Abigail Chin

If I could give a zero star rating, I would. This movie lacks character, emotion, and personality. Initially I had hoped not to partake in watching, due to the main actors political views, but decided to give it a chance. The repetitive themes of qi (chi) and a magic phoenix are mere, shoddy reflections of a supposed Chinese culture, akin to the meals served at a Panda Express. The acting was rudimentary at best and lacked any kind of human emotion. Every “conflict” was met with an underwhelming response, as every other character seemed to be quickly persuaded without any personal demonstration of conviction. The costumes and fantastical displays of landscape tried to mask all of these elements, but a good story is not composed of outward appearances, but rather heart. I have many more complaints: the replaying of reflection at every climax, how easily every character caught an arrow hurling at them, the forced accents that were unnecessary, and much more. But I will spare you the fine details. (Oof, not to mention the random witch woman who provided merely a “you go girl” support to the main character: truly a waste of screen time). I think I need to watch the original to purify my qi again. *I love Donnie Yen though (let’s go IP man) and the Cricket character 😄 *a note on Panda Express: I can’t deny the orange chicken is good: at least it defines itself in its own class of delicious rather than trying to assume an “authentic” Chinese facade. I provided it as an example to merely paint an expression 😅