Directed By: Cate Shortland
Directing – 7
Shortland’s direction was good. I thought she did a solid job. I will say for negatives, the first 10-15 minutes. I felt could have been removed personally. I also think that at times there are times where marvel tries to reach with comedic value, some of the CGI towards the end was pretty noticeable. The action scenes I thought were filmed pretty well, at times they can be a little jump cut and shaky cam heavy, but they didn’t bother me much.
Cinematography – 10
The cinematography was done well.
Score – 10
The score was pretty good. I will say towards a specific chase scene the music got a little bombastic at times, but it didn’t necessarily bother me.
Story – 7
(POTENTIAL SPOILERS) The story follows Natasha Romanoff after the events of Captain America: Civil War she is on the run for violating the Sokovia Accords. As she is hiding, she ends up getting pulled back into unfinished business with an organization she used to be a part of. The story was solid, I felt this film was a little bit of one of the MCU’s darker installments. It tackles some pretty dark themes. I will say the inclusion of her family and how she feels about what they did by giving them away to this organization makes you understand her character a little bit, even Yelena, you understand the pain, the suffering the trauma they dealt with. Also, how their “parents” felt this decision was the best for them, but how Yelena and Natasha suffered from basically being humans with lives, into basically becoming slaves turned assassins. This film was a little darker than I believe many people would think. As for negatives, Marvel could have cut down with the jokes, the opening sequence, while I understand why it’s there, I felt it could have been cut. We understand there was tension within the family, Yelena and Natasha were basically given away by their parents, but we didn’t need a whole 10-minute sequence that could have been explained with a conversation, and the emotions conveyed within that conversation. I also felt Red Guardian didn’t necessarily have a substantial role in the film. Finally, there were some scenes that I would say we’re great, I will say the inclusion of comedy at times didn’t help it, but when it focused on the dramatic aspect of those scenes, is when the movie peaked its potential.
Acting – 10
The acting was great. The four stars Scarlett Johansson, Florence Pugh, David Harbour, and Rachel Weisz were incredible.
Post-Production – 8
The editing for the action at times could be a little too reliant on jump cuts and the effects at times were pretty noticeable, but for the most part, they did a good job.
Entertainment – 8
The film was overall good. I was a little nervous, it has been pretty hit or miss for many. I thought it was good. I also believe they are going to continue with Florence Pugh’s character, Yelena, so I’m excited and curious to see where Marvel goes from here. Overall, I’m pretty happy with the film. If this indeed is Scarlett Johansson’s last appearance as Black Widow, what a way to go out. We’ll miss you, Scarlett.
Final Rating
8.4/10 – Good Marvel Movie.
