In theaters now
[Rating: Major Rock Fist Up]
Marvel keeps its steady stream of Marvel Cinematic Universe (MCU) movies going with its latest Phase Four entry, Shang-Chi and the Legend of the Ten Rings. A departure from the comic book version, this tells the origin story of Shaun (newcomer Simu Liu), a slacker parking valet who comes face-to-face with his mysterious past and his father (Tony Leung). Leung plays an assassin ringleader possessed with ten powerful bracelets, which give him, among other things, immortal powers. The film balances action and comedy with family conflict in a tale that shows how your past has a way of catching up with you.
This movie is action-packed. Early in the film, Simu Liu’s Shaun and his fellow valet, Katy (played convincingly by Awkwafina) are innocently provoked into the best bus sequence since Speed. Awkwafina surpasses the typical sidekick role by showcasing both comedy and growing importance throughout the film. Simu Liu, a stuntman himself, handles the action, comedy, and drama in the movie. Although Liu does an excellent job in the starring role, he has a cast of greats around him. When Michelle Yeoh plays your aunt, it’s hard to outshine her. In this case, his antagonist is the legendary Leung, whose performance steals the show. You will want to hate him, but his love story is so engaging that it’s hard to do so. Former MCU characters make an appearance, and their cameos satisfy the fans among us.
There’s something beautiful about the fighting sequences, reminiscent of Crouching Tiger, Hidden Dragon, Police Story, and Wuxia tales. The movie combines several fighting styles, including Ta-chi and Wing Chun. Unfortunately, the action and mystique of the film take a back seat at the movie’s climax to over-the-top CGI movie magic. At this point, there’s so much going on that there are more cuts than an old-school MTV music video. Introducing new enemies and action in three to four sequences at once takes away from the timing, pace, and beauty of everything that proceeds it. If anything, it was at this point that I was reminded that I’m watching a Marvel movie.
Shang-Chi and the Legend of the Ten Rings is an innovative origin story with enough action and mystical intrigue that it demands to be seen on the big screen (no Disney+ option here).
Director/co-writer Destin Daniel Cretton delivers a tale of being caught between two worlds while representing the Asian-American culture on screen, which is always welcomed. Like Black Panther, not only does Shang-Chi extend representation in the MCU, but it also presents a movie that stands alone. There’s no need to watch several films before this one to understand where it fits. Shang-Chi stands on its own.
KB is a native New Yorker/Midwest transplant who’s into tech, sports, and the arts, especially film and music. He still aspires to be a DJ in his other life. You can frequently catch him watching Hitchcock classics, film noir, and anything Star Wars.
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