had big fights. It had big explosions. But all that effort seemed a little mindless. The theatricals are supposed to add some sort of wow factor, when in fact it was just a yawn fest. It almost felt as though the action was the main agenda by the film’s creators, and not actual storyline.

Yelena saves this entire movie. It’s her one liners and quick wit comedy that creates a humbling atmosphere. She’s the chosen one that brings it all back down to earth. She is hilarious and even if you’re not hysterically laughing, you’re definitely cracking a smile at what she says. You even sympathise with her a whole heap when she gets a little teary. I’m a big fan of this character and can’t wait to see her again (refer to end of credits scene).

Nevertheless, Black Widow gives off entertainment vibes and whether you enjoy it or not, it’s part of the big universe we have grown to know and love. If you’re up to date with them all, Black Widow is a must. If you’re looking for something a little mindless, sure, go ahead. Enjoy. If you’re wanting to start the Marvel Universe, other than the fact that it’s a sin to start here… just don’t start here, for the love of God.

Rating: 3/5