MovieChat Forums > Shang-Chi and the Legend of the Ten Rings (2021) Discussion > An already sub-par movie ruined by an in...

An already sub-par movie ruined by an intentionally unattractive and annoying sidekick

posted 3 years ago by BeenSavage (631)
20 replies | jump to latest

Just a 2 hour eye-roller of corny one-liners. Was it just me or did she (Katy) have more lines than Shang-Chi himself? In a fabled world of ninja assassins and mystics it's only right you bring along your seemingly overweight, low IQ buddy. To make matters worse they let the weakest character in the entire movie be the one to save the day with only an hour's worth of bow and arrow training in the most high-stressed situations of her life. This formula of the annoying and/or goofy PC sidekick seems to be the pre-requisite for super hero movies these days (Spider-Man/Ned Leeds, Black Widow/Red Guardian).

[–] FilmBuff (7234) 3 years ago

Katy was an ideal sidekick as far as I'm concerned. She kept to the background for the most part, popping in to inject some humor where needed, or to give a quick bit of inspiration, and the occasional reality check, to the hero.

[–] BeenSavage (631) 3 years ago

I don't know about being "kept in the background" with this one. Before we were barely introduced to Shang-Chi she's joyriding while he's sitting shotgun. Then not too long after he's sitting table side at her home and she eventually guilts him into bringing her on his journey. I think the movie would've been fine without her as there were plenty of supporting characters that would've sufficed, like his sister and the Mandarin.

[–] acidraindrop (3055) 3 years ago

Yeah, I'm not entirely sure where OP is coming from here.
It's understandable to be annoyed but frankly, this has been a part of the MCU formula for quite some time now: stupid corny ass jokes that break up the action unrealistically

As MCU films go, I thought her jokes were relatively natural and fitting for the scenes. And she and Shang-Chi had great chemistry in their banter.

[–] BeenSavage (631) 3 years ago

It's understandable to be annoyed but frankly, this has been a part of the MCU formula for quite some time now: stupid corny ass jokes that break up the action unrealistically

That's understood but would you be able to comparably give an example of a cling-on sidekick from another MCU film? I'm drawing a blank and even more so can't think of any supporting character who had an almost equal split in screen time with the main character.

[–] acidraindrop (3055) 3 years ago

That's partly why I appreciate this more.

Her character is natural. Her jokes don't break up the action. Compared to something like Ragnarok or Guardians where it's like...dude these ppl wouldn't act this way in this situation. "hurr durr we're coworkers!" Shit like that.

Her screentime reflects a more fully formed supporting character that helps support and mirror the development of the primary lead. She doesn't take the spotlight, but she's more substantial than frosting.

[–] nufsaid16 (685) 3 years ago

Exactly. I don't know why the OP's whining about her looks---she's the sidekick, she's not supposed to be a model or anything like that. Who the hell cares? And Awkwafina is a naturally funny comic actress anyway---she was hilarious, and just about stole half the scenes she was in. And she's not overweight at all----don't know where you got that from.

[–] 123Guy (7259) 3 years ago

sadly, this is needed to keep the movie "fun" enough for general audiences... IE more money.
it's the Marvel Way. "Four Quadrant" audiences and all that

[–] BeenSavage (631) 3 years ago

It's crazy though. At my theater all of her jokes fell flat. They had more love for the Mandarin instead.

[–] [deleted] 3 years ago

the mandarin definitely had the best laughs in the film.
i never laugh. i'm kinda dead inside.
but a few of his one-liners truly made me lol.

[–] 123Guy (7259) 3 years ago

yeah, I didn't care for her obvious lame dialog. or looks. or actions. or existence. she was a "Check Box" to me :D

[–] Kowalski (75528) 3 years ago

LOL

[–] nufsaid16 (685) 3 years ago

Whatever---I thought she was funny as hell. That's just your opinion.

[–] 123Guy (7259) 3 years ago

and your opinion. and both are allowed. :)

[–] [deleted] 3 years ago

i think she's reasonably foxy.

[–] Ziggy (1799) 3 years ago

Guess you're just not a fan of Awkwafina. I've really enjoyed her roles so far. One of my favorites is Crazy Rich Asians. But, to each it's own.

[–] kuatorises (7467) 3 years ago

Intentionally unattractive? What is wrong with you?

[–] [deleted] 3 years ago

I'm glad she was "unattractive" as beautiful asian women are lacking in personality. They think they are goddesses.

She was funny and probably have me the only laughs there was. Quoting her mother and calling herself a moocher was pretty hilarious.

[–] nufsaid16 (685) 3 years ago

That's pretty stereotypical of you. You don't know all beautiful Asian women, so how do you know they all have no personality? Come on----nobody died and made you the authority on them!

[–] [deleted] a year ago

I'm glad she was "unattractive" as beautiful asian women are lacking in personality. They think they are goddesses.

Huh?

[–] Keelai (34858) 8 months ago

I liked Awkwafina. Her funny reaction on the bus in the movie trailer was the reason I decided to watch the movie. Her scenes kept me awake, otherwise I repeatedly drifted off because of the typical over-the-top CGI stunts and predictable action.