Avengers: Endgame

Shang-Chi Review: The Best MCU Action Since Winter Soldier?

Review – Shang-Chi and The Legend of The Ten Rings Directed by: Destin Daniel Cretton Written by: Destin Daniel Cretton & Others Produced by: Kevin Feige Starring: Simu Liu, Michelle Yeoh & Tony Leung Release Date: September 3rd 2021 Introduction Last night, I went to see Shang-Chi and The Legend of The Ten Rings mostly for review purposes and I came away really enjoying it. I probably enjoyed it more than I expected to. I went in not quite as excited as I usually am for a new entry in the MCU and I feel that is mostly due to the superhero-fatigue I have been feeling from the bombardment of content that we have been getting recently. Though, Shang-Chi feels fresh and manages to avoid feeling weighed-down by the ties of the MCU that I feel somewhat tainted Black Widow and Spider-Man: Far From Home. This really aided in my enjoyment of the film. Normally I feel that if a solo MCU film doesn’t heavily tie into the bigger picture, it isn’t as worth my time, but here it is what lead to me enjoying the movie as much as I did. Fight! First off, let’s address the reason that most people will go to see this movie; the martial arts on display. The combat sequences in this film are incredible. The choreography and stunt work is a joy to witness and is also very well-shot. There were two fight sequences in the film that I thought worked particularly well. The first was the bus sequence, which I thought was a fantastic way to introduce to the audience what Shang-Chi can do. The whole scene was wonderfully dynamic and I thought that everyone in the scene did a great job. The second sequence that stood out to me was the hugely creative fight that took place on scaffolding outside of a skyscraper. Again, it was a breathtakingly exciting sequence and looked astonishing on the big screen. The danger felt present and real throughout this scene and some of the acrobatics on display were truly mind-blowing. Technical Aspects The other technical aspects of the movie were also up to scratch. I mentioned already that I felt that the fight sequences were well-shot, but the cinematography throughout the entire film was pretty great to look at. Bill Pope has a history of capturing dynamic fight sequences in a way that is still easy to follow and comprehend and this is no exception. I also thought that the CGI was well-implemented and never took me out of the movie in any major way. This is pretty impressive when you consider how out-there the movie ends up in the last act. The lighting was also exquisite throughout the entire film and the score did a great job of adding to the spectacle of what was unfolding onscreen. The script was also pretty good for the most part. There was the odd throwaway comedic line that fell slightly flat, but for every one dud line, there were ten other that merited a chuckle. The plot of the film was also pretty straightforward, but this was actually something that I appreciated. Not everything has to follow a convoluted plot full of double crosses and a requirement to have seen the last 20 movies in the series. Summary Overall, I had a great time with Shang-Chi. It is by no means a flawless film and it isn’t even the best MCU movie, but it is still the most fun I have had with a superhero movie in years. The fight sequences are spectacular and worth the price of admission alone and I am very much looking forward to seeing what they do with this character in the future. If you enjoyed Dan’s review of Shang-Chi, you can check out what he thought of Thor: Ragnarok here. If you want to be part of the BGCP community, Join us on Discord, Twitter, Instagram etc then click HERE

Shang-Chi Review: The Best MCU Action Since Winter Soldier? Read More »

Avengers: Endgame

Avengers: Endgame Review: The Perfect Finale to the Infinity Saga

  Seven years later, Avengers: Endgame remains the undisputed King of the MCU. From the “Portals” scene to Tony Stark’s final sacrifice, here is why this masterpiece demands to be watched on 4K. ⚠️ Affiliate Disclaimer This article contains affiliate links. As an Amazon Associate, we earn from qualifying purchases. If you buy through these links, we may earn a commission at no extra cost to you. The Verdict at a Glance The Crown Jewel of the MCU It is hard to believe it has been seven years since Avengers: Endgame hit theaters. In 2026, as we navigate the complex “Multiverse Saga” with Incursions and Variants, looking back at Endgame feels like visiting an old friend. This wasn’t just a movie; it was a miracle of logistics. Juggling dozens of A-list stars, wrapping up 22 movies of storytelling, and landing the emotional plane perfectly? That shouldn’t have been possible. Yet, the Russo Brothers did it. Here is why Endgame remains the “Gold Standard” against which all other blockbuster movies are measured. The “Time Heist” is Genius Writing Instead of a standard “punch the bad guy” plot, the movie turns into a love letter to the MCU itself. By sending our heroes back to 2012, 2013, and 2014, the film allows us to see how far these characters have come. Watching the weary, defeated 2023 Tony Stark interact with the hopeful 1970 version of his father is heartbreakingly beautiful. It rewards you for paying attention for the last decade. The Darkest Battle Needs the Best Screen The final act—the “Battle of Earth”—is notoriously dark (visually). The muddy grays and browns of the destroyed Avengers compound can look like a blurry mess on streaming services. However, on physical 4K UHD, it is a different experience. The HDR brings out the glowing sparks of Doctor Strange’s portals, the crackle of Thor’s lightning, and the distinct colors of the Infinity Stones against the gloom. If you haven’t seen it on disc, you haven’t really seen it. “On Your Left” There is no cinematic moment in the last 20 years that matches the “Portals” scene. When Captain America, broken and alone, hears Sam Wilson’s voice… it is pure magic. Even in 2026, this scene induces goosebumps. It is the payoff to every single solo movie that came before it. Seeing Black Panther, Spider-Man, and the Guardians return from the dust is a triumph of long-form storytelling. The Perfect Goodbye for Tony & Cap Endgame understands that endings are necessary. Tony Stark, the man who started as a selfish egoist, makes the ultimate selfless play. Steve Rogers, the man who always sacrificed himself for the greater good, finally takes a moment for himself. Their arcs cross perfectly: one learns to let go, the other learns to live. How to Watch: The “End of an Era” Collection To truly honor this film, you need the best quality possible. Streaming compression ruins the audio dynamic range of the final battle. 🥇 The Essential Disc: Avengers: Endgame (Cinematic Universe Edition 4K) This disc is reference quality for home theaters. The Dolby Atmos track shakes the room when Thanos’s ship, The Sanctuary II, fires on the base. 🥈 The Ultimate Flex: The Infinity Saga Collector’s Box Set If you want to own the entire 22-movie run from Iron Man to Endgame in one beautiful package, this is the holy grail for collectors. 🥉 The Must-Have Prop: The Nano Gauntlet (Electronic) Unlike the golden Infinity Gauntlet, the red-and-silver “Nano Gauntlet” was built by Tony Stark. This high-end replica features articulated fingers and the “Snap” sound effect. It is the centerpiece of any Marvel shelf. Final Thoughts Avengers: Endgame is a masterpiece of blockbusters. It manages to be funny (Professor Hulk), devastating (Black Widow), and triumphant (Cap lifting Mjolnir) all at once. In an era of endless sequels, Endgame dared to provide a conclusion. It is the high-water mark of the Marvel Cinematic Universe, and it demands a permanent spot in your physical media library. Where to watch next: The “Infinity Saga” is over, but the aftermath begins immediately in Spider-Man: Far From Home, which deals with the world mourning Tony Stark.

Avengers: Endgame Review: The Perfect Finale to the Infinity Saga Read More »

Scroll to Top