First reactions for Marvel's 'Black Widow' are pretty mixed

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Herb Scribner
@HerbScribner

Early review for #BlackWidow — Wow. What a journey. Brilliant film with high emotional moments, crazy good action scenes, simple twists that shock but aren’t forced. Most importantly — it knows what kind of film it wants to be and it leans into it.

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Rodrigo Perez
@YrOnlyNope

#BlackWidow embargo is up. It's definitely a Marvel episode and a prequel origin story about family, but it's also fairly unremarkable unfortch. Entertaining Bourne/Mission Impossible style action for sure, but not much beyond that...

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Perri Nemiroff
@PNemiroff

Dug #BlackWidow a good deal! Was kinda worried about watching this story unfold knowing what’s to come in Endgame, that it might diminish the stakes, but that wasn’t the case. In fact, this is the kind of prequel story that feels bound to enhance other installments of the MCU.

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Michael Lee
@IamMichaelJLee

#BlackWidow is a throwback to cold dark global espionage thrillers but w/ a #Marvel twist. Though smaller in scale, it leaves an impact w/ impressive action set pieces, a strong and compassionate introspective story, and humorous spy family dynamics. Wish we got this sooner.

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Nathaniel Brail
@NateBrail

#BlackWidow is not a bad film by any means, but it isn’t a necessary one either. If it had been released before #InfinityWar maybe I’d be singing a different tune. By the time the film reaches its 3rd act it completely falls apart.

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Scott Menzel
@ScottDMenzel

Black Widow is so disappointing. Scarlett Johansson tries, but the script, pacing, & poor character development sink the film. Starts off promising but by the second act becomes a disjointed & uneven mess. Generic, uninspired, & ultimately lacking the Marvel Magic. #BlackWidow

What's worse is that Black Widow plays like a 135-minute teaser to an upcoming Marvel Disney+ series rather than an actual movie. The whole thing feels oddly pointless with a shoe-string plot that is more concerned with setting up Pugh's Yelena than telling Natasha's backstory.

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Sean O'Connell
@Sean_OConnell

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)

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@mikeryan

BLACK WIDOW feels like a Phase 1 Marvel movie in that’s it’s the most standalone story in quite awhile. That whole “An MCU entry like you’ve never seen!” trend, yeah that’s not this. Florence Pugh rules. (Also bonus points for a great MOONRAKER reference.)

(It is a little weird to get a gritty backstory about the character that we already saw die on the space planet where the nazi ghost lives.)

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julia alexander
@loudmouthjulia

I really liked Black Widow!! One of the funnier MCU movies, w/a ton of self-referential jokes for longtime fans, enough self-awareness to make the absurdity work. Florence Pugh & David Harbour steal the show. Definitely has some issues. But dug it! Absolutely see it in theaters!

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Dan Casey
@DanCasey

#BlackWidow is far from my favorite MCU entry, but there's still plenty to like for diehard fans. Florence Pugh steals the show as Yelena Belova. Putting Natasha Romanoff in the spotlight was *long* overdue, so I'm glad it finally happened.

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Erik Davis
@ErikDavis

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.

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Rob Keyes
@rob_keyes

Black Widow has lots of red lights, lots of wonderful and practical action sequences, lots of red lights, funny Red Guardian content, and lots of red lights. A few scenes have confusing timing/logistics/locations - or questionable accents - but overall it's great. I want more!

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Matt Neglia
@NextBestPicture

BLACK WIDOW is an adrenaline-filled spy film with tons of action, breakneck pacing & an engaging supporting cast. Seeing Scarlett Johansson finally & deservedly have her moment in the MCU feels great but Florence Pugh is the MVP. Nothing bold or daring but it will satisfy fans.

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