Kung Fu Panda Review
by Homer Yen (homeryen88 AT gmail DOT com)June 15th, 2008
"Kung Fu Panda" - Ska-doosh
by Homer Yen
(c) 2008
I heard this word (Ska-doosh) used near the end of the film. I'm thinking that it's sort of a self-congratulatory expression uttered the moment you are about to complete a monumental task. And I use that word to describe my feelings for this film because, let's face it, I'm not sure if Kung Fu and Panda really go together in the same sentence. But in the world of animation, almost anything goes because anything can happen.
The storyline of "Kung Fu Panda" is pretty familiar. Main character dreams of being a hero. Main character's reality is that he's stuck in his father's business. Main character finds himself with a one-in-a-million opportunity that may allow him to change his destiny. Main character becomes a lightning rod for slapstick comedy because, as Jackie Chan said in a recently-released, similarly-themed movie about a kung fu master and his apprentice, he ain't got no kung fu. None.
When you mix the man-boy rocker attitude of Jack Black and add it with the deer-in-the-headlights goofiness of Homer Simpson, you get Po the Panda who is the titular Kung Fu Panda. The first 10 minutes of the film is actually the funniest because it's all Jack Black at his zany best hyping himself up. Once the film really starts, Po has a chance encounter with a legendary quintet of kung fu fighters named the Furious Five. They are comprised of: Monkey (Jackie Chan), Tigress (Angelina Jolie), Mantis (Seth Rogen), Viper (Lucy Liu) and Crane (David Cross). The individual fighting styles of the Furious Five members are actual martial art styles modeled after the particular animals. They are led by the venerable Shifu (Dustin Hoffman) who hopes that one of his students will become the coveted Dragon Warrior. The Dragon Warrior's duty is to engage the evil and revenge-mindedTai Lung (Ian McShane) in combat. However, you guessed it, that title has been unexpectedly bestowed upon Po. Shifu is not supportive. The Furious Five are not cooperative. And, Po ain't got no kung fu. None.
Despite the familiar plotline, it has a lot of positives. One thing that will immediately catch your attention is the brilliance of the colors and the high-quality of the animation. Po looks absolutely cuddly; Shifu looks like something you'd want to have as a pet; and Tigress is sleek and sexy. Another positive is that there is a good amount of humor as Shifu tries to whip Po into shape in time for the climactic duel. And all of the combat scenes are well-choreographed and entertaining. All of this leads to the last 6 minutes of the film, which is abundantly inventive and lively.
For the parents, it's short enough so that they will not become agitated. For the kids, it has beautiful colors and cuddly animals to keep them occupied. For the rest of us, there is enough action and story to keep our attention. But is it a great animated film? No, it's not in the league of "Toy Story" or "Ratatouille." However, will your kids thank you when you take them to see it? Yes, and that's all that really matters, eh?
Grade: B
S: 0 out of 3
L: 0 out of 3
V: 1 out of 3
Originally posted in the rec.arts.movies.reviews newsgroup. Copyright belongs to original author unless otherwise stated. We take no responsibilities nor do we endorse the contents of this review.
