Jack Black, Angelina Jolie, Dustin Hoffman and some of the best animation to grace the screens in year. Welcome to Kung Fu Panda, DreamWorks’ latest addition to their animation library which features Shrek, The Bee Movie, Madagascar, Shark Tale and so many more. There can be little doubt that DreamWorks Animated SKG will boast a modern animated library to rival Disney. 
Kung Fu Fighting
Panda Po (Black) is a clumsy, oversized panda who spends his time eating and working in his family’s noodle shop. He is an average ‘Po’ who daydreams of being a great Kung Fu Master. Imagine his surprise when the great Master Shifu (Hoffman) shows up to make that dream a reality. Apparently ‘Po’ is the subject of a prophecy that claims he will save them all. Po begins his training with the Furious Five – very well known from the previews including Mantis, Crane, Tigress (Jolie) and more.
It will hardly surprise viewers that Po struggles with his training and eventually frustrates the patience of his Master. My favorite part was the ancient turtle showing up to counsel Shifu to believe in Po and have patience with him. The turtle (this film’s Yoda and yes, the parallels are very well drawn) is the one who chose Po in the first place. Still, kids will love the training sequences, even when Po flubs it up and they will appreciate the fact that no one gives up on him, even when they want to.
The film’s villain is Tai Lung, a white tiger that once trained under Shifu. Lung is bad business and the first thing he wants to do when he escapes his 20 year incarceration in prison is get even with Shifu and disrupt the so-called prophecy.
Timeless Fun
Kung Fu Panda is definitely a keeper of a film. There are pop culture references including the take-the-pebble-from-my-hand shtick from David Carradine’s 70s Kung Fu series as well as the obvious allusions to Star Wars. Kids will love the animals and their dedication to their arts. They will also hear that fighting is an art and that it takes discipline, practice and restraint.
The animation is absolutely spectacular (I have to say that DreamWorks gets better in this department with every film they make) and despite their use of star power voices, you don’t see Jack Black when Po talks, you only see Po. Kids will love this film and parents can appreciate it. Kung Fu Panda opened in wide release June 6, 2008.
What did you think of the film?
Be sure to check out Madagascar: Escape 2 Africa later this year.