POSITIVES…
The heroic theatrics of the Marvel movies meets the action fantasy stylings of Kung Fu and Wuxia films from Asia. That’s a combo you don’t want to miss.
Recognizing the inspirations behind this movie, the first 8 minutes was presented with only Chinese dialogue with English closed captioning. Bold move for a general audience Marvel Cinematic Universe movie.
Adds even more incredible world building to an already established but still growing MCU Universe.
Simu Liu is Shang-Chi, and has a certain down-to-earth relatability that allows us to immediately connect with his character.
Tony Leung as his Father Xu Wenwu is amazing, and is much more than just your average antagonist.
The rest of the ensemble cast are also fantastic and contribute greatly to the movie. From Awkwafina, Meng'er Zhang, Fala Chen, Michelle Yeoh, Ben Kingsley, and more.
For those who are going in this for the action sequences, you are in for a treat, as there were some awesome ones. From the bus fight, the Macau set piece, to the epic final act.
Martial Arts / Action / Stunt choreography is pure excellence here.
For those who enjoy the light-hearted comedic sensibilities of MCU movies, this one doesn’t disappoint, and has some entertaining jokes and gags.
I particularly liked the fact that they acknowledge how people don’t know how to pronounce the name “Shang-Chi.”
Excellent use of flashbacks, that work hand in hand with the overall narrative.
Plot progression really ramps things up as the movie moves along, and really takes you places.
Has some inspirational themes that are worth recognizing.
Besides the Ten Rings themselves, there are some other cool special effects. From the living forest, water effects, to certain creatures.
“Welcome to the circus.”
"On a dark desert highway. Cool wind in my hair..."
NEGATIVES…
Still doesn’t quite avoid relying on certain plot cliches, tropes, and conveniences. It doesn’t matter if you try to acknowledge that fact by being all meta about it movie!
Honestly, I wished there were actually more martial arts sequences.
Speaking of which. I would have preferred more wide shots to those action beats.
Certain dramatic moments might be considered lulls for those who wanted it to be non-stop exciting
You’re going to have to take a leap of faith for some of the more unbelievable moments.
Where were the guards?! Did they seriously just get rid of all the guards?!
LOVED IT enjoyeditlikedititsokayitsmehitsterrible
Shang-Chi and the Legend of the Ten Rings - watched it IN THEATERS
