Overview
- Directors: Mark Osborne, John Stevenson
- Companies: DreamWorks Animation
- Release Date: June 6, 2008 (USA)
- Rating: PG for sequences of martial arts action
- Runtime: Approx. 92 min.
- Website
Synopsis
Kung Fu Panda is the story of Po, (voice Jack Black), a sweet, but clumsy Panda who has dreams of fighting with the legendary Furious Five and protecting the city against all threats. The only problem is that Po has no real life experience of kung fu, and his real job is serving noodles at his dad’s noodles shop. News of selecting the Dragon Warrior is sent out from the Jade Temple, and the whole city along with Po, go to the celebration. The competition is between the Furious Five: Tigress (voice Angelina Jolie), Viper (voice Lucy Liu), Crane (voice David Cross), Monkey (voice Jackie Chan), and Mantis (voice Seth Rogen). Po accidentally enters the contest and is named the Dragon Warrior. Master Shifu (voice Dustin Hoffman) must find a way to train Po and make him a Kung Fu Master, especially, after they learn that the snow leopard, Tai Lung (voice Ian McShane), is headed their way.
When I went to see this movie, I expected just another semi-interesting children’s comedy. I was wrong.
Compliments
Kung Fu Panda is hilarious, and there is no dull moment throughout the whole film. There is a perfect mix of comedy and serious conflict. The animation seems flawless, and the animal characters appear to be very natural. This movie is action-packed, but totally clean. The humor is not crude, and I believe it is suitable for all ages.
Criticism
There is not much to say, except that perhaps the movie is verging on overkill in terms of cheesy humor, if at all. It’s a long shot though.
Conclusion
Kung Fu Panda totally surprised me and far exceeded my expectation. It is a great movie for any audience and provides a good amount of sound comic relief. It is a movie that will keep you awake and captivated.
Ratings
- Acting: 10/10
- Cinematography/Photography: 9/10
- Morality: 10/10
- Plot/Storyline: 9/10
- Music/Score: 9/10
- Overall: 9.4/10
