Credit: Unsplash

It’s another slam dunk for the MCU.

With a handful of exceptions, every new film entry into the Marvel Cinematic Universe is met with overwhelming praise. It’s not that surprising; people love superhero movies, and they’re packed with fantastic actors and awesome special effects. The upcoming Shang-Chi and the Legend of the Ten Rings is slated to be a bit of a departure from the usual MCU formula, with a greater emphasis on fight choreography and the franchise’s first Asian lead in Simu Liu. One could worry that deviation from the norm could cost the film viewers, but thankfully, those concerns are unfounded.

Film journalists on Twitter who have received early screenings of Shang-Chi have begun posting their opinions, and it seems that Marvel has once again knocked it out of the park.

“Shang-Chi And The Legend Of The Ten Rings is PHENOMENAL,” writes film critic Wendy Lee Szany. “Get hyped. Every fight scene/action sequence is better than the last. @SimuLiu fully embraces the marvel superhero role. Amazing imagery. Killer soundtrack. You’ll want to see this on the big screen.”

“#ShangChi is an absolute triumph, unexpectedly spiritual and emotionally complex, with some of the very best action in the MCU,” writes entertainment writer Drew Taylor. “@SimuLiu is your new favorite Avenger and the movie’s myriad influences (everything from Jackie Chan to Hayao Miyazaki) pay off big time). Astounding.”

#ShangChi is awesome. This movie hits all that Marvel does well (pacing, humor, character) and adds action like we’ve never seen from the MCU before! 👏🏻👏🏻

Lots of people are about to have a new favorite Marvel hero.

Darker than expected. Loads of fun. Integral to MCU Phase 4!👀 pic.twitter.com/YI3jkwLuq6

— BD (@BrandonDavisBD) August 17, 2021

“Shang-Chi and the Legend of the Ten Rings earns the title of the best superhero film of 2021 so far,” says critic and We Live Entertainment founder Scott Menzel. “The action scenes are simply spectacular, especially the train & skyscraper scene. Best martial arts I’ve seen in a long time. Simu Liu & Awkwafina are terrific.”

Shang-Chi and the Legend of the Ten Rings is set to premier in theaters on September 3, 2021.