An itsy, bitsy spider

Our home theater has been the main portal since March 2020. Even with theaters open to now, most filmgoers have forgone multiplexes. Not that there has been much good fare enticing us out of the house. With HBO Max declaring Warner Bros’ entire slate for simultaneous streaming and on the big screen, why bother? Although some you are better off only seeing them at home; “Space Jam: A New Legacy” chief among them. None other than the Marvel Universe is a strong enough reason to get off the couch and buy a ticket, right?

The short answer is yes. At the risk of coming off as a shill for Disney (see my last review for evidence to the contrary), let me make my case. First in many ways, this is its own self-contained story. Yes, some characters will certainly return as much as it is self-evident that James Bond will. Our main character will not be however. Scarlett Johansson reprises Natasha Romanov one last time with gusto. It’s sad she still hasn’t gained an Oscar in anything. Doubtful that the Academy will give her any consideration here. That being said, her struggle grounds this. These events take place after “Captain America: Civil War” and “Avengers: Infinity War.” On the run, Romanov is in hiding until a package thrusts her into action.

From the beginning director Cate Shortland declares this to be Natasha’s story both past and present. No appearances, save a brief encounter with General Ross (William Hurt), grace the screen. The only people that are important is our protagonist and her “family.” Even before the opening credits the audience is dropped into a domestic scene of fellow KGB agents posing as a suburban household in the 1990s (like “The Americans”). A beautiful yet heartbreaking scene ensues that illuminates more about Romanov (and her family) than any of the previous films. If only “Captain Marvel” had even a tenth the depth.

Marvel has made a habit of pilfering indie filmmakers, a bit desperate for cinema street cred. But these films are more the better for it. Shortland has previously been known for masterful films like “Lore” and “Berlin Syndrome,” both of which I highly recommend. Some have stated that this is more like a Bond movie, but I would disagree. For those close watchers, there is a reference to the British spy series which is also works as foreshadowing this film’s ending. Shortland’s use of natural lighting and color palette more closely resembles Paul Greengrass’ work on the Borne trilogy than anything else.

Dialogue sequences prove just as dynamic as action ones. Johansson and Florence Pugh (who plays her surrogate “sister”) work off each other so well, you would’ve sworn this wasn’t a Marvel movie. In fact, take out all the trappings of your typical superhero movie and we would be watching a spy drama. That is the real shock here and a pleasant one.

To be honest, producer Kevin Feige needs to trust his filmmakers more. I am reminded of David O Selznick, splicing and dicing the work of four different directors in order to create “Gone with The Wind” or “The Wizard of OZ.” This isn’t said to dispute these as not being masterpieces. A problem here being that we can’t equate them with was Feige is doing. Marvel is not creating lasting art; they are creating consumer product.

Look, I am not saying this movie is bad by any means. “Black Widow” has some wonderful moments in it for sure. But there is no denying that it is fleeting. As I left the theater, I couldn’t help but wonder if what we need is something new and imaginative. Hopefully it is coming around the corner. All the same, happy viewing readers.

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