Marvel Studios' newest feature, Shang-Chi and the Legend of the Ten Rings, will officially hit theaters in just over a week on September 3rd. After seeing the movie, we wouldn't be surprised if Shang-Chi is the flick that ultimately brings crowds back to theaters - however unexpected that may seem.
The pandemic caused many delays, with the most recent pushing Shang-Chi from its July premiere to September and replacing it with Black Widow. At the time, it seemed odd that Marvel believed that a new franchise with a relatively unknown character could be a Summer blockbuster, but we now know why they were so confident.
*The following review contains very mild spoilers for Shang-Chi and the Legend of the Ten Rings*
MCU fans often argue that Captain America: The Winter Soldier has the best fight choreography in the shared universe of films. However, now that Shang-Chi is stepping onto the scene, that looks set to change for many viewers, as the new film's action sequences and fight choreography make even Black Widow look like an episode of Agents of S.H.I.E.L.D.
Fight choreographer Andy Cheng delivers unspoken dialogue by weaving narrative into the actors' expressive faces in the sequences between Wenwu and Shang-Chi and Wenwu and Jiang Li. Adrenaline pumps through the viewers' veins during fight scenes that transcend mainline martial arts films by progressing the story without words.
While Shang-Chi is the martial arts movie that the trailers promise, it is also so much more. Teetering on the edge of fantasy and action, the film delivers the best of both worlds in a way that no other Marvel Studios film has succeeded in doing so far.
Though some were worried that Simu Liu would be in the shadow of Tony Leung, each actor shines as Shang-Chi and Wenwu, respectively, perfectly complimenting one another as the primary protagonist and antagonist of the film. In addition, Shang-Chi and the Legend of the Ten Rings avoids many Western stereotypes in ways we don't want to spoil, but particularly in Shang's relationships with Katy (Awkwafina) and his sister Xialing (Meng'er Zhang).
Nearly the entire third act of the film felt like it could be comfortably described as Marvel's first live-action anime film, as it easily beats out any big-screen adaptation the genre has seen, while also containing many elements that anime-lovers will gush over.
The footage from the trailers is mostly contained to the first half of the movie, which is a smart move as Shang-Chi and the Legend of the Ten Rings packs a punch that fans of the Marvel Cinematic Universe won't be expecting. Furthermore, a theatrical-only release makes complete sense, as the scenes in the film's second half are fully immersive on the big screen and deliver an adrenaline rush that, quite frankly, not many MCU films can compare to.
Bus sequences are nothing new for Marvel films, and Shang-Chi and the Legend of the Ten Rings pays homage to those that come before it while completely changing the game. The trailers have shown some of the fight between Shang-Chi and the goons on the bus, but the full sequence is incredible to behold.
The skyscraper scene is also a recipe for a pounding heart, and fans of the nixed Marvel Netflix series like Daredevil will certainly have that itch scratched with some of the direction during the action sequences.
In the third act, the action elevates to an unprecedented level in the Marvel Cinematic Universe, and it's hard to detail it without spoilers. You'll want to stay as in the dark about the movie as possible to get the full experience because, like a new color, you really can't imagine it until you see it for yourself.
Addressing the humor in Shang-Chi and the Legend of the Ten Rings, when some fans viewed the trailers, they seemed to find some of Katy's (Awkwafina) delivery cringeworthy. However, after viewing the film ourselves, we can say that the actress and comedian does an incredible job providing the right blend of humor to balance what is arguably a very serious film and plot.
As the red carpet photos have already revealed, Ben Kingsley's fake Mandarin from Iron Man 3, or the actor he plays that portrayed him in the film, is on hand, providing even more humor than Katy in the film. Somehow, the trailers managed to hide just how big of a role the actor plays in the film, and no matter what you're expecting to come from his return, you're likely far off.
The cinematography in Shang-Chi and the Legend of the Ten Rings is a sign of how advanced film technology has become, and an indicator that Marvel Studios and Disney have gone all out for this feature. Seeing the journeys and lands that each of Shang-Chi's parents' experiences and inhabits is the cherry on top of an already incredible and well-rounded film.
With both end-credits sequences making it clear that the character will remain a vital part of the MCU, we hope that the quality of this film will inform all of the more anticipated releases Phase 4 has to offer; otherwise, Shang-Chi and the Legend of the Ten Rings is destined to remain the pinnacle of Kevin Feige's overarching masterpiece.
Blending heart, humor, action, and fantasy, Shang-Chi and the Legend of the Ten Rings checks all the boxes that make Marvel Cinematic Universe adventures so unforgettable, and every aspect of the movie should exceed what fans have come to expect.