Month: September 2021

Shang-Chi and the Legend of the Ten Rings review

Posted on by jacobsonbblog

Shang-Chi and the Legend of the Ten Rings is the first movie in the Marvel Cinematic Universe to have an Asian lead. I admit I wasn’t that excited for this like some of the other MCU movies because this looked too similar to martial arts movies that came out this year like Mortal Kombat or Snake Eyes. But as a MCU fan I went and saw this and I was actually surprised that I liked this movie more than I thought.

Shang-Chi played by Simu Liu while not the most complex MCU protagonist is still likable. I like that his relationship with Katy played by Awkwafina is more of a friendship than a romance (for now). The most complex character of the movie is his father Xu Wenwu or the Mandarin. He’s one of the most tragic villains in the series because unlike most Marvel villains all he wants is his wife and his children’s mother back. Yes, he’s doing terrible things to achieve this but you understand why. I also liked seeing returning characters like Abomination from The Incredible Hulk, Wong from Doctor Strange and especially Trevor Slattery played again by Ben Kingsley. Considering this movie technically has the real Mandarin it would’ve been a huge missed opportunity not to have him return.  

Shang-Chi does suffer from the typical story beats used in a lot in the Marvel origin formula.  Spoilers: There’s even a generic evil monster that shows up in the climax that has been manipulating Xu Wenwu into freeing it. There isn’t really much buildup or mention of this monster and felt like the movie wanted a giant monster action climax. Speaking of action scenes, like most Marvel movies Shang-Chi has great action scenes. Since this is a martial arts movie the action scenes would have a lot of it and the choreography is very impressive. The highlight to me was the bus action scene. It’s intense, funny and thrilling.

This isn’t really a huge flaw but it’s just a funny thought. The end credits and song look and sound more like a shaving cream commercial and doesn’t fit with the movie’s tone. That said Shang-Chi and the Legend of the Ten Rings was a simple but fun addition to the Marvel Cinematic Universe with a likable hero and a sympathetic villain. It was a nice way to introduce martial arts into the Marvel Cinematic Universe and a nice introduction to a new MCU Superhero.

Verdict:

+ Action scenes

+ Returning characters

+ Xu Shang-Chi

+ Xu Wenwu

-End credits

-Generic villain monster

-Similar Marvel formula

Score: B+

Rick and Morty season 5 ranking

Posted on by jacobsonbblog

Rick and Morty season 5 has ended and I enjoyed most of them. Honestly it was hard to decide between my top 4. Also no spoilers because that would ruin the fun.

10. Rickdependence Spray: This might be the weirdest and grossest premise for an episode. Why are the fourth episodes always the worst?

9. Amortycan Grickfitti: This episode has a fine lesson about not acting cool just to impress someone.

8. Gotron Jerrysis Rickvangelion: They really went all out with the Voltron homage.

7. Rick & Morty’s Thanksploitation Spectacular: Last season we had snakes now we have turkeys. I really like the rivalry between Rick and the President.

6. Mortyplicity: This is probably the most insane and unpredictable episode yet.

5. Rickternal Friendshine of the Spotless Mort: Great to see insight on Rick and Birdperson’s friendship.

4. Forgetting Sarick Mortshall: I like how Rick and Morty’s plots deal with their unhealthy relationship.

3. A Rickconvenient Mort: How did a parody of Captain Planet end up being one of the most emotional plots of the whole show?!

2. Rickmurai Jack: What could’ve been an anime parody ended really takes a sharp turn and ends on a huge cliffhanger.

1.Mort Dinner Rick Andre: Probably my favorite premiere episode of the show. A great subversion of the Narnia wardrobe and Mr. Nimbus stole the show.

Basically, the first and last episodes were the best. Now it’s time to play the waiting game again.

2021 recap part 2

Posted on by jacobsonbblog

Got to see more movies this time.

Movies:

Cruella: What Maleficent should’ve been. B+

Wish Dragon: A decent adaption of Aladdin with decent animation. C

F9: Big and nonsensical action. C+

Luca: One of the simplest yet sweetest Pixar movies. A

Black Widow: This didn’t need to excist but it’s nice that they gave Black Widow her own movie. B

Space Jam A New Legacy: The most Warner Brotherish movie ever and is still a cash grab like the first. I did enjoy this one cameo that involves Taz. C

Jungle Cruise: A fun adaption of a classic ride. B+

The Suicide Squad: Best DCEU movie since Tim Burton’s Batman. A

Vivo: A nice looking waste of time with some ok songs. C+

Free Guy: Ryan Reynolds is always enjoyable and the video game references are enjoyable. B

The Loud House Movie: A cute movie from one of Nickelodeon’s most popular shows. B

Shows:

The Owl House season 2: I like how every episode progresses the story now. Also, Luamity forever!

Loki: Interesting series with an interesting lead into the multiverse. I discovered DB Cooper because of this show.

Rick and Morty season 5: Really enjoying this. More thoughts after the finale.

Behind the Attraction: As a Disney park fanatic I really enjoyed this.

Marvel’s What If: Best MCU show, I really like the ones with new character interactions especially in episode 2.