Movie Review: Shang-Chi added whole new level of Marvel characters.
These movies do not typically begin with an introduction to the hero’s love life… nor do they usually include a detailed investigation into the origins of the villain. But I hope you’re not expecting a run-of-the-mill superhero movie. In his latest picture, Destin Daniel Cretton (Short Term 12) tells a story of a family in crisis.
A tragic incident is mirrored by tremendous strength that is ultimately more difficult for the family to handle. Wenwu (Caroline Lu) passes away in the interim of Shang-(Simu Chi’s Liu) upbringing, and Shang-Chi is left to go to college on his own. After that, his father devises a plan to make him return. While he spends his day valeting cars, he performs karaoke at night.
It’s also an epic high fantasy tale with stunning visuals and a rich history. A real dragon, not a metaphor, emerges briefly on screen.
The movie revolves on enigmatic characters. But instead, Shang-Chi offers a reframing of how to survive a bifurcated life via the lens of the Asian-American experience. The guest stars who appear with Awkwafina take most of the scenes. The movie goes the extra mile by subverting typical genre clichés, which helps get it past any critics. The first time you see Shang-Chi, it’s easy to forget you’re watching a Marvel movie, but the legend of Shang-Chi will endure.
