Yet another origin story from the Marvel Universe. Scarlett Johansson returns as the kickass redhead, but not before we flashback to meet her family (David Harbour & Rachel Weisz as parents and Florence Pugh as her sister). Jump forward to her adult iteration, as she fights to (wait for it) save the world. There are expected action beats throughout, most of them noisy, but lacking much new in approach or wow factor. What slows down the pace is the preponderance of family drama that attempts to add emotional resonance. Harbour, as the failed Red Guardian, provides a few lighter moments. While this movie checks off the usual boxes for the genre, it adds nothing original to the legacy. NOTE: Sit thru the credits for a surprise cameo and a hint at a future conflict. 
(3 / 5)