Shang-Chi and the Legend of the Ten Rings follows Marvel’s newest hero and martial arts master (Simu Liu) as he confront his past, only to be drawn into his father’s mysterious Ten Rings organization.
Full of fantastical beasts, stylish humor, and the most intricately choreographed combat Marvel has yet to see, Shang-Chi and the Legend of the Ten Rings is a spectacular yet overstuffed origin tale.
I found myself immersed in the central storyline of Shang-Chi’s complex family dynamic and the film’s masterful action sequences — and let me tell you, they are GORGEOUSLY captured on screen. Like, the entire sequence on the bus is definitely top tier Marvel action.
However, the third act was a bit too mystical and creature-heavy for my taste. I know mythology is woven throughout the Asian history and its rich storytelling, however, I felt that the film was too reliant on involving various creatures purely to make the third act more “exciting” and take the action up a notch.
I truly care more about the human relationships transpiring on screen than the whole creature feature aspect. But that’s just a Heather Hot Take in general.
But speaking of the people, I truly enjoy the new characters we met along the way. Simu Liu and Awkwafina bring fresh charisma and excellent chemistry to the film. Liu is infectious. And Awkwafina is well, Awkwafina — lovable and hilarious as always.
However, it is Tony Leung whose impressive performance as Shang-Chi’s grief stricken father who stole the show.
However, at the end of the day, there is no doubt that this film is a monumental moment for the Asian community and Marvel’s continuation to make their cinematic universe more diverse and inclusive.
Phase Four is still going strong!
Final Thoughts: A fresh, fun, fantastical and slightly flawed hero origin story, Shang-Chi and the Legend of the Ten Rings is a cultural cornerstone for Marvel.
Heather's Hot Takes 