Shang-Chi & The Legend Of The Ten Rings Review: 7 Ups & 3 Downs

by Jack Pooley

1. It's One Of The MCU's Most Unique Origin Stories

Shang Chi Wenwu
Marvel Studios

Given the many origin stories the MCU has given fans, it'd be easy for a new one to simply follow the well-trod genre path and fall in line, but thankfully Shang-Chi mostly doesn't do that.

Between its singular approach to family turmoil, unapologetic fantasy elements, and riveting wuxia-style martial arts action, Shang-Chi doesn't really feel like any other film in the franchise.

In much the same way that Black Panther felt like such a huge breath of fresh air, Shang-Chi pulls back another layer of the MCU and introduces fans to another untouched part of its sprawling world.

While it's unlikely to become as outwardly iconic as, say, Iron Man, few would call it a garden variety introductory solo movie, instead proving once again just how much room there is in the MCU for dynamic and diverse storytelling of all flavours.

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Stay at home dad who spends as much time teaching his kids the merits of Martin Scorsese as possible (against the missus' wishes). General video game, TV and film nut. Occasional sports fan. Full time loon.