Reviews – Issue 22
Shang-Chi and the Legend of the Ten Rings
+3
Kendrah Worsley
After lockdown, I could’ve killed for some overpriced ice cream and under-buttered popcorn. I’m also a mild slut for a Marvel film so when Shang-Chi and the Legend of the Ten Rings hit our screens, I was there on the day of its release.
The film opens with Shang-Chi’s father, Xu Wenwu, and his discovery of the mystical ten rings granting him immortality and god-like powers. Wenwu establishes the Ten Rings organisation, conquering kingdoms and toppling governments throughout history. On his quest for world domination, Wenwu meets and falls in love with Ying Li, a Village Guardian of Ta Lo. Wenwu abandons the Ten Rings and the pair go on to have two children, Shang-Chi and Xialing. The focus of the film then shifts to an older Shang-Chi who must confront his childhood trauma and daddy issues (sounds a little like Jak Rata’s lockdown experience at home). After doing everything possible to hide who he is and where he comes from, Shang-Chi must choose between family and morality. Sure, the entire thing reminds us a little of Black Panther or Captain America where a difficult decision must be made to serve the greater good but who cares, the film is easy to watch and includes sneaky references to other Marvel films.
The soundtrack deserves a special mention featuring hits from the likes of: Rich Brian, Swae Lee, Mark Tuan, Saweetie, Audrey Nuna, NIKI, keshi, 21 Savage, Rick Ross, and DJ Snake. Throughout the film, each song fits the tone that the scene is trying to evoke. So, if we see a Shang-Chi sequel down the line, we can guess that Marvel will deliver another soundtrack that slaps as hard as this one.
Sex Education Season 3
+3
Jak Rāta
Ruby is stunning, fantastic, amazing and she is the moment. Season 3 was hella anticipated with a cliff-hanger ending in Season 2 with that shit-eating dude in a wheelchair. But imagine your surprise when you realise Season 2’s plotline has fuck all to do with the recent Netflix drop.
The plot picks up not long after Season 2’s end and tries to throw you back into the main three’s trials and tribulations. The general viewer said “Not on my watch bitch” and adopted a new hero troupe. The trio of Ruby, Adam and Aimee need to get one of those Shakti Mats after carrying this shit. Some of the plotlines are a little misplaced but you can’t help but grow to love the simplicity that is Aimee. Eric is a dirty dog with terrible morals, who’s over-compensating by doing a heavy-handed eye-shadow look with a problem-pattern pant. I’m not mad at the representation with gender non-binary characters, queer folk and POC’s.
Overall it’s not a bad watch and has some quotable moments. There’s some awesome character development, setting it up to be more about the somewhat more likeable characters. I don’t know about you, but Lily is one crazy bitch and I vibe with it. Finally, screw you Isaac. You’re still a douche and I don’t like your musty ass.
Single Sentence
Glow Recipe
Watermelon Glow Niacinamide Dew Drops
+5
This shit smells so good and does wonders for enlarged pores.
The Age of Adaline
+3
“You’ve only just watched it?!” Yeah, fuck, I know. Shit still slaps.
Burger King Bomb Burger
0
Oh how I missed you and how yuck you made me feel post-ingestion.
Wildest Dream (Taylor’s Version)
+5
Get your bag bitch and peg the patriarchy.