If the long delay in the release of the film has dampened your interest in the movie "Black Widow," there is just enough news to pique your curiosity. The film's director, Kate Shortland, has admitted that audiences who have seen the film have made comparisons that raise expectations considerably.

In an interview with Fandango, Shortland was asked if "Black Widow" drew inspiration from films outside the MCU. First of all, I took a lot of references from "No Country for Old Men" and other films. Then we looked at things like "Thelma & Louise". And the Marvel movie - people who have seen it say it reminds them of it - is 'Captain America: The Winter Soldier.'"

Yes, audiences are drawing a connection to "Captain America": yes, audiences are drawing a connection to "Captain America: The Winter Soldier," one of the top five (not fifth) MCU films of all time. The trailer hints at a more grounded Marvel movie, a story of car chases and bonding. It will sound the same to anyone who remembers Nick Fury on the run from S.H.I.E.L.D. or Cap's feelings for Bucky.

Asked to describe this connection, Shortland said, "There's great action. It's heartfelt and emotional. It can get a little dark at times, but then it opens up again. And it's really exciting. So I think it's the same with this film. There are some great action scenes in this film, and we're really proud of that."

And here I wish I could talk to the audience that Shortland mentions and find out what kind of audience they are. Is the director talking about focus groups? Disney/Marvel employees? While the director of the film should (hopefully) be this proud of his work, we want to hear the roar of the audience that this is a strong film overall.

"Black Widow" will finally open in theaters and Disney Plus Premiere Access on July 9, 2021, after being delayed from its original May 2020 release due to multiple Covid 19-related postponements. If "Black Widow" is as good as "The Winter Soldier," it will be worth the wait.

That said, it feels like we are waiting even longer than the 2020 release date for the Black Widow movie. Natasha Romanoff is one of the few original Avengers (after Clint Barton, who has his own show "Hawkeye" on Disney Plus), but has never had a dedicated movie made. The character has gained a bit of depth: especially after "Avengers/Age of Ultron" was a dud: "Avengers/Age of Ultron" didn't work out.