Kung Fu Panda (Osborne & Stevenson, 2008): USA

Reviewed by Kevin Tran

Kung Fu Panda is summer’s first big animated spectacle. In many ways, the film has all the attribute of a great summer blockbuster. Lots of action and hilarious comedy create a very entertaining formula for a film the entire family will love and enjoy. Although the film isn’t as original as Pixar’s Ratatouille, it’s as equally funny as Shrek, perhaps even funnier if Black’s brand of humor suites yours.

Po (Jack Black) is the largest and laziest animal in the Valley of Peace. The panda lives above his father noodle restaurant, where he works and secretly daydreams of being a kung fu fighter. To fulfill an ancient prophecy, the village elder picks (accidentally) Po to help succeed in defeating Tai Lung, a powerful white tiger that escapes from a distant prison, and become a dragon master.

The movie is reminiscent of the Disney’s Mulan, both in story and visuals. Although the plot is more of a typical spoof of Kung Fu films about the least to succeed. Despite minor plot holes, the movie still functions as an incredibly funny, visually moving film. Stylistically, it has a very distinct look that is more impressionistic than most animated films that shoot for realism; while the action sequences look as posh and explosive as a Michael Bay film.

Like Mike Myers with Shrek, Po really becomes an animalized version of the Jack Black. Fortunately, animators did a great job making the audience feel pathos for Po at his lowest points. At the same time, Black is really the heart of where most of the comedy comes from throughout the film; and it is safe to say that if you don’t like Black as a comedian or actor, this movie might not be for you.

The film also stars voices from big name actors such as Dustin Hoffman, Angelina Jolie, Seth Rogan, and Jackie Chan.


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