Disney is making sure the next big MCU production is never too far away. However, something about Marvel Studios’ Shang-Chi and the Legend of the Ten Rings seems to be making it stand out in the eyes of early reviewers, its unique brand of Hong Kong action.
Although Disney Plus’ Marvel exclusives have been nothing short of streaming sensations, Black Widow had a rockier path due to its dual theatrical and Premiere Access releases, which eventually led to Scarlett Johansson suing Disney. With Shang-Chi being a new lesser-known superhero, expectations for the movie are probably toned down but it appears the Ten Rings are hitting harder than expected.
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Shang-Chi's red carpet premiere already took place and that prompted several critics to start offering their first impression about the film. Collider’s Steven Weintraub defined it as something unlike any other Marvel movie seen before, yet packing all the action one could ask for. Drew Taylor called Simu Liu “your new favorite Avenger,” pointing at how Shang-Chi manages to pay a nod to a wide share of influences like Jackie Chan and Hayao Miyazaki.
The Hollywood Reporter’s Aaron Couch claims he hadn't seen a crowd so excited over a Marvel movie since Avengers: Endgame, and they also give a shout-out to both Liu and Awkwafina for their performances. Conversely, Forbes Scott Mendelsson says Shang-Chi's unique crossover story is not without its flaws, but that the movie is “exactly the shot in the arm that Marvel and Disney needed.” With such positive reception, it's probably time for fans to get Shang-Chi's pronunciation right, so it's a relief Simu Liu is willing to help them out.
If there are any widely held opinions to be taken from these first impressions it's that Shang-Chi’s action fulfills and surpasses any expectations built by its trailer, that the movie deserves to be seen on the biggest screen possible, and that it might just be the best Marvel origins story to have come out since Phase One introduced the original Avengers. Considering Tony Leung’s kung fu credentials from films like The Grandmaster, it’s no surprise Shang-Chi and the Legend of the Ten Rings lives up to the standards of iconic Hong Kong movies.
Leung plays Shang-Chi’s father in the film, also known as The Mandarin, the same comic book character who was used as a decoy in Iron Man 3 that now seems to really be taking after his true origins. However, any Iron Man 3 lovers should be happy to know Sir Ben Kingsley was spotted at Shang-Chi’s premiere, meaning Trevor Slattery is likely to appear in the movie for another surprise.
Shang-Chi and the Legend of the Ten Rings is scheduled for a premiere on September 3, 2021.
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Source: @ScottMendelson; @DrewTailored; @AaronCouch; @colliderfrosty