Now THIS is a fun movie.
After sitting through “No Time To Die” and wondering why the last 45 minutes turned into a woke, DC-style slog, SHANG-CHI AND THE LEGEND OF THE TEN RINGS delivered a hilarious, action-packed palate cleanser that delivered everything 2021’s watered down version of OO7 couldn’t.
The film kicks off with an enjoyable myth telling sequence in which we learn the Legend of the Ten Rings that give enormous power to their owner. We see just enough of those powers to tease the great action that will follow.
The film then shifts to modern day San Francisco. Simu Liu delivers as Shaun, an aimless valet driver. Spending his days and nights with his best friend Katy (Awkwafina in a perfect, hilarious performance) they enjoy themselves, but with little purpose.
As an unknown legacy suddenly drops into their lives, they’re transported into an adventure that spans our world with some guests from distant worlds dropping in as well.
The film never falters, keeping us entertained with plenty of laughs and jaw dropping action.
A sequence in which a goon squad from around the universe arrive on a San Fran Bus to take something from Shaun and Katy is one of the best actions scenes in any Marvel movie.
I couldn’t decide whether to cringe at all the danger or laugh out loud at Awkwafina’s endless one-liners and expressions.
I won’t spoil the film by detailing the adventure, but I know that true Marvel fans will find plenty to enjoy, including the return of Ben Kingsley’s Trevor from “Ironman 3” and Dr. Strange’s asst. Benedict Wong carrying some key plot points.
Michelle Yeoh (Crouching Tiger, Hidden Dragon) is ageless as Ying Nan, leading a huge cast that slays throughout. Meng’er Zhang is terrific as Xialing, her fight scenes are as good as they get.
Speaking of “Crouching Tiger”, SHANG CHI shows off some of the best kung fu battles since that film, even throwing in some tree jumping through the forest that fans of that film will enjoy. As these films love to do, this one ends with a massive battle for the world between thousands of warriors. But unlike many imitators, this one sets the action up so clearly, with the goal of the mission do defined that you never have one confusing moment among the mayhem.
Director Destin Daniel Cretton (Just Mercy) deftly blends drama, consequence, and humor into an intoxicating 132-minute movie that just plain delivers on every front.
I loved it. A blend of Matrix, Marvel, Lord of the Rings and the best of Bruce Lee, TEN RINGS gets 10 out of 10 and a truly enjoyable A.
Bond fans: You all know of course that Michelle Yeoh starred opposite Pierce In “Tomorrow Never Dies” but also watch for Tsai Chin (Waipo) who was in 1967’s “You Only Live Twice: opposite Sean Connery!
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