Firstly, I have to mention, so that when I read back one day, it’ll be like a memory for me. This is the first cinema movie my husband and I have been out and seen since having a baby, and since the pandemic started. The wait was so worth it. In actual fact, I would have thought any movie was fantastic, just for the fact that we were out at the movies. Finally!

Shang Chi and the Legend of the Ten Rings, is the beginning of what will become the new Marvel Universe as we know it, so to speak. Though we still have Loki, Scarlett Witch, Hawkeye, and with appearances from Bruce Banner and Captain Marvel still flying around, Shang Chi is a character we have never met before, until now.

The story goes: there once was a man who lived through many generations after he discovered the mighty ten rings. He became so powerful and immortal with five rings around each forearm, that he wanted nothing more but to control everything that stood in his way. He met a woman who would change him and see a softer side in him, who would bare him two children. This man still trained an army, but his blood debts would always come back to haunt him. Fast forward to present time, Shaun (Simu Liu) is a valet driver with his friend Katy (Awkwafina). During a bus ride he is confronted with his father’s soldiers and has the pendant his dead mother gave him, taken. But why? Shaun, who we know is this man’s son, needs to find his sister so they can defend their mother’s village and ultimately save the world from soul sucking, dragon creatures.

It makes me so anxious that there is no more Tony Stark, or Steve Rogers. That, though we still have Thor and Spiderman, it’s just not going to be the same with these new characters coming in. We also have the Eternals to meet. But I was so pleased that Shang Chi was about to be a great introduction to a new era of Marvel cinematic superheroes.

Let it be known, we watched this at the drive ins, and I don’t believe that allowed the movie to visually explode as it would in an indoor theatre. It’s such a shame because I could tell, despite the dullness on the outdoor screen, that this film looked spectacular. The colours and effects shone enough to be bedazzled despite me searching for an imaginary remote to put the brightness up.

The story I felt, had some holes. We don’t fully find out how daddy got the rings, who had them before him, and how was he able to discover their existence. Moreover, and spoiler ahead: I’m quite disappointed that there was this tiny build up about the person behind the mask, that taught Shaun everything from when he was young, only for them to just die with no answers about who they are. I’m also trying to piece together the part where Ben Kingsley’s Iron Man character fits. He seemed like a bit of an unnecessary filler but perhaps, I missed something there. Then again, I feel the drive-in experience made me miss a few things. I promise this isn’t a review of the cinema itself, but gees, does it make a difference.

I appreciate that the writers didn’t play around the possibility of a romance between Katy and Shaun. This wasn’t about them as a couple. This was about Shaun and his family issues that he needed to help resolve. In some ways, Katy also seemed like a bit of a filler character, however, she was in it enough to be relevant, but not be completely in the way. She’s also the main comic relief. I must add, Awkwafina is in full show here, playing her typical hilarious style of personality she does in all her roles.

My absolute favourite thing about the entire film, has to be the fighting. A big thumbs up to the choreographers who put those fighting sequences together. They were moves good enough for the grandest ballroom. So eloquent and beautifully flowed, as though this wasn’t a fist fight at all. In fact, it was a dance. I think that’s the beauty of martial arts. It is truly art.

I feel I need to watch this again in a clearer environment. However, from what I saw, I was pleased with my return to cinema, and can’t wait to see where this new line of Marvel movies is heading. Shang Chi and the Legend of the Ten Rings is a fun and stunning film, with an interesting story to follow.

Rating: 3/5