“Shang-Chi and the Legend of the Ten Rings” Is Typical Marvel Fodder

By Nolan Cleary, Editor-In-Chief

“Shang-Chi and the Legend of the Ten Rings” is the newest installment in the Marvel Cinematic Universe. While star Simu Lieu is sometimes successful in injecting new life into the much-tired franchise, the movie ultimately falls prey to the typical tropes expected from Marvel movies. 

“Shang-Chi” involves its title character being born to two mystical parents in China. After a traumatic experience, he escapes to America and begins a new life. However, Shang-Chi is forced to confront his past when his father, Wenwu, tracks him and his sister down. Attempting to return to his villainous ways, Shang-Chi must stop his father before he steals the all-powerful Ten Rings he possesses.

On paper, Shang-Chi feels unique compared to other Marvel endeavors. Unlike in previous superhero origins, the character doesn’t transform from an unlikeable narcissist to a hero through a tragedy disguised as a miracle, nor does he start as an inexperienced wannabe who must gain control of the great power bestowed upon him. 

Additionally, “Shang-Chi” contains just the right amount of Sam Raimi Spider-Man style goofiness to make its two-hour runtime enjoyable enough, with impressive martial arts fight scenes accompanying the film. There’s one fight scene in particular that is sure to leave an impact on audiences.

Ben Kingsley is entertaining as he reprises his role as his controversial fake-out villain role from “Iron Man 3”. Simu Lieu is decent, but not great as the lead hero. 

Underneath the razzle-dazzle however is a generic, mediocre retread of the traditional Marvel formula, with forced humor that will have you audibly groaning in your seat, random superhero cameos for no reason other than fan service, and generic “save the world” stakes. We’re even given the inclusion of another Disney “I want” plot. 

While “Shang-Chi” may be more glamorous than your usual Marvel fare, it fails in delivering the most important element; a compelling story. While its setup is decent, it ultimately becomes painfully predictable by its final act.  

Casting for “Shang-Chi” remains middling. While Tony Leung shines in his American debut as Shang’s villainous father, the film comes sputtering to an irritating halt through the inclusion of UAlbany alumna Awkwafina. While she proved herself to be a talented actress in 2019’s indie drama “The Farewell”, Awkwafina is reduced here to the role of “quirky sidekick”. 

Ultimately, while “Shang-Chi” is different, it isn’t different enough. Its glimmering moments appear as a distraction from the usual mold of superhero film movie plots.

“Shang-Chi” is a perfect example of Marvel’s most glaring issue; they aren’t making movies, they’re making episodes of a TV series. The style of “Shang-Chi” feels interchangeable, with the same by-the-book approach Marvel continues to bring to its films. 

“Shang-Chi and the Legend of the Ten Rings” is saved by its fun, impressively choreographed feel, accompanied by a refreshing lightened comic book tone, but it still feels like too little from a studio that favors the grain film making to any substantial form of artistic integrity. 

6/10