Movie Reviews
Kung Fu Panda dazzles with humor and martial arts panache
Read the review on HollywoodJesus.com
Kung Fu Panda chop-socks onto screens this weekend, and I’m already excited to see it again. Dreamworks’ latest animated film has big laughs, action-packed, kung fu choreography, and not to mention a big lovable panda bear named Po as the just-believe-in-yourself hero on a journey of self-discovery.
The manic Jack Black (Nacho Libre, School of Rock) lends both his voice and kooky mannerisms to Po, a panda who daydreams of being a kung fu fighter while slinging noodles at his dad’s noodle shop somewhere in an ancient China where talking, anthropomorphic animals once roamed.
Here the rambunctious Po is frustrated that his life has settled in the family business. His mind occupied with the local heroes, the kung fu-fighting Furious Five, Po dreams of being something greater than his food-loving lazy self.
Meanwhile, an announcement is made from atop the mountain where the Jade Palace stands: the time has come to choose the great Dragon Warrior whom, according to legend, will defeat a great foe and bring peace and harmony to the people. While everyone, including Po, is certain that one among the Furious Five will be chosen, Po unwittingly stumbles into the festivities and is seemingly chosen as the next Dragon Warrior by the wise old Yoda-like Master Oogway.
When questioned about this seemingly accidental choice, the sage Oogway smiles contently and explains, “There are no accidents.” Po is immediately thrown into training, much to the dismay and doubt of the Five and their teacher, Master Shifu (Dustin Hoffman). Resentful of this big black-and-white addition to their training grounds, the Furious Five (sparsely voiced by Angelina Jolie, Seth Rogen, David Cross, Lucy Liu, and Jackie Chan) live up to their name by shunning Po and hoping he’ll give up training after the first day. But Po’s determined, and he doesn’t quit.
This is part of the overall “just believe” mantra of Panda. Po must overcome the self-imposed insecurities, harness an inner force, and discover that in his greatest weakness, he can be the strongest. Yes, yes, a familiar underdog tale, but positive and entertaining nonetheless.
However, keep in mind that the movie’s message, mostly explained through Master Oogway’s bits of wisdom and advice, are definitely flavored with an eastern, Matrix-y “there is no spoon” seasoning. If you were to take Panda’s pseudo-philosophy to its fullest metaphysical extent, it seemingly promotes an atheistic, there-is-nothing-but-you humanism. I know, I know. Its just a movie. Or is it? Can it ever be just a movie?
I’m digressing now, but take the moral with a bit of salt and it can become a hearty discussion starter with friends and family.
Moving on, let me make it clear: I loved this movie. I admit, I am a bit biased coming from a background in cartooning with an appreciation for the art of animation and its storytelling possibilities. I do prefer 2D “flat” animation like the oldskool Disney films, but I also enjoy 3D animation, and Panda is a supreme example of why I love cartoons. From the awesome 2D intro to the 3D animation to the storybook art in the end credits, Kung Fu Panda is a delight to watch.
It’s the story that matters the most anyway, and the packaging is the entertainment value of plot points, drama, laughs, visual flair, and so on. Kung Fu Panda may not do anything new in regards to animation, but who cares? I’m not looking for the next great technology when I see a movie; I just want to see an entertaining film with a good story. In this case, we’ve got both. And whether or not you’ve seen this underdog story a million times before, Kung Fu Panda is a fresh and satisfying retelling.
Not to mention the film is full of vibrant color and amazingly detailed Chinese landscapes thanks to some kung-fu inspired art direction. We’re also treated to sprawling, frenetic fight scenes throughout, brilliantly choreographed and taking advantage of the animated medium. This combination of eye candy and action-packed kung fu fighting provides some memorable scenes like a heart-pumping face-off between the Furious Five and the big villain, Tai Lung; a clever little battle over some dumplings between Po and Master Shifu using only chopsticks is sure to have you cheering for Po.
By the way, Kung Fu Panda is promoted as a kids movie, but please don’t stay home because of that. It’s great entertainment for all ages. Besides the kid in all of us has to play once in a while, right?
Take your friends, your family, kids, neighbors, even strangers – this panda will have you coming back for seconds.
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- Read the review on HollywoodJesus.com
- Read what critic, Roger Ebert, has to say about Kung Fu Panda
- See what RottenTomatoes is saying (hint: they love it!)
[...] Cartoon Brew today and learned that Shine Studios, the creative design studio that produced the Kung Fu Panda 2D end credit sequence in collaboration with James Baxter Animation, posted the full sequence [...]