Rated: PG
Runtime: 1 hr 31 mins
Cast:
- Jack Black
- Dustin Hoffman
- Angelina Jolie
- Jackie Chan
- Lucy Liu
- Ian McShane
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Review - "Kung Fu Panda"
Reviewer: Charise Payne
Rating:
Children's animated films and summer blockbusters just seem to go hand-in-hand. And as the first animated film of the season, Kung Fu Panda did not disappoint; it is a smash hit. Jack Black plays the lovable yet lazy giant panda named Po. This animated character was cast perfectly: Jack Black is Po. They both are lovable and funny characters who have bigger-than-life personalities and make us laugh out loud.
Kung Fu Panda reminds me of a classic fairytale. There are no funny jokes that date it, there isn't a real town it takes place in, and there are no product placements to remind you it is 2008. It is just a great story about a panda, his dream, and defeating the bad guys.
Kung Fu Panda is about Po, a kind, sweet-hearted giant panda who has dreamed of being like his idols, the Furious Five, a group of legendary fighters that includes Tigress (Angelina Jolie), Crane (David Cross), Mantis (Seth Rogen), Viper (Lucy Liu), and Monkey (Jackie Chan).
Po lives with his dad (James Hong). Together, they run a noodle restaurant in China's Valley of Peace, a name that had been earn by the Furious Five. But recently, the evil prodigal son, a snow leopard named Tai Lung (Ian McShane) escaped from prison and threatens to destroy the region. Legend tells the people of the Valley of Peace that a great hero called the Dragon Warrior will save the valley if harm ever comes their way. It was always assumed that the Dragon Warrior would come from the Furious Five, but as with all great stories of heroism, the people's assumptions were wrong.
As the palace horns are blown, and the townspeople gather to hear the announcement of the Dragon Warrior, Po is desperate to be part of the ceremony. But due to him being a Panda, he is big, out of shape, and slow by nature; he can't get to the palace walls before the doors are shut. Po is devastated. He is going to miss the ceremony unless he can find a way in. He uses every way he can think of and finally decides to strap fireworks to his back so he can fly over the wall. When Po lands in the middle of the champion's arena, the mighty tortoise Oogway (Randall Duk Kim) declares Po the Dragon Warrior. This is an announcement that shocks everyone, including the red panda kung fu teacher Master Shifu (Dustin Hoffman). Shifu has to train the new hero for battle, and there is no way in his opinion this lazy, fat, slow giant panda can be the savior of the Valley of Peace. But like most things, a little faith goes a long way, and Shifu learns that all things are not as they seem. If you look into someone's heart and believe in them, all things are possible.
I loved this movie and the subtle lessons it teaches children and parents. If you have faith in yourself and in others, all things are possible. I loved its classic style, and how it captures the heart of great children's movies of old, which is to teach children about the good things in life without scaring them with the bad. The film is a little predictable, but that's fine, that's what I liked about it. It is a children's movie.
The animation was gorgeous and fun to look at. And the martial arts scenes were hilarious and fun; I will never look at chopsticks the same — dumping anyone?
Jack Black and his co-stars, especially Hoffman and McShane, did an excellent job, and the way they captured their characters perfectly was a joy to watch. Kids and parents will have a great time watching Kung Fu Panda. In a time when so many things bring down the foundations of families, it is nice to see a film that brings families together. But be prepared to be singing the songs and practicing your kung fu poses as you leave the theater; the film is infectious.
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