While we've already had quite a few MCU projects released this year, "Shang-Chi and the Legend of the Ten Rings" is the first to focus on an entirely new character, something we haven't had since Captain Marvel in 2019. With that comes opportunity to get creative and explore brand new territory within the Marvel Cinematic Universe. What results is another major win for Marvel that's even more of a reason to celebrate a return to theaters than "Black Widow."
"Shang-Chi" delivers a unique visual spectacle with a surprisingly emotional core to its story. The world building is comparable to "Black Panther" as we explore the workings of the Ten Rings organization and more importantly Ta Lo, a land of mythical prestige and tight knit culture among its people. And as the MCU's answer to a martial arts film, the fight scenes are nothing short of amazing. Between the choreography and set pieces, each battle has its own feel that will make you feel the tension at hand; my personal favorites were the ones on the runaway bus and the final confrontation between father and son.
Simu Liu turns in a great performance as the lead character, Shang-Chi. As a man trained to be the ultimate warrior since childhood trying to lead a normal life, Liu captures this personal conflict well. Despite being pulled back into the dangerous world of his father, the character of Shang-Chi feels consistent for someone with a secret past. He's a good natured person who will fight for those he cares about while keeping at bay the dark traits instilled in him in his youth; I think it's something many can relate to. I also kind of see Shang-Chi as a sort of late bloomer version of T'Challa; while T'Challa had grew up in and fought for Wakanda all his life, this film shows Shang-Chi coming to his ancestral homeland of Ta Lo for the first time and having to defend it as he embraces the heritage of both his parents.
Tony Leung portrays Wenwu, Shang-Chi's father and the MCU's true version of the Mandarin (sorry Guy Pearce). While he is almost the main villain of the movie, what I like about the character's portrayal is how his goals aren't necessarily villainous. He's a man who's known war his whole life until he found peace in love and a family, but after losing that peace, he's willing to go to war to get it back; it's a very thin line Wenwu walks. And while the relationship between Shang-Chi and Wenwu adds to the MCU trope of father issues, Wenwu has some positive qualities that help differentiate him from other villainous fathers; they do go out of the way to show him as a loving parent.
Awkwafina consistently steals the show as Katy, Shang-Chi's best friend. While Awkwafina is naturally hilarious on her own as the film's main comic relief, when paired with Simu Liu, the two have great chemistry as the slacker pair of friends flung into a mythical adventure. I never get excited right away for the gag reel and outtakes on the Blu-Ray, but I can't wait to see what got left on the cutting room floor between these two. When it comes to the best friends of MCU heroes (who aren't heroes in their own right), Katy is right up there with Luis and Ned.
Overall, "Shang-Chi and the Legend of the Ten Rings" is everything we love about the Marvel Cinematic Universe with an engaging story and characters, great action, eye-popping visuals, and plenty of funny moments. It's truly a grand introduction for the first new leading hero of Phase Four.
My Marvel Cinematic Universe Film Rankings:
1/2. Avengers: Infinity War/Avengers: Endgame
3. Spider-Man: Far From Home
4. Guardians of the Galaxy Vol. 2
5. Black Panther
6. Shang-Chi and the Legend of the Ten Rings
7. Captain America: Civil War
8. Thor: Ragnarok
9. Avengers: Age of Ultron
10. Captain America: The Winter Soldier
11. The Avengers
12. Guardians of the Galaxy
13. Doctor Strange
14. Spider-Man: Homecoming
15. Ant-Man and the Wasp
16. Ant-Man
17. Captain Marvel
18. Iron Man 3
19. Thor
20. Captain America: The First Avenger
21. Iron Man
22. The Incredible Hulk
23. Black Widow
24. Iron Man 2
25. Thor: The Dark World
No comments:
Post a Comment