Scarlett Johansson and Florence Pugh inBlack Widow.Photo: ©Marvel Studios 2021

The first reactions toBlack Widoware in — and it seems to be an overwhelmingly welcomed addition to the Marvel Cinematic Universe.
Several critics praised the film on Twitter ahead of its long-awaited release next month, with many making a note to zero in on the performances of starScarlett Johanssonand MCU newcomerFlorence Pugh.
“#BlackWidowis a tense, action-packed spy thriller that truly completes Natasha’s story in a visceral & emotional way,” said Fandango’s managing editor Erik Davis. “Florence Pugh CRUSHES it & isan instant MCU icon. This is like the MCU’s Bond movie w/ shades of MISSION: IMPOSSIBLE & THELMA & LOUISE.”
Alexander also calledBlack Widow"Oneof the funnier MCU movies,w/a ton of self-referential jokes for longtime fans, enough self-awareness to make the absurdity work," even if she does think it “definitely has some issues” too.
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“A couple of beats near the end I could have done without but overall I really dug it,” he added.
Film critic Courtney Howard called the film"an exhilarating shot of adrenaline,“praising Johansson, 36, Pugh, 25, and an “absolutely terrific” Harbour, 46.
“Big action set pieces are thrilling, propulsive & capably constructed. Multi-layered thematic resonance,” Howard raved.
David Harbour inBlack Widow.Marvel

Scarlett Johansson and Florence Pugh inBlack Widow.Jay Maidment/©Marvel Studios 2020.

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Kicking off Phase Four of the MCU,Black Widowtakes place following the events of 2016’sCaptain America: Civil Warand finds Johansson’s Natasha Romanoff coming to terms with her complex past.
Rachel Weisz, who also stars, recently joked toJimmy Kimmelabout what Marvel told her she is and isn’t allowed to say about the movie before its release.
“Thereis a list … I lost it,” said Weisz, 51, with a laugh “I know the big spoilers, which I’m obviously not gonna say,but my character’ssecond name is [hush-hush].”
“That’s out there — that’s public knowledge now, so that you don’t have to keep [secret],” the host said, joking, “Maybe you shoulda kept the list, I think is what I’m trying to say.”
Black Widowspins into theaters and onto Disney+ with Premier Access July 9.
source: people.com