REVIEW: SHANG-CHI AND THE LEGEND OF THE TEN RINGS

4/5

Lord Of The Rings. 

132 Mins. Starring: Simu Liu, Awkwafina, Meng'er Zhang, Fala Chen, Florian Munteanu, Ronny Chieng, Benedict Wong, Michelle Yeoh & Tony Leung. Director: Destin Daniel Cretton. 

Experiment? I don't know what Disney Mickey Mouse called 'Shang-Chi and the Legend of the Ten Rings' an "experiment", but the Labor Day post-COVID records speak for themselves. They are not an experiment as new superhero superstar Simu Liu says for his legacy and Marvel legend. They are "the underdog and the the underestimated". The "ceiling breakers". "The celebration of culture and joy that will persevere after an embattled year." The surprise. Even if this is the first Marvel movie since corona and Disney + that is released exclusively in theatres. At least Disney won't get sued again after what they did to the 'Black Widow' movie, depriving Scarlett Johansson of what she richly deserves. This is still not an experiment. Even if some trolls who call themselves fans say seeing this movie in cinemas, "is not worth the risk." These are the kind of people who say they love comics and heroes as they complain like villains, but know nothing about the character it takes to put on a mask to protect those you love and others. This film is worth everything. The highlight of Phase Four that after 'Widow's' peak and the small screen dominance in quarantine ('WandaVision', 'The Falcon (Captain America) and The Winter Soldier', 'Loki' and all these 'What If's') sets off the post Stark and Steve chapter of Marvel Studios that looks like it will last forever like 'Eternals' as we dive into more layers of 'Multiverse' in all of 'Doctor Strange's' 'Madness' with 'Spider-Man' and 'No Way Home'. And you thought Thanos could click his fingers and make everything disappear. In a world were we will still say 'Stop Asian Hate' like 'Black Lives Matter' until equality is one, 'Shang-Chi' like 'Black Panther' is groundbreaking and game changing like 'Captain Marvel' or 'Wonder Woman' before it. As young Asian kids around the world get to see themselves reflected on the big-screen for the first time as a superhero they can all be one day. 'The Legend of the Ten Rings' is the biggest blockbuster of the culture since 'Crazy Rich Asians'. 

Fun for the whole family is a formula Marvel have down. This is what those choosing to dress-up this CGI costume carnage differently need to realise. Marvel have to cater to the masses and spin all the plates like those Catherine wheel like ones of the Sorcerer Supreme. This is for the kids and the big ones too. It's all connected and cape fear not if you suffer from superhero fatigue. Maybe it's just time to see this in a different light. There are twice as many Marvel movies as there even are 'Fast and Furious' ones, but take it from me. Share this epic entertainment experience with somone who doesn't watch all these films and see how fresh it is through their eyes. Someone who hasn't been to the cinema since before lockdown. Someone so happy to finally see themselves represented on screens this way. And see their reactions. The laughter and the tears. The hand over the mouth thrills and audible shocked spills. And then you'll see how fun it can be...and even deeper what it all means to have 'Shang-Chi and the Legend of the Ten Rings' finally on the big-screen where he and they all belong. This is their moment. Watch them own it. Like an opening bus fight scene for your streams that will split you in two down the 'Bullitt' steep streets of San Francisco, home to Michael Douglas and Paul Rudd's 'Ant-Man' and Evangeline Lilly's 'Wasp' (although no cameos now they're no longer dust). More explosive wild speed than going over 50 with Sandra and Keanu as our hero punches and then kicks two goons in mid-air like Jackie Chan in rapid succession for this 'Rush Hour'. All before popping his jacket collar with swag and taking on a guy with a blade for a metal arm (the big brawling 'Creed II' son of Dolph Ludgren's Ivan Drago star Florian Munteanu, boxing clever) bad ass enough to make the Winter Soldier jealous, or Wolverine bite his fingernails. Or the "Chinese bamboo very strong" skyscraper scaffolding fight that is amongst some of the most epic things Marvel has ever done in choreography and set-piece artistry that will leave you with your heart in your mouth. If you thought the traditional Chinese culture celebrated here and the 'Crouching Tiger, Hidden Dragon' inspirations that rustle leaves and turn these martial arts into a dance were impressive, then wait until you see the neon of the big city reflected in these glass towers smashing the ceiling in mesmerizing Macau. All for a cage match fight club featuring fan favourite Benedict Wong's Wong (why is he always leaving (what you wanted more?), see the 'Spider-Man' trailer) on formidable form. Something we wouldn't talk about if it wasn't already trailer revealed that could even leave Brad Pitt and especially Edward Norton jealous with this Abomination. Bet if all on one of the funniest and freshest films in the Stan Lee created canon that will leave you singing and requesting 'Hotel California' (the songs best use in a movie since 'The Big Lebowski', dude) as your next night out flies into the early hours like the Eagles. When it comes to these comics big-screen dominance like hell freezing over, you can check out any time you like, but you can never leave. 

Lions, dragons (imagine), and things that aren't bears, we can't tell if they're dogs, or anything else for that matter as they don't have a face (oh my), but are still so Baby Yoda cute. And if that wasn't enough how about some classic cameos that aren't what you expect, but what you'll welcome warmly with a light-hearted embrace for this film that really scores as it ties things together, even making up for Marvel's own, own goals? Playing Shakespeare in their forest like 'Thor', making you rally cry for "ANOTHER" as an 'Endgame' epic final fight in this game of thrones (or rings) will find you somewhere between 'LOTR' and 'The Last Samurai'. All for one as these warriors go to war over a gate that might open a whole new realm of eternity for these gods versus monsters. There's a lot more soul to this light but moving movie about the sins of the father and sons, and family as a whole. Love, grief, tragedy like the Greeks. Its enough to have you smashing plates. But don't break the artifacts. Because two legends of Hong Kong cinema are here amongst this breaking snapping structure of bamboo serving as a forest fortress. There's 'Crouching Tiger', 'Memoirs Of A Geisha', 'James Bond' ('Tomorrow Never Dies') and 'Star Trek' ('Discovery') star Michelle Yeoh. Perfect, getting her "hey auntie" on. Reuniting with 'Crazy Rich Asians' co-star (let's not forget the Asian comedian that 'Destroys America' with those "optimal angels", Ronny Chieng too) and star of 'The Farewell' and 'Oceans 8', the ever awesome Awkwafina, stealing the show with our lead as the sidekick in chemistry charisma mode. And then there's Tony Leung. The absolute HK legend and 'Small Tiger' among the Five Tiger Generals of TVB. This grandmaster star of classics like 'In The Mood For Love' and 'Internal Affairs' may just be the biggest legend Marvel have got since they convinced 'All The Presidents Men' to let us have Robert Redford for the shield and spy classic and greatest movie out the M.C.U to this day, 'Captain America-The Winter Soldier'. Even if you already know in this social spoiler age we won't tell you who Leung is, but those rings could give you a clue. One thing we will tell you is he is worthy of the legend as these rings take on a new Odin son like hammer time to those who can wield them. The motivations behind his dark designs make him the most complex villain since Loki himself. The most bloodthirsty with a method to his madness since Michael B. Jordan's Killmonger in 'Black Panther'. But 'Finding Destiny' if you want real "low-key" character in this theatre than how about theatrical actress Meng'er Zhang making her big-screen debut as the sister in this act. And garden trowelling everyone like Hiroyuki Sanada's Scorpion sting in 'Mortal Kombat', what an opening, what a debut, what a movie to start you career in and what a stage she holds once the curtain calls. A new star for worldwide cinema is born in this family affair. But it's 'Steps' and star of HBO's 'The Undoing', Fala Chen whose moving mothering is the soul of this story. All this destiny in the making from 'Captain Marvel' Brie Larson frequent collaborator and director of 'Short Term 12' and 'Just Mercy', Destin Daniel Cretton (compelling in his cinematography) and we still haven't got to the main event yet ("LOL"). 'Kim's Convenience' star Simu Liu's Shaun character parks cars for a living. Liu on the other hand used to star in...erm stock photos. That's when he wasn't in 'Pacific Rim' as...erm...some "blue stuff". But how about his stock now for the uprising? Not only is Simu a superhero and the first Asian one in cinemas. He's also a bonafide, charming, shooting for the stratosphere star with the biggest film out right now, smashing the scorching summer. It's his world now, revolving around it like a ring, we're just living in it like the background of a photo. With a perfect portrayal this franchise starter has found its face and it finally looks like a third of the world that finally is getting its just deserves and representation. And now, when it comes to the Marvel movie world and the next phase of the New Avengers. Just remember. "There's plenty of room at the Hotel California." TIM DAVID HARVEY. 

Further Filming: 'Crouching Tiger, Hidden Dragon', 'Crazy Rich Asians', 'Iron Man 3'.