Movie Review: Kung Fu Panda (2008)

DreamWorks studio is more known in the animation world for the Shrek series than anything else. They have had a few hits here and there but nothing close to the lovable green ogre and his sidekicks. That is until now. Kung Fu Panda is the latest try from DreamWorks to create another successful series of animation films that rivals Shrek. After watching Po the underachieving panda myself I can say they are definitely on the right track.

Kung Fu Panda brings all the right voices to the characters, as Jack Black becomes the slightly overweight lead character Po. Po was raised in a noodle loving family that sells a secret ingredient noodle soup. He toils day in day out to please his adopted father (it's obvious he's adopted though Po is none the wiser to this scenario). But Po has a secret love for all things Kung Fu. He lives in a daydream when not working in the noodle shop. In that dream he is a master at Kung Fu, a leader of the Furious Five.

The Furious Five are indeed real and comprise of the best of the best in the Kung Fu world. There is the Mantis (voiced by the funny Seth Rogen). Mantis is the smallest of the Five but his moves are deadly and fast. Viper (voiced by Lucy Lui) is agile like only a snake can be. Crane (voiced by David Cross) brings the ability of flight and quirkiness to the team. Monkey (voiced by the legend Jackie Chan) is in the style of Drunken Monkey. Tigress (voiced by Angelina Jolie) is the leader of the bunch and presumed to be the fabled Dragon Warrior.

The Turtle Master chooses the Dragon Warrior in competition during a festive celebration of Kung Fu. Master Shifu (voiced by Dustin Hoffman) must then train the Dragon Warrior to defeat the newly escaped Tai Lung (voiced by Ian McShane). Everybody assumes that Tigress will be the chosen one. That is until Po literally falls into the competition and is proclaimed the Dragon Warrior.

The rest of the movie follows Po as he learns about himself and his abilities while preparing to face the ultimate challenge of defeating Tai Lung. The Furious Five and Master Shifu are disgusted by Po but eventually won over by his light-hearted antics. Then the final battle ensues.

Kung Fu Panda is probably not for young children as the Tai Lung character is rather scary. There are some dark moments but most children over the age of ten should be just fine. On the other hand this is a great movie for adults to accompany their children to. There is enough comedy and action that the average parent will be happy they went. The message of the film is great in that it teaches acceptance of one's self.

Overall I believe you will see Po and the rest of the gang back in a sequel very soon. The movie is a can't miss with parents looking to kill the long summer days. Enjoy some air conditioning and catch this flick with you son or daughter. If you missed it then mark it down on your wish list for Christmas.