Black Widow

“I’ve lived a lot of lives… but I’m done running from my past.” — Natasha Romanoff Set between Captain America: Civil War and Avengers: Infinity War, the film dives into Natasha’s past, finally giving her a more personal story. It trades big-scale spectacle for something more grounded—family, trauma, and identity. The standout is easily Yelena Belova. She brings humor, emotion, and a fresh energy that often steals the spotlight, especially in her dynamic with Natasha. The “family” aspect—with Red Guardian and Melina Vostokoff—adds depth, even if it sometimes leans more into comedy than drama. Action-wise, it’s solid and more grounded than other MCU films, though it still shifts into bigger, more over-the-top moments toward the end. Taskmaster is the biggest weak point—an interesting concept that never fully gets the depth it needed. It may not change the MCU, but it gives Natasha a more human, emotional send-off. Smaller, more personal—but slightly held back. ★★★★☆ notes: * strong focus on Natasha’s past and emotional story * Yelena is the standout and adds fresh energy * family dynamic adds both humor and depth * grounded tone works well for the character * action is solid but becomes more typical later on * Taskmaster feels underdeveloped * released too late to feel truly impactful * a meaningful but not essential MCU entry