This weekend, the Marvel cinematic universe expands.
Black Widow (PG-13) for sequences of violence / action, some language and thematic material. Starring: Scarlett Johansson, Florence Pugh, David Harbour and Rachel Weisz.
What would a summer be like without a film from the Marvel Cinematic Universe? Well, it's probably going to be some time before we find out.
Black Widow opens this week as the 24th installment in the most successful movie franchise ever with over 11 billion box-office dollars.
Natasha Romanoff has been around since 2010's Iron Man 2. Finally, we get to explore the back story of the Avenger considered by some to be the heart of the group.
Romanoff is selfless, kind, empathetic, a keen sense of awareness and maybe even redemption. Clearly, The Black Widow is not like her contemporaries, and neither is this film.
There is a crazy exciting amount of action but it's the deeper dives that give this Avenger a chance to soak up the spotlight.
Black Widow opens in 1995 Ohio and rapidly hops from location to location at a dizzying pace. Her sister Yelena (Florence Pugh) and mother and father (David Harbour and Rachel Weisz) play a critical role in explaining the make-up and drive of the Black Widow and even hint at a sequel.
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Importance of movie franchises to the industry
This week we get a look at the most successful movie franchise in motion picture history, MCU.
Movie franchises usually never show up in the "Best Picture" category at the Academy Awards but they do have a critical role in the health and longevity of the motion picture industry.
The huge amounts of money brought in at the box office keeps everyone in the business going.
We know the names of the actors plying their trade in these films and even some directors and producers, but there are tens of thousands of workers from writers, editors, production crew to movie theater employees and critics all relying on the success of these films to survive.
Yes, these Marvel movies are comic book silly and will not be considered the finest films ever made, but what they bring to the table is so much more.
Top 10 movie franchises
1. Marvel Cinematic Universe
2. Star Wars
3. Harry Potter
4. James Bond
5. The Lord of the Rings
6. X-men
7. Fast and Furious
8. Jurassic Park
9. DC Extended Universe
10. Spider-Man