Shang Chi and The Legend of the Ten Rings

In the 70s, Shang Chi was the representation of Bruce Lee in the Marvel Universe. I expected him to be part of the street level heroes like Luke Cage and Daredevil when those shows were created but Marvel had something special in store for Shang. At the beginning he was an agent for MI6 and fought evil all over the world, most notably against his father FU MAN CHU - the ultimate Asian crime lord. 

This film takes liberties with that origin and gives us something fresh and exciting and perfectly tuned to a more Asian sensibility. That means lots of martial arts and the possibility of magical dragons not to mention the titular TEN RINGS. In the comic books these rings were actual rings worn by the Mandarin.

The movie rings are much more interesting as mythical weapons go. It's all about the manipulation of energy.

Our Shang (Simu Liu) is more of an ordinary guy with real friends and an ordinary job. He has no idea the path that destiny has in store for him. But you can never run from you past, especially in the Marvel Universe.

After he is attacked on the bus to work and loses a valuable pendant he is soon on his way to Asia to track down his sister who is also in danger from all manner of killers. Together they find their Father who is on a quest to find the mythical village his wife is imprisoned in. Family vacations should not follow after uncomfortable family introductions and both kids haven't seen their Father in a decade.

However, he is not alone. His best friend Katie (Awkwafina) is with him as his sounding board and Girl Friday. She is great comedy relief and Shang's secret weapon.

The fight scenes are all magnificent and original and done with the energy of old school martial arts movies from the 70s. It's very entertaining with the scaffold fight and the bus fight being particularly spectacular set pieces.

The CGI village with all it's mythical creatures is one of the most interesting creative worlds I have seen in a long time. Where is a daily Disney afternoon cartoon about the creatures that live in THIS village? It could star the Faceless Chicken (don't ask) and be used to teach valuable Asian life lessons to the youth. It would be great because representation matters.

The introduction of an old MCU character is fun to see and that was a nice touch and a creative way to get important plot information to the audience who craves to learn more about the world of Shang Chi even while it's unfolding in front of us.

Marvel does it's best work by giving their bad guys some good qualities. Magneto is not evil. He just is looking out for his fellow mutants. Shang's Father is a broken hearted man who wants back the love of his life which as we know is an impossible task.

The final CGI heavy final act is unlike anything that came before but perfectly fits into an MCU that has room for Asgard and Wakanda. One more magical city is always welcome. Wakanda had vibranium and Talo has dragon scales for their weaponry. It's interesting how everything fits into the MCU we know and love. Shang Chi has a big role to play in the future of the Marvel movie franchise if this film is any indication.

I loved it, it will be huge as it should be. Don't miss it.