‘Shang-Chi’: Superhero meets Kung Fu destiny

Above : Simu Liu stars in “Shang-Chi and the Legend of the Ten Rings,” which opens Friday. (Photo/Walt Disney Studios)

As I wrote in my blog post about the films opening Friday at the Magic Lantern Theatre , the only thing that would make the coming slate better would be if it included a superhero. Or two.

I was joking, of course. But when I looked at the schedule for the area’s mainstream theaters, my faux wish was granted.

Not that Friday’s only mainstream release is exactly a superhero movie. But it does feature at least a couple of characters who boast superpowers. And some rather cool abilities in the martial arts.

Here is Friday’s single opening:

“Shang-Chi and the Legend of the Ten Rings” : Directed and co-written Destin Daniel Cretton , and based on a Marvel Comic book (dating back to 1973), this blend of mysticism and martial arts involves the title character (played by the Chinese-Canadian actor Simu Liu ) being forced back into a past life involving a terrorist organization called the Ten Rings. Awkwafina, Tony Leung and Michelle Yeoh co-star.

Here are some critical reactions:

Katie Walsh , Tribune News Service: “The characters are fresh and Cretton constantly emphasizes the emotional connections between them, crafting a modern, wuxia-informed martial arts movie with heart.”

Peter Hartlaub , San Francisco Chronicle: “At some point during one of the best car chase scenes in San Francisco movie history, ‘Shang-Chi and the Legend of the Ten Rings’ makes at least one thing gloriously clear: Today, you will be getting your money’s worth at the movies.”

Leah Greenblatt , Entertainment Weekly: “A Technicolor whirlwind of a film whose explosive fight choreography and dense mythology are leavened by a sweet and surprisingly nimble script.”

So, there you go, superhero-movie fans. Something to lure you back into the theaters. Just remember to wear a mask.