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Here's a look at the new films I saw this week.

Black Widow (Theaters/Disney+)
Starring: Scarlett Johansson, David Harbour, Rachel Weisz, Florence Pugh, and Ray Winstone
Synopsis: After many years of playing a supporting role in other characters' films, or as part of The Avengers, Black Widow (Johansson) finally got her own film and starring role. And this one required a long wait. While the events take place between the action of Captain America: Civil War and Avengers: Infinity War, the film was originally slatted to release last summer after years of delays. Then the pandemic hit, and the film was delayed again. After all that time, it released on Friday and proved worth the wait. Johansson is great in this role, and this was a nice tribute to her character. We learn more about her backstory, including the Russian agents (Harbour and Weisz) and young girl (Pugh) who were once her "family." This is a film about a sisterly bond, and the interactions between Johansson and Pugh are some of the best. I appreciated Weisz and Harbour and what they brought to the film, too. I thought the action was good and enjoyed the presentation. This is one of the better films of summer, and one of my favorites of the year so far.
Rating: Rated PG-13 for intense sequences of violence/action, some language and thematic material.
Verdict: Three stars out of four

Fear Street, Part 2: 1978 (Netflix)
Starring: Sadie Sink, Emily Rudd, and Gillian Jacobs
Synopsis: This is the second part of the trilogy of films based on the R.L. Stine book series. The first one was set in 1994, capturing the music and trappings of that era, but eluding to a history of dark events and deeds. This second one picks up where the first left off, with the survivor of the 1978 massacre at Camp Nightwing, C. Berman (Jacobs), recounting her story. Soon the film flashes back to that fateful summer where Ziggy (Sink) and Cindy (Emily), sisters, are spending the summer when things fall apart. This one very much has the feel of 1970s horror films, particularly Friday The 13th, which makes sense owing to its setting and storyline. This one connects to the history of the town, and Sarah Fier, the driving force behind years of dark tidings on residents of the area. This one upped the violence, but was restrained in some areas. I thought the action and the bond between sisters was a strong piece of this installment, which I liked better than the first. Jacobs was particularly good as the narrator that connects the past to the present. All this ends up setting up the finale, which bows on Friday. Overall the series has been somewhat enjoyable if not particularly memorable.
Rating: Rated R for bloody horror violence, sexual content, nudity, drug use, and language throughout.
Verdict: Two stars out of four.

Shiva Baby (HBO Max)
Starring: Rachel Sennott, Molly Gordon, Danny Deferrari, Fred Melamed, Polly Draper, and Diana Agron
Synopsis: Funerals can be tough times, especially when you gather with family and friends that you haven't seen in a long time. Shiva Baby wades right into those waters as Danielle (Sennott) is asked to come to a Shiva by her parents (Melamed and Draper). There she crosses paths with her ex-girlfriend (Gordon) and soon finds that her current sugar daddy (Deferrari) is married, and his wife (Agron) and newborn are at the proceedings. All of it makes for an awkward time on top of the pressure Danielle is getting from friends and family about what she's going to do with her life. This film, from Emma Seligman, was originally a short, also starring Sennott. This one has a great deal of comedy and tension, all of it beautifully captured in the tight setting of this shiva. Sennott is great in the lead role, but I particularly enjoyed the supporting turn by Gordon. This was a smaller release, but a memorable one that could be a player when it comes to awards season. It's worth seeking and checking out.
Rating: NA
Verdict: Three stars out of four