Shang Chi is the Marvel film that officially kicks of Phase 4 of the MCU. I’m excited at the prospect of the next line of Marvel movies and I must say this movie starts things off well.
Shang-Chi was first introduced in 1973 created my Jim Starlin and Steve Enlehart over the years he’s kind of been a background Marvel character. Yes he’s had a few titles of his own but nothing long running. He’s also been on several teams and overall is one of the premier martial artists of the Marvel universe. And mind you he has no powers but that has not stopped him from regularly taking down several super powered foes due to his mastery of the martial arts. All that out of the way let me talk about this amazing cast.
Simu Li is amazing in the role of Shang-Chi. Through out this movie he shows that he absolutely has the chops for any lead role a studio would put before him. Funny, personal, and at times deep he bring this long time marvel character to life on the silver screen. I can’t say enough with how pleased I was to see him knock this role out of the park.
I will admit I thought I was going to get tired of Awkwafina. There I said it. So I’m pleased to announce that I didn’t. Her comedic timing was perfect as Shang Chi’s friend Katy and they played very well off each other.
Meng’er Zhang plays Shang-Chi’s sister Xu Xialing and she’s a character to watch. But she was very good but not in the for front all the time.
But them we get to Tony Leung, who plays the father of Shang-Chi and Xu Xialing, Xu Wenwu. And while we’ve heard about them through the MCU is the leader of the criminal organization The Ten Rings going all the way back to the first Iron Man. This is not our typical Marvel villain. He gives a great performance as the antagonist of this movie. Seriously guy this is Killmonger levels of depth.
The story and plot are enjoyable if not a little predictable. You know good evil and all that but there’s a deeper story of family, revenge, and redemption and this is truly what makes this not your average superhero movie. The good thing about movie is those unfamiliar with the MCU will enjoy a very good movie while the diehards will be looking at all the throwbacks and easter eggs and trust me there are quite a few. But enough about all this plot, story, and character development. What about the kung fu action?
I grew up watch all the martial arts movies. Bruce, Chuck, Jackie, Sammo, I can do this all day. But I love those martial arts movies and this movie has some great fight scenes. So if you want me to say that we have the check in the box for fists a flying yes we absolutely do. Stunt people and fight coordinators make these movies and on that front this movie does not disappoint. Shang-Chi and the Legend of Ten Rings was very enjoyable. My overall rating is 4 and ½ stars out of five. I could watch it again, and honestly, I’m going to. Shang-Chi and the Legend of the Ten Rings is only in theaters but will be on Disney+ after a 45 day theatrical run. Oh, and stay for the two end credits scenes.
