We are finally into the next phase of the MCU (Black Widow does not count, nor does Spider-Man: Far From Home). The world is a different place and it is time for new heroes to rise up. At the same time, there is the issue of creating a villain, who is dangerous enough, but does not warrant a visit from the Avengers. Marvel not only achieves these things, but blows it out of the water.
SPOILERS FROM HERE…
-The fight scenes were incredible. Shang-Chi is a normal human, albeit a highly trained martial experts, so the fights were great without superpowers. They did not go crazy with any of his stunts or anything like that.
-Simu Liu and Awkwafina were perfect together. The chemistry was great between them and it felt like they were excellent friends, who may have something more between them. Yet the movie did not make this a thing, a possible love story was subtle between them, instead of a major part of the plot. I love that!
-Remember when MCU villains were totally one-dimensional? Obadiah Stane: “I want to take over the company and make billions!” Red Skull: “I vant more power!” But Wenwu is this horrible guy, who has been around for a thousand years and just doing awful stuff. And yet…I was sympathizing with him and feeling bad for him. He gave up his power for love and was a good father…then it all went bad.
-Is the Dweller-in-the-Darkness the same creature that attacks Dr.Strange in What If? Also, the same creature that Captain Carter fights?
-I loved that they brought back Trevor Slattery. He redeems himself for his role in Iron Man 3. Also, I enjoyed how they explained away the Ten Rings from that movie.
-So the mid-credit scene shows Wong, Carol Danvers, and Bruce Banner. They discuss with Shang-Chi that there is a mysterious signal coming from the rings. They also mention that they are a completely unknown material. Big reveal here: Bruce is normal, not in Hulk form. When did this happen?
-I look forward to seeing where Shang-Chi goes from here (will he have to fight his sister and take down the Ten Rings eventually?).
Just saw it today. That bus fight was really something.