Hot Toys Shang Chi and the Legend of the Ten Rings - Shang Chi

[Hologram AI]

I mean the movie has been getting great reviews from what I read. A lot of people have been saying that the trailer really did the movie no justice and that they held back on spoiling a few things. Seems the marketing for the movie ****** it up more than anything, which is a shame since it sounds like its one of the better origin movies from Marvel.

 

[GhostBeard]

I’ve been somewhat suspicious of overly glowing reviews regarding inclusion and representation so I’ve looked for reviews dealing (as much as possible) solely with story and performance. From what I’ve read, the actor playing Wenwu steals the show, Shang-Chi is serviceable if somewhat restricted by the material and fans of martial arts movies will be left cold by the “candy-colored, family-friendly action” that is devoid of “bloodshed, or even sweat.” My takeaway is I’m looking forward to streaming it, but not much anticipation or expectation … hopefully more enjoyable than Black Widow. I will say the figures are amazing and I’m open to the chance the portrayals might have me actually wanting these. Maybe.

 

[jespernicolaj]

And what about this movie makes you feel like you're being preached to? It really goes both ways, you can't make a movie nowadays with a female lead or a minority lead without being called woke, SJW or pandering. And when people complain about movies or whatever medium being politically correct, the people who have felt shunned and under represented will speak up about it. Its a never ending cycle.

Yes, there are people who will complain about not enough diversity, whether the complaints are valid or not, but people like you arguing against it are not any better. This is the first Asian led superhero movie ever, EVER and people feel the need to ***** and moan about it, what does it say about those people? Like I'm on a damn toy forum and I can't even escape this crap.

And what about this movie makes you feel like you're being preached to? It really goes both ways, you can't make a movie nowadays with a female lead or a minority lead without being called woke, SJW or pandering. And when people complain about movies or whatever medium being politically correct, the people who have felt shunned and under represented will speak up about it. Its a never ending cycle.

Yes, there are people who will complain about not enough diversity, whether the complaints are valid or not, but people like you arguing against it are not any better. This is the first Asian led superhero movie ever, EVER and people feel the need to ***** and moan about it, what does it say about those people? Like I'm on a damn toy forum and I can't even escape this crap.

You have sadly completely missed my point. Which isn't that shocking, reading your post. There are LOADS of films with chinese protagonists, and your ignornace is stunning, claiming this is the first chinese Super hero movie. Buddy, China makes 100s of movies every year and the majority of them have chinese protagonists. What you mean is this is the first US superhero movie with an asian protagonist. Now, that is a little racist.
My point, which you will never get, cause you are so caught up in all this jazz, is that it's about the character, not the enicity of the character. Like The Last Dragon. Amazing movie. All black cast, black director, black producer. But it's not the focus of the movie. The story is. The characters are. Disney has made it their mission to try not to offend anyone and that in itself is ******* offending.

 

[jespernicolaj]

The figure looks really good. Love Shang Chi but never liked him in the marvel universe. He did great in his own.

 

[Sassafras]

I’ve been somewhat suspicious of overly glowing reviews regarding inclusion and representation so I’ve looked for reviews dealing (as much as possible) solely with story and performance. From what I’ve read, the actor playing Wenwu steals the show, Shang-Chi is serviceable if somewhat restricted by the material and fans of martial arts movies will be left cold by the “candy-colored, family-friendly action” that is devoid of “bloodshed, or even sweat.” My takeaway is I’m looking forward to streaming it, but not much anticipation or expectation … hopefully more enjoyable than Black Widow. I will say the figures are amazing and I’m open to the chance the portrayals might have me actually wanting these. Maybe.

Huh. For the most part any regard I might've had for most critics - mostly untrained bloggers IMO with no degrees in theater, cinematography, etc. had its last gasp with the hysteria over Black Panther - a likeable film saved by the commitment of the actors.

Supposedly this is fun and I'll watch when it's free and convenient. As for the figs - the effects look more interesting then the actual figures.

 

[GhostBeard]

Huh. For the most part any regard I might've had for most critics - mostly untrained bloggers IMO with no degrees in theater, cinematography, etc. had its last gasp with the hysteria over Black Panther - a likeable film saved by the commitment of the actors.

Supposedly this is fun and I'll watch when it's free and convenient. As for the figs - the effects look more interesting then the actual figures.

Agreed on Black Panther and critics at large. As for the figures, their lackluster costume design aside, the head sculpts are great in their stoic simplicity. An argument can be made for extra heads with more emotional expressions, others’ mileage may vary.

 

[chrisstbh]

Now where's my Awkwafina figure?

You can get a six pack for only a few dollars

 

[lid1013]

You have sadly completely missed my point. Which isn't that shocking, reading your post. There are LOADS of films with chinese protagonists, and your ignornace is stunning, claiming this is the first chinese Super hero movie. Buddy, China makes 100s of movies every year and the majority of them have chinese protagonists. What you mean is this is the first US superhero movie with an asian protagonist. Now, that is a little racist.
My point, which you will never get, cause you are so caught up in all this jazz, is that it's about the character, not the enicity of the character. Like The Last Dragon. Amazing movie. All black cast, black director, black producer. But it's not the focus of the movie. The story is. The characters are. Disney has made it their mission to try not to offend anyone and that in itself is ******* offending.

No point in me arguing with you, it's clear which side of the political spectrum you fall on.

 

[gmoney5000]

I’ve been somewhat suspicious of overly glowing reviews regarding inclusion and representation so I’ve looked for reviews dealing (as much as possible) solely with story and performance. From what I’ve read, the actor playing Wenwu steals the show, Shang-Chi is serviceable if somewhat restricted by the material and fans of martial arts movies will be left cold by the “candy-colored, family-friendly action” that is devoid of “bloodshed, or even sweat.” My takeaway is I’m looking forward to streaming it, but not much anticipation or expectation … hopefully more enjoyable than Black Widow. I will say the figures are amazing and I’m open to the chance the portrayals might have me actually wanting these. Maybe.

This movie actually isn't good if you read the reviews. They all rate it positively due to "representation," but if you objectively look at just the story the reviews openly acknowledge it's not good and a lot of them contain qualifiers.

I plan on watching this movie with the mindset that it's gonna suck. The bar is already set low, if I come out of it still hating it then...yeah, it's pretty bad! lol

I'm Asian-American and I could care less that it's "Marvel's first Asian hero." Give me a good story that just so happens to be about an Asian protagonist!

The below are all actual FRESH reviews taken from RT...the very last 2 seem negative, but the critic still gave it a positive score ¯\_(ツ)_/¯:

"Directed by Destin Daniel Cretton, the film is somewhat overstuffed and lumpy in parts and the last surreal third is poorly knitted into the rest of the narrative, but it's all impossible to predict and you'll leave the theater satisfied." - Mark Kennedy (AP)


"Shang-Chi takes me back to the wuxia & other martial arts films I grew up with but also blends pop culture with Chinese mythology. It's a bit hodge-podge in parts but the cast is fab and the story ties in nicely to the larger MCU. Also Tony Leung forever." - Sherin Nicole (Geek Girl Riot)


"Liu is a very welcome addition to Marvel's superhero roster. With spectacular fight choreography and gorgeous costuming, Shang-Chi and the Legend of the Ten Rings is an entertaining, albeit narratively familiar, entry in the MCU." - Joe Lipsett (Queer Horror Movies)


"It's perfectly fine entertainment in the moment, but the overall staying power is pretty negligible." - Terrence Johnson (Le Noir Auteur)


"Regardless of its flaws, I still enjoyed the movie" - Jeremy Jahns (jeremyjahns.com)


"Runs maybe a bit overlong - those flashbacks! - but it's rarely less than an entertaining and at times affecting entry in the Marvel Cinematic Universe." - Rob Hunter (Film School Rejects)


"The film's main problem is its tone: it vacillates between wanting to be a Chinese blockbuster and what is expected of a Marvel superhero movie." - Bob Bloom (Journal and Courier)


"It's a stark juxtaposition, the long periods of exposition, then the story jumps back to life with beautiful set pieces and intense action... When the characters are just being the characters, instead of listening to exposition, this is a really fun movie" - Mark Ryan (Uproxx)

 

[JMT1979]

No point in me arguing with you, it's clear which side of the political spectrum you fall on.

Not sure how you can equate his response to a 'political spectrum' position? He already likes historically diverse media and just doesn't want the new media shoved in his face nor the false fanfare that comes with 'diverse' MCU movies when these diversities have existed previously. It is pandering when Marvel have stated diversity is their focus in Phase 4 and it comes with changing the genders and races of existing characters - like Ajak in The Eternals from a white male to a female latina.
Shang Chi and Ms Marvel are the right way to do it as they're existing diverse characters, so as long as they are done well without shoving a specific political position within the media itself, most people will embrace them. 95%+ of people do not want politics directly in their superhero movies.

 

[dominishin]

Unfortunately, Hollywood still see asians as martial arts leads only. Can't have just a dude who happens to be asian lead a non-asian themed film, they fear america won't watch it.

And honestly, I'd say the majority of the MCU movies are just serviceable or follow the typical MCU formula with just a few standouts.

 

[Malgus]

You have sadly completely missed my point. Which isn't that shocking, reading your post. There are LOADS of films with chinese protagonists, and your ignornace is stunning, claiming this is the first chinese Super hero movie. Buddy, China makes 100s of movies every year and the majority of them have chinese protagonists. What you mean is this is the first US superhero movie with an asian protagonist. Now, that is a little racist.
My point, which you will never get, cause you are so caught up in all this jazz, is that it's about the character, not the enicity of the character. Like The Last Dragon. Amazing movie. All black cast, black director, black producer. But it's not the focus of the movie. The story is. The characters are. Disney has made it their mission to try not to offend anyone and that in itself is ******* offending.

Yep trying not to offend anyone = bad. No wonder you people are so angry all the time.

 

[GhostBeard]

Unfortunately, Hollywood still see asians as martial arts leads only. Can't have just a dude who happens to be asian lead a non-asian themed film, they fear america won't watch it.

And honestly, I'd say the majority of the MCU movies are just serviceable or follow the typical MCU formula with just a few standouts.

Which also describes their comics. No reason to think the movies would be much different. Your mileage may vary.

To your other point, you're kind of correct. Other than Spawn, sitting here I can't think of another non-white comic character whose ethnicity wasn't the sole reason for the character. Not that there isn't one, just can't recall one.

 

[joloestrella]

The sculpt is next level! Hope the final product is as good as the prototype, or even better.

 

[Centrocal]

To your other point, you're kind of correct. Other than Spawn, sitting here I can't think of another non-white comic character whose ethnicity wasn't the sole reason for the character. Not that there isn't one, just can't recall one.

Blade

 

[jespernicolaj]

Yep trying not to offend anyone = bad. No wonder you people are so angry all the time.

You people? You went there. Really.

 

[jespernicolaj]

No point in me arguing with you, it's clear which side of the political spectrum you fall on.

You would be surprised. But it is easier to assume.

 

[jespernicolaj]

Let's get back to the Hot Toys figures

 

[Razorwing]

I thought it was an ok movie and thought it could've been better. The fight scenes could've been way better for a martial arts/fantasy movie. Being a Chinese person, I've watched a lot of Chinese Fantasy movies and TV shows growing up and they had better story and action. I thought they could've done the Rings powerset with more creativity. Without spoiling anything, It was pretty much the same old thing once the movie gets into the end half of the movie.

That being said, I did like a lot of Chinese Fantasy stuff they brought in, like the fighting styles of the characters and how their movement affects the environment. That stuff was great. I thought Liu, Leung, Yeoh and Awkwafina were pretty good in the movie. Simu played a great Shang-Chi, Leung's Wenwu was badass at some parts of the movie. Yeoh is a Legend, too bad she was fighting with a Bow staff and not a sword. Awkwafina had her moments. lol.

I did enjoy the movie overall, so I'll probably be picking him and The Real Mandarin up.

 

[The Iron Koob]

This movie actually isn't good if you read the reviews. They all rate it positively due to "representation," but if you objectively look at just the story the reviews openly acknowledge it's not good and a lot of them contain qualifiers.

I plan on watching this movie with the mindset that it's gonna suck. The bar is already set low, if I come out of it still hating it then...yeah, it's pretty bad! lol

I'm Asian-American and I could care less that it's "Marvel's first Asian hero." Give me a good story that just so happens to be about an Asian protagonist!

The below are all actual FRESH reviews taken from RT...the very last 2 seem negative, but the critic still gave it a positive score ¯\_(ツ)_/¯:

"Directed by Destin Daniel Cretton, the film is somewhat overstuffed and lumpy in parts and the last surreal third is poorly knitted into the rest of the narrative, but it's all impossible to predict and you'll leave the theater satisfied." - Mark Kennedy (AP)


"Shang-Chi takes me back to the wuxia & other martial arts films I grew up with but also blends pop culture with Chinese mythology. It's a bit hodge-podge in parts but the cast is fab and the story ties in nicely to the larger MCU. Also Tony Leung forever." - Sherin Nicole (Geek Girl Riot)


"Liu is a very welcome addition to Marvel's superhero roster. With spectacular fight choreography and gorgeous costuming, Shang-Chi and the Legend of the Ten Rings is an entertaining, albeit narratively familiar, entry in the MCU." - Joe Lipsett (Queer Horror Movies)


"It's perfectly fine entertainment in the moment, but the overall staying power is pretty negligible." - Terrence Johnson (Le Noir Auteur)


"Regardless of its flaws, I still enjoyed the movie" - Jeremy Jahns (jeremyjahns.com)


"Runs maybe a bit overlong - those flashbacks! - but it's rarely less than an entertaining and at times affecting entry in the Marvel Cinematic Universe." - Rob Hunter (Film School Rejects)


"The film's main problem is its tone: it vacillates between wanting to be a Chinese blockbuster and what is expected of a Marvel superhero movie." - Bob Bloom (Journal and Courier)


"It's a stark juxtaposition, the long periods of exposition, then the story jumps back to life with beautiful set pieces and intense action... When the characters are just being the characters, instead of listening to exposition, this is a really fun movie" - Mark Ryan (Uproxx)

Man these are hilarious to read. So many people will read these as "good" or tell themselves that the movie was "good." The reviews are plain as day that this is another generic, blundering mess. This is how superhero fatigue happens.