Kung Fu Panda - Review

There has been a gold standard in Computer Animated Films for the past decade or so. A standard that numerous studios have attempted to match or surpass. That standard is Pixar and it has never been matched. Not by Shrek, not by Madagascar, not by The Wild, nor by Ice Age.

Pixar has been the pinnacle of story, technology, heart, and sheer perfection in this genre of film. They are the untouchable ones who seem to get better with each passing film (Cars excluded of course).

Kung Fu Panda fits right in with the spirit of Pixar and would be considered a success in reaching that gold standard.

They say "Prepare for awesomeness," and awesomeness has been delivered.





Kung Fu Panda is the story of Poe, a panda who dreams of being a Kung Fu master like his heroes the Ferocious Five. He works in a noodle shop with his father, who happens to be a duck.

We he finds out that the legendary Dragon Warrior is going to be named, he rushes to see the historical event and eventually finds himself chosen as the Dragon Warrior.

Hilarity ensues.


I gotta say, when I first saw the trailer for this i was not impressed. I thought it was going to be just another in a long line of dud CGI movies. Then, I saw a new trailer before Indiana Jones 4, and it got me laughing a bit. I was intrigued I'll admit. So this afternoon I found myself in need of something funny to see. I went to my local theater and decided on this movie. I was pleasantly surprised.

I really loved this movie. It put a smile on my face and kept it there for the duration of the movie. It's smart, very funny, and packed with great characters.

The voice acting is top notch. Jack Black dives into this and delivers admirably. He makes Poe come alive. Seth Rogan, David Cross, Lucy Liu, Angelina Jolie, and Jackie Chan make up the Furious Five and Dustin Hoffman plays their trainer Master Shifu. All of them lend their voices expertly to their characters. They never overwhelm the characters either. You never think "Oh that bug is Seth Rogan!"

The animation is incredible. The fight scenes exciting. At times you forget your watching a movie geared towards kids because it has so many elements of a martial arts movie.

The movie is great. It has smart writing, enjoyable characters, and a lot of heart. I can't think of a single complaint, except maybe that I wanted another twenty minutes.

A complete surprise for this summer. I would give this movie a look. You might find yourself enjoying it.


Pixar would be proud.

Skadoosh.

PS stay through the credits. There is a scene after they finish.