Martial-arts master Shang-Chi confronts the past he thought he left behind when he's drawn into the web of the mysterious Ten Rings organization.
Director: Destin Daniel Cretton
Cast: Simu Liu, Awkwafina, Meng'er Zhang, Fala Chen, Florian Munteanu, Benedict Wong, Michelle Yeoh, Ben Kingsley, Tony Leung
Release Date:
Genre: Action, Adventure, Fantasy, Sci-Fi
Rated PG-13 for sequences of violence and action, and language
Runtime: 2h 12min
Review:
Shang-Chi and The Legend of the Ten Rings, much like Black Panther, expands Marvel's ethnic make by delivering a fun and colorful comic book exploration of heritage, destiny and legacy. Director Destin Daniel Cretton film is a kinetic experience right from the start pausing only here and there for quieter character moments. His action set pieces are wonderfully staged and choregraphed allowing you to see every bit of the impressive action. Those moments, especially in the first two acts, are the highlights of the film. Cretton uses inspiration from old school Kung Fu films while adding his own modern sensibilities. Simu Liu leads the almost exclusively Asian cast with relative ease. Liu is instantly likeable and magnetic even amongst the coordinated comic madness around him. He and Awkwafina make for a fun onscreen duo since they share excellent comic chemistry. Meng'er Zhang though is the scene stealer as Shang's sister, so much so that you wished the film spent a bit more time with her. Asian acting legends Michelle Yeoh & Tony Leung add just the right amount of gravitas to the proceedings with each getting ample time to leave their mark on the film. While the film works on visceral level the story does feel like it's lifted from the original Star Wars in that inside all the fantastical elements, it's ultimately a family drama between siblings and their father whose chosen the wrong path. As such, there aren't a ton of surprises in store with each beat being fairly predictable. Additionally, those who have complained about superhero films turning into CGI fest in their final acts will have the same issues here as this film turns heavily into fantasy action to the point of attrition. Small complaints asides, Shang-Chi and The Legend of the Ten Rings is one of the more enjoyable cinematic entries in the Marvel monolith that actually brings something new to the table.
B+
