Most of us won’t get to see the MCU’s latest epic Shang-Chi and the Legend of the Ten Rings for another few weeks yet, but Marvel must be feeling cocky because they let an early crowd of critics give their thoughts from the premier and it sounds like Earth’s Mightiest Franchise has a winner on their hands. Shang-Chi, which features Marvel’s first Asian lead played by Kim’s Convenience‘s Simu Liu, is getting high marks for its heart, story and, especially, the action sequences. That’s a relief, as the movie marks Marvel’s first foray into true kung-fu, which many American movies have attempted but few have really nailed.
A number of critics also praised director Daniel Destin Cretton’s cinematography, a strength not frequently noted in the MCU canon. But Cretton has honed his skills on movies like Just Mercy and Short Term 12, and was apparently more than ready to make the leap to a Disney-level budget.
Entertainment Weekly’s deputy editor Tim Leong said the movie is “full of heart, action, laughs, thrills and more.”
Really, really loved #ShangChi. It's full of heart, action, laughs, thrills & more. You couldn't tell, but I was smiling under my mask the whole time. I wasn't alone—it was the liveliest crowd I've sat with in a while. So many thoughts, but the main one now: Go see this movie pic.twitter.com/kJgltGEvSf
— tim leong (@timleong) August 17, 2021
Freelance critic Laura Sirikul said that “Simu and Awkwafina have a lot of chemistry. I love their relationship in this film. Also, I cannot stop talking about the action! The fight sequences were really really amazing.”
Diaspora founder Dino-Ray Ramos said that the movie is “ultimately a grounded family drama beautifully crafted by Destin Daniel Cretton — the perfect director for this film.”
Entertainment Tonight senior editor Philiana Ng said Shang-Chi is a “fun, emotional and an all-around joy to experience. Family is a big running theme throughout and the cast shines bright.”
“They did it!!!” crowed Crazy Rich Asians director Jon Chu. “Shang-Chi is a blast of a movie!! I loved it!!! WOw the world really doesn’t know yet how much this movie brings the joy back to the Marvel Universe.”
The rest of us will be able to see the movie in theaters (if you’re vaccinated, masked and feeling safe) on September 3, or on October 13, when it debuts on Disney Plus. Can’t wait. Let’s watch that teaser again!
