Kung Fu Panda 2 (film review)

Kung Fu Panda 2: Rated “PG” (91 Minutes)

Starring: Jack Black, Angelina Jolie, Dustin Hoffman, Jackie Chan, Seth Rogen

Directed by: Jennifer Yuh Nelson

Truth in reviewing here, we never saw the first Kung Fu Panda as our kids are well past the age of taking in all the animated films just because they are animated, so when initially presented with the possibility of seeing this film we were understandably not completely enthused about the idea. Thing is, we shouldn’t have been worried, as the film is not only very enjoyable, but actually quite good (better than some “adult” films we’ve seen recently).

In the first film, Po (a Panda voiced by Black) learns Kung Fu under the tutelage of Shifu (Hoffman, a mouse), and Tigress (Jolie, a tiger). In this sequel, Po must now defend his village and all of China against Lord Shen (Gary Oldman, a peacock) as he sets out to right an imagined wrong as he attempts to put all of China under his foot. What makes this film truly work is not just the excellent writing, beautifully rendered 3D animation, and the wonderfully choreographed fight sequences, but the incredibly talented cast, which also includes Jean-Claude Van Damme (Master Croc), Lucy Liu (Viper), Michelle Yeoh (The Soothsayer), Dennis Haysbert (Master Oxen), Paul Mazursky, Danny McBride, and others (remember when cartoons were voiced by Mel Blanc and a bunch of other nameless, faceless voice actors?).

Anyway, in Kung Fu Panda 2, Po is now living his dream as a Dragon Warrior, who — along with his fellow kung fu masters — is protecting his friends living in the Valley of Peace. Unfortunately Po’s new life of total awesomeness is threatened by the emergence of Lord Shen, who plans to use a secret and unstoppable by Kung Fu weapon to conquer all of China and destroy the art of kung fu. Po must now look to his past and uncover the secrets of his mysterious origins (apparently he was left to his father in a basket of radishes). Only after Po unravels this secret —and masters the art of inner peace, will he be able to unlock his strength which he needs to succeed.

Needless to say, this film is not just for kids and offers up snappy dialogue, funny jokes, and real insights along with wildly hyper-kinetic, and supremely syncopated fight sequences that support (rather than overpower) the story of the film itself. Yes, this silly, entertaining “kiddie” film has an actual plot, a real story, and numerous well-developed characters that move it all along in a highly watchable, and well-produced film.

__________

Robert J. Sodaro has been writing professionally for over 30 years. During that time, his movie reviews and articles have appeared in numerous publications, as well as on the web.