Black Widow's release is finally imminent – and the verdict is in on whether it was worth the wait.
The standalone MCU movie for Scarlett Johansson's Natasha Romanoff is due to hit cinemas and Disney+ with Premier Access next month, and the first reactions are hugely glowing.
Digital Spy's own Gabriella Geisinger said the movie will satisfy Marvel fans, and had particular praise for a few of the MCU's newcomers.
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"Black Widow is exactly what fans have been waiting for! Apart from some overly long action scenes that disrupt its pacing, the film is elevated by newcomers Rachel Weisz, David Harbour, and Florence Pugh – whose humour and chemistry shake up the standard Marvel fare."
Related: Disney confirms when Marvel's Black Widow is coming to Disney+ for free
Variety's Courtney Howard raved about Black Widow, calling it an "exhilarating shot of adrenaline".
"Scarlett Johansson and Florence Pugh nail the banter and ballet-like stunts," she added. "David Harbour is absolutely terrific. Big action set pieces are thrilling, propulsive and capably constructed. Multi-layered thematic resonance."
Meanwhile, CinemaBlend's Sean O'Connell noted the movie's emotional depth, tweeting: "Yes, it's wall-to-wall action (and [director] 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.
"As someone who went into Black Widow worrying it might feel like a placeholder following Nat's fate in Endgame, it's a joy to wash that concern away. This is a fantastic chapter in the MCU, packed with pulse-racing action, genuine stakes, and a KNOCKOUT end credits scene!!"
Brandon Davis went so far as to call Black Widow one of Marvel's "best solo films" as he singled out Johansson, Pugh and Shortland.
"Start to finish, the movie is great," he added. "Excellent surprises, emotional character moments, bad-ass action, and Scarlett Johansson finally gets to pour everything into the role. Director Cate Shortland nailed it. Bravo."
Nerdist's Hector Navarro said the movie was "well worth the wait", tweeting: "The action rips, the emotion hits and the new characters joining the MCU are standouts. MORE BLACK WIDOW MOVIES PLEASE!"
Here are some more reactions:
Meanwhile, UK fans will be happy to know that they will be able to watch Black Widow a little earlier if they want to watch in cinemas, with the Marvel movie set to hit the big screen in Britain on July 7.
It will then hit Disney+ on July 9, with the US keeping its cinema and streaming release on that same date.
Black Widow is out in cinemas on July 7 in the UK and on Disney+ with Premier Access on July 9. In the US it will be released on July 9 both in cinemas and on Disney+ with Premier Access.
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Sam is a freelance reporter and sub-editor who has a particular interest in movies, TV and music. After completing a journalism Masters at City University, London, Sam joined Digital Spy as a reporter, and has also freelanced for publications such as NME and Screen International. Sam, who also has a degree in Film, can wax lyrical about everything from Lord of the Rings to Love Is Blind, and is equally in his element crossing every 't' and dotting every 'i' as a sub-editor.
