The Marvel Cinematic Universe’s best origin story since Iron Man, Shang-Chi, packs a wallop of a punch—a fantastic fusion of East and West that emphatically rings in the debut of Phase 4’s newest star.
10.5 out of 12 Tamales
Tag: Disney Plus
“Jungle Cruise”: One-Sentence Review
Although the underwhelming special effects muddle Jungle Cruise’s action sequences, Dwayne Johnson and Emily Blunt maintain a strong enough presence throughout this Disney escapade to make it a cruise worth boarding.
8 out of 12 Tamales
“Loki: Season One”: One-Sentence Review
Carrying the weight of the whole multiverse on its back, Disney Plus’s Loki delivers the goods from Marvel’s favorite trickster(s) in spades, and jacks.
10.5 out of 12 Tamales
“Luca”: One-Sentence Review
Luca’s sweet and simple take on friendship and charting your own path is undeniably Pixar—gorgeous visuals, nostalgic settings, memorable characters and all, with only a slight (slight) hint of derivativeness.
9 out of 12 Tamales
“The Falcon and the Winter Soldier”: One-Sentence Review
A rare stumble for the Marvel Cinematic Universe, Falcon and the Winter Soldier squanders poignant themes, fails to deliver on the promise of its progressive storylines, and wastes some of the better straight-to-streaming action sequences.
6.5 out of 12 Tamales
“Raya and the Last Dragon”: One-Sentence Review
Raya and the Last Dragon’s stupendous animation and imaginative characters catapult this welcome Disney entry past How to Train Your Dragon-lite territory.
8.5 out of 12 Tamales
“WandaVision”: One-Sentence Review
Hidden behind WandaVision’s quaint, subdued sitcom facade is an epic Marvel story of love and loss that falls only an episode or two short of perfection.
10.5 out of 12 Tamales
“Soul”: One-Sentence Review
Soul’s simpatico union of soulfulness and thoughtfulness harmonize well in Pixar’s latest rendering of CGI art imitating the wonders of life.
10 out of 12 Tamales
“The Mandalorian: Season 2”: One-Sentence Review
Parrying minor growing pains before jumping into nostalgia-hyperdrive, The Mandalorian’s second season is a special effects extravaganza where Star Wars fandom is implemented with thoughtfulness and precision.
10 out of 12 Tamales
“Mulan (2020)”: One-Sentence Review
While Mulan’s tone and humor can be terse at times, the immense scope, the gorgeous cinematography, and inspiring action set pieces bring a certain gravitas to this worthwhile reimagining.
9.5 out of 12 Tamales
