Picking up immediately after the events of Captain America: Civil War, this Cate Shortland-helmed origin story fits nicely in the MCU as an inspired blend of action and comedy (think Ragnarok). Scarlett Johanssen is excellent as always, and Florence Pugh fits in perfectly as her “sister”, stealing the show much of the time as they battle an evil Soviet general who has created an army of brainwashed women. David Harbour also shines as the (largely) comic relief. Brilliant stuff, and—even better—you don’t need a doctorate in Marvel Studies to follow along and have an absolute blast.
4/5 stars