While Black Widow was the first Marvel Cinematic Universe film since the COVID-19 pandemic, Shang-Chi and The Legend of the Ten Rings is the first MCU film to focus on a new character in the MCU. When Simu Liu was first introduced as Shang-Chi, MCU fans were excited to see what this new character could bring to this expansive universe. Unfortunately, the wait for the film was extended due to a global pandemic, but we’re now lucky enough to be able to watch Liu’s introduction into the MCU. And let me say, I’m so glad we’re finally able to see it.
Shang-Chi and The Legend of the Ten Rings doesn’t waste time in throwing in some epic action scenes. And fight scenes are very prominent in the film, however; this is only one cornerstone of why this movie works. On top of the awesome hand-to-hand combat scenes, Shang-Chi delivers a lot of emotion and heart. The weight of this film rests on families, love, hurt, and self-discovery. It has all of the great ingredients of an origin story, but it does not feel like a generic origin story.
If you are not aware of this character from the comics, the film does a great job in explaining who he is, who his father is, and why we are where we are in the beginning of the film. The movie is very present in every location that it is in – really diving into the culture of where it is taking place. Whether we’re in San Francisco, California or in the mystic place of Ta Lo, the movie visually takes you on this tour of each location to ensure you are completely submerged in the story at that moment.
Shang-Chi and Wenwu
Notice how I called him Wenwu and not the Mandarin. The movie makes a point to let you know that this “villain” is not going to be any sort of stereotypical comic book bad guy. The script and the actor Tony Leung make sure that the audience knows that the character he portrays is a human being. There’s something incredibly tangible about what drives him. I struggle to call him the movie’s bad guy as I think anyone would understand his motivation. Perhaps there’s a time before the events of the movie that would put him in the position as a bad guy, but the movie frames him in an almost sympathetic light.
So, now let’s talk about the main character of the film. Liu has been in such television shows as Kim’s Convenience, Fresh Off the Boat, and Awkwafina is Nora From Queens. So, he’s fairly new as far as films go, but let me tell you, he has the presence of a leading actor. In fact, I would have liked if they had fewer scenes where he was paired up with Awkwafina and was just by himself, because I feel he can command the scene just fine. Liu gives us a laid-back, likable character who can kick ass, convey the right emotions, and hit those comedic points perfectly. Liu felt so natural as Shang-Chi that I feel as if we’ve had him in the MCU all along. I look forward to more Liu and seeing him develop the Shang-Chi story.
The Fight Sequences and the Story + That Third Act
As I’ve mentioned before, Shang-Chi and The Legend of the Ten Rings has some great fight scenes. You can tell the authenticity of the hand-to-hand combat scenes and how well-done the fight choreography was executed. Even during scenes where you know, there’s a lot of visual effects, there’s still something grounded about the fight scenes. It wasn’t even just Liu. Leung, Florian Munteanu, Michelle Yeoh, and Meng’er Zhang all moved incredibly well. The actors played off each other so well and it was a joy to watch them work with each other.
The Small Parts That Didn’t Work
While I really liked this movie and I know I will be seeing it again once it comes out in September, I do have one tiny complaint about the film. There were many comedic moments that worked, but unfortunately, there were some that didn’t. And unfortunately, many of those moments would come from Awkwafina. There would be plenty of times in the film where an emotional or dramatic moment should have been given time to breathe, but it couldn’t because Awkwafina’s character was given a line to interrupt it. It’s a combination of bad timing, bad line delivery, and unnecessary comedic moments.
Rating: 4/5
Make sure you go see Shang-Chi and The Legend of the Ten Rings when it comes out on September 3rd – you’re up for a great time at the movies!
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A girl with too many fandoms to count.
