"Shang-Chi and the Legend of the Ten Rings" Film Review

"Shang-Chi and the Legend of the Ten Rings" Film Review

Rating: 5/5

By: Nathaniel Simpson

    It's hard to imagine Marvel Studios starting from scratch after "Avengers: Endgame". From the multiple Disney+ shows and "Black Widow", it seems like they were going in the right direction. However, it wasn't until I saw "Shang-Chi and the Legend of the Ten Rings" that restored my faith in Marvel starting a whole new saga of fresh characters. This is among one of the funniest and wittiest Marvel films to date, which also showed off its fantastic choreographed fight scenes and beautiful CGI animatics. 

    The movie follows Shang-Chi (Simu Liu), who is forced to confront his past after his father (Tony Leung Chiu-Wai) comes looking for him and his sister (Fala Chen). Accompanied by his friend, Katy (Awkwafina), Shang-Chi must defeat his father before he completely destroys his mother's homeland. 

    This is an incredible introduction to the Marvel Cinematic Universe. The film follows the same formula for most Marvel movies, as it is funny, action-packed, and has a lot of heart. However, the film feels so fresh and new, making it something we've never seen before in the MCU. 

    Liu and Awkwafina have incredible chemistry together. Almost every scene they're in is hilarious, and they pull of the dramatic sequences just as well too. Awkwafina is, without a doubt, one of the best comedy actresses working today in the industry. It seems flawless whenever she is on the screen, and she knows how to thoroughly entertain the audience. 

    The graphics are incredible, especially the climatic fight scene. Not to spoil anything, but there are huge and great mystical creatures that come into action, which are so well designed and beautifully shot. The choreographed fight scenes are incredible too, and has some of the best hand-to-hand combat in a Marvel Studios film. The whole train scene is amazing to watch, and keeps the viewer on the edge of their seat. 

    I also enjoyed how the film ties into previous Marvel films, and there is a wonderful return of a fan favorite from a certain phase 2 film. This character, which is a comedic role, is so fresh and funny that he is sure to make the audience laugh every time. I think the movie wouldn't have been as entertaining if this specific character wasn't in the film. 

    I'm genuinely excited to see where Marvel goes next with their new band of characters. This film is just the start of a whole new franchise of characters and movies, and I personally think "Shang-Chi" was an amazing film to get the audience excited for what else they have in store for us.