“Shang-Chi and the Legend of the Ten Rings” is garnering ecstatic first reactions from film journalists following its August 16 world premiere. The movie is being singled out for its “spectacular” martial arts-driven action sequences, which many journalists agree bring a whole new energy to the Marvel Cinematic Universe. “Shang-Chi” marks the studio tentpole debut of indie favorite Destin Daniel Cretton, who first broke out with his SXSW favorite “Short Term 12.” Cretton’s other features include “The Glass Castle” and “Just Mercy.”
Marvel’s brief synopsis for “Shang-Chi and the Legend of the Ten Rings” reads: “Following the events of ‘Avengers: Endgame,’ Shang-Chi is drawn into the clandestine Ten Rings organization and is forced to confront the past he thought he left behind.” The movie stars “Kim’s Convenience” star Simu Liu in the title role opposite Awkwafina, Meng’er Zhang, Fala Chen, Florian Munteanu, Benedict Wong, Michelle Yeoh, and Wong Kar Wai favorite Tony Leung.
“‘Shang-Chi’ is awesome. This movie hits all that Marvel does well (pacing, humor, character) and adds action like we’ve never seen from the MCU before,” wrote journalist Brandon Davis. “Lots of people are about to have a new favorite Marvel hero. Darker than expected. Loads of fun.”
Perri Nemiroff of Collider added, “Been a big fan of Destin Daniel Cretton for a while now but WOW – this blows the doors wide open to endless possibilities for him. Lots of cast shout outs I want to give but I’ll limit it to Simu Liu and Awkwafina for now. What a hugely charming duo I absolutely must see more of.”
“‘Shang-Chi And The Legend Of The Ten Rings’ is phenomenal. Get hyped,” wrote Wendy Lee Szany. “Even fight scene/action sequence is better than the last. Simu Liu fully embraces the marvel superhero role. Amazing imagery. Killer soundtrack. You’ll want to see this on the big screen.”
“Shang-Chi and the Legend of the Ten Rings” opens exclusively in theaters September 3.
#ShangChi is awesome. This movie hits all that Marvel does well (pacing, humor, character) and adds action like we’ve never seen from the MCU before! 👏🏻👏🏻
Lots of people are about to have a new favorite Marvel hero.
Darker than expected. Loads of fun. Integral to MCU Phase 4!👀 pic.twitter.com/YI3jkwLuq6
— BD (@BrandonDavisBD) August 17, 2021
#ShangChi is an absolute triumph, unexpectedly spiritual and emotionally complex, with some of the very best action in the MCU. @SimuLiu is your new favorite Avenger and the movie’s myriad influences (everything from Jackie Chan to Hayao Miyazaki) pay off big time). Astounding.🐉 pic.twitter.com/72Yubnb4KV
— Drew Taylor (@DrewTailored) August 17, 2021
Shang-Chi And The Legend Of The Ten Rings is PHENOMENAL. Get hyped. Even fight scene/action sequence is better than the last. @SimuLiu fully embraces the marvel superhero role. Amazing imagery. Killer soundtrack. You’ll want to see this on the big screen. #shangchi
— Wendy Lee Szany (@WendyLeeSzany) August 17, 2021
Shang-Chi and the Legend of the Ten Rings earns the title of the best superhero film of 2021 so far. The action scenes are simply spectacular, especially the train & skyscraper scene. Best martial arts I’ve seen in a long time. Simu Liu & Awkwafina are terrific. #ShangChi pic.twitter.com/M0EEMJqKu3
— Scott Menzel (@ScottDMenzel) August 17, 2021
#ShangChi was a blast! Actually, Marvel’s first true “family movie” that has a lot of heart. Loads of fun, great fight choreography, & likeable characters galore!
— Umberto Gonzalez (@elmayimbe) August 17, 2021
Been a big fan of Destin Daniel Cretton for a while now but WOW – this blows the doors wide open to endless possibilities for him. Lots of cast shout outs I want to give but I’ll limit it to Simu Liu and Awkwafina for now. What a hugely charming duo I absolutely must see more of.
— Perri Nemiroff (@PNemiroff) August 17, 2021
Expected a simple father/son conflict narrative and it’s so much bigger than that. #ShangChi is a beautiful story about family, loss, and how our grief can blind and destroy us.
— Kirsten (@KirstenAcuna) August 17, 2021
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