Kung Fu Panda (DreamWorks Animation)
Roly Poly Po Makes Movie Magic
It isnt easy to bring something new to the world of animated features. Just about everything that can be done has been done in one way or another. But the folks at DreamWorks Animation had a new trick up their sleeve when they created the world of Po, a kung fu fighting Panda. They had to make sure the animation was first rate; they had to get the best voices for the characters; and then they had to have a script that was interesting and funny. They got all this and made us a present of the best animated film of the year Kung Fu Panda.
Po (voiced by Jack Black) is a panda who lives in China. He works in the noodle shop owned by his father (James Hong). In his heart he knows he is capable of much, much more. He gets his chance when the village wise man, er turtle, Oogway (Randall Duk Kim) chooses him to be the village warrior. But being chosen isnt enough, he also has to go through training at the hand, er paws, of the Master Shifu (Dustin Hoffman).
Lurking in the background is the threat of danger from the most evil one, Tai Lung (Ian McShane). He has been imprisoned but there is always a threat of his escape, and escape he does. He returns to the village and it is up to Po to save the day.
Black is the heart and soul of the movie. When you combine his talent with that of Dustin Hoffman, you have two actors who can elevate any story a notch or two. Angelina Jolie, Lucy Liu, Jackie Chan and Seth Rogen also add to the fun.
The animation is very good with the attention to detail being awesome. You can actually count the hairs on Pos body. And these characters have great expressions that add to the personalities they possess.
The film is rated PG for mild violence. This is a movie for the entire family and kids will love it even more than the adults do but the adults will have a great time.
The story of a roly poly panda learning the skills of martial arts is a great one. The hero is a hero through and through while good triumphs in the end. All of the supporting players are entertaining and there is not one weak element in this movie.
In a summer season full of winners and losers, Kung Fu Panda certainly belongs in the winners column.
I scored Kung Fu Panda a bear-able 7 out of 10.
