Film offers some of the best fight scenes
Shang-Chi is the latest Marvel film in this growing cinematic universe staring Simu Liu as Shang-Chi who goes on a dangerous journey and is drawn into the Ten Rings organization that is controlled by his father, Xu Wenwu, played by Tony Chiu-Wai Leung, all the while being forced to confront his past.
The highlights of the film were definitely the fight choreography and cinematography. Simu Liu does all of his stunts in these amazing action-packed fight scenes, feeling like you’re watching a Bruce Lee or Jackie Chan film. Which makes it, in my opinion, some the best fight scenes in entire MCU filmography. The cinematography in this film really makes it such a blast to watch, giving it a unique look for every fight scene that kept me glued to the screen. All props go to Bill Pope who has done amazing works on such films as The Matrix, Sam Rami’s Spider-Man 2, Scott Pilgrim vs. The World and much more.
Simu Liu really shined as the newest MCU hero with the energy he brings to the fight scenes and overall performance, especially when interacting with Awkwafina, who also does a phenomenal job. Their chemistry felt natural and believable, as if they actually had this long history of friendship together. When they have these serious moments, they feel genuine, showing that they worry about each other’s safety throughout the entirety of their journey. Tony Chiu-Wai Leung plays Xu Wenwu, the father of Shang-Chi, and he does an amazing job as the story’s antagonist which, if I may be so bold to claim, is one of the better MCU villains in its filmography. He isn’t just a generic superhero movie villain that wants to take over the world, his origin has these layers that allow you to sympathize and understand why he acts the way he does and the mission that drives him to this path.
With the many great things this film has I do have some issues with it. Although the fight choreography was fantastic, three stand-out performances, great cinematography and visuals, halfway through the film it starts to feel more like a formulaic MCU ending instead of staying as one director’s vision. Characters they introduce into the film don’t get enough screentime for us to be fully invested in them to the point we even sometimes forget they were there in the first place. Finally, without spoilers, a certain character introduced into the film that was exciting to see return, so as to give some connection to the MCU, overstayed their welcome and started to becoming stale.
Shang-Chi has some issues but a lot of the good really shines bright, even at the end. Our main characters were still likable and this film has some of the best fights and cinematography of any MCU film. It may not be the best MCU film but I think any Marvel fan and casual movie goer would still have a fun time in theatres seeing this martial arts Marvel film!
3 ½ out 5 Stars
