Director : Destin Daniel Cretton – Cast Includes : Simu Liu, Awkwafina, Meng’er Zhang

Shang-Chi and the Legend of the Ten Rings : Shang-Chi must confront the past he thought he left behind when he is drawn into the web of the mysterious Ten Rings organization… I’m not gona start prattling on about Scorsese or Villeneuve, I just LOVE MOVIES and variety is the spice of life… so what did I think of Marvel’s latest cinematic outing? well firstly it’s directed by Destin Daniel Cretton known for his work with Brie Larson (Captain Marvel) on the likes of Short Term 12, Just Mercy and The Glass Castle all of which are good movies but nothing like the sheer size of Shang-Chi so I can’t deny I was surprised by Marvel’s choice in giving the reigns to a director with not much experience in this arena… but Destin’s involvement was not just the chair, he also co-wrote the picture as he did with his other three movies and after recently watching the film in my local cinema his choice was the right one so what do I know eh!… Shang-Chi is the REAL DEAL it’s an explosive, kung fu opera that dazzles with it’s entertaining style, it’s incredible stunts and choreography and sumptuous backdrops : I loved the energy from Simu Liu, from those riotous fight scenes including the Chan inspired bus fight to the chemistry he shares with Katy played by the delightfully funny Awkwafina, Liu has stamped his mark on the MCU and in Shang-Chi he makes the film experience a much more enjoyable one… I loved the mythical beasts of Ta Lo, some cute and cuddly and others looked ready to rip your head clean off, the sets are costumes are sublime, Ben Kingsley gives a gentle reminder of his comic genius and if the casting of Michelle Yeoh who plays the aunt to Shang-Chi was inspired then what would you call Meng’er Zhang’s introduction to film? AMAZING is just one word I’d use, Zhang plays Shang-Chi’s mysterious, confident if not slightly damaged sister Xialing and what a debut, the scenes Xialing shares with Katy and Shang-Chi are electrifying… so as you can see from my movie thoughts Shang-Chi and the Legend of the Ten Rings is a cinematic joy to behold, it’s top tier Marvel and one that balances action and humor with the seriousness of it’s world perfectly ★★★★