Review by Ian Delia for- 
Introducing the new hero Shang-Chi to the big screen. The Marvel Universe (MCU) Kung-Fu master battles the turmoil of his past in Shang-Chi and the Legend of the Ten Rings. Even though I know it is an origin story of the new cinematic figure, I’m left with a hand full of questions to which I’m eager to find the answers at the movie theater showing.
Following the screenin I found the obvious one is, why are so many familiar faces and symbols brought into the movie like “Easter Eggs” from prior Avengers movies? Not that it’s a worry, but I thought I’d point it out so pay attention, and you’ll probably be glad you did. I’m sure this film will have you re-watching all the Avengers movie so you can get a better grasp on the correlation of Shang-Chi and the MCU. If you are an avid watcher of the Marvel movies, a sequel to this movie is teased after the credits so be sure to watch all the way through.
Shang-Chi, also known as Shawn (Simu Liu) and Katy (Akwafina) are two Chinese best friends living in America. Although they’ve been friends since they were 14 years old, Shawn has never embraced or come to terms with his past, his family and especially his tyrant father Wenwu (Tony Chiu-Wai Leung). Being raised and trained since he was young by his father, he has become an assassin for the Ten Rings Army.
The Ten Rings have reigned supreme throughout the world for over a thousand years, and now under the wing of Wenwu it still has its amazing power. With the power of the ten rings, an unearthly weapon, Wenwu uses it to keep him young and takes advantage of its powers to dominate anyone in his way. Toppling kingdoms and overturning governments, the Ten Rings is a ruthless militia.
As for Shang-Chi, he must confront the past he thought he left behind when he is drawn into the web of the mysterious Ten Rings organization. With him being the best hand to hand combat fighter in the Marvel Universe, he will make a huge stance with his background. By best at hand to hand combat, I mean better than Captain America or Iron Fist without any enhancements or alterations to his body.
The situations Shang-Chi falls into throughout the movie with short, but important, appearances; you’ll get cameos from Librarian from Doctor Strange, Wong (Benedict Wong) Bruce Banner, (Mark Ruffalo) and Captain Marvel (Brie Larson). Random scenes seeming to be there for the sheer comedy but have a possibility of being important to future Marvel movies.
I’m excite about this new member having his own Disney/Marvel franchise and look forward to seeing more of what he can do to capture my new age audience. Shang-Chi and the legend of the Ten Rings has been rated PG-13 for sequences of violence and action, and language. Bring a few buddies and don’t forget to include some of your gal pals as well. I rate this chapter for new agers at 4 out of 5 stars. For best viewing, check it out at a local movie theater, including IMAX and even Dolby Vison/Atmos where available.
Additional Film Information:
Cast: Simu Liu, Awkwafina, Tony Chiu-Wai Leung, Meg’eer Zhang, Fala Chen, Michelle Yeoh, Wah Yuen, Jaden Zhang.
Directed and co-written by: Destin Daniel Cretton
Genre: Sci-Fi, Action, Adventure
MPAA Rating: PG-13 for sequences of violence and action, and language
Running Time: 2 hrs. 12 min.
Opening Date: September 3, 2021
Distributed by: Walt Disney Studios Motion Pictures
Released in: Theaters and Disney+ with Premier Access
