Kung Fu Panda
June 7, 2008 at 11:11 a.m.
“I’m not a fat panda. I’m the fat panda,” says Po, the kung-fu wannabe panda in DreamWorks’ new film. Kung Fu Panda is not just another mindless animal adventure. Though it does showcase the voices of famous actors like Jack Black, Angelina Jolie, Dustin Hoffman, and Jackie Chan, this movie is full of witticisms and actual depth.
Po’s dream of becoming a kung-fu artist contrasts from his daily labor in his father’s noodle shop. The unlikely candidate knows everything about martial arts yet can’t manage to see his own toes.
When widely known and feared Tai Lung escapes jail, it is up to the Dragon Warrior to stop him. Kung-fu master, Shifu, expects one of his students to be awarded the title. The Furious Five: Tigress, Crane, Monkey, Mantis, and Viper (all representing classic kung-fu styles) are stunned when Shifu’s master chooses Po instead. The never-exercised-in-my-life bear joins the ranks and trains in hopes of obtaining the teaching scroll, which is destined for the Dragon Warrior and holds unspeakable power. Master Shifu has little patience for the lazy bear. Yet, China’s future rests in Po’s hands…if only he wasn’t always holding a cookie.
Kung Fu Panda is light, funny and an infectious crowd pleaser. Jack Black is the voice of Po, and doesn’t hold back with his chill-dude attitude. The film separates itself from others that also include mix-matched animal groupings (Madagascar, Over the Hedge) by keeping the script fresh with plenty of pop-culture jokes. It’s about time we see an animated film that is not just for the kids.
It isn’t film perfection, but the visual fireworks and karate action keep you entranced. It’s hard to find an objection to this fast-paced comedy. Even though it’s centered on the “believe in yourself” theme, you can’t help but to fall for the cheesy, yet not overdone, message.
VVV - Make the matinée.
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