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Year of Release: 2008 Date Of Review: June 2008 Mix top of the line animation with slapstick martial arts, add some genuine belly laughs and what do you get…. a crazy concoction called “Kung Fu Panda”, an exhausting kid’s film with creativity and energy to burn. Having grown up on a healthy diet of martial arts flicks I have pretty much seen them all, the good, the bad, the ugly and now the cartoon. “Kung Fu Panda” is the first full-length animated chop-socky feature film that I have seen so it was certainly a unique movie experience for me. However, the novelty factor does wear off after a little while….but maybe that’s because of my age… oh to be young again! I think 10 and 12 year olds will get the most out of this one. “Kung Fu Panda” was the first movie in a long time where I had to put up with the sounds of crying children, that’s right, there were a lot of children at the preview screening that I attended and some of them weren’t very happy! Let’s just say there were times when the squealing of one particular child almost drowned out some of the on-screen action and that’s saying something, considering “Kung Fu Panda” is fast, furious and very loud just like most hyperactive children’s films. The line-up of voices on show includes a cavalcade of well-known actors. Funnyman Jack Black leads the pack as Po the Panda, while Oscar winner Dustin Hoffman is Shifu the wise master. Veteran James Hong (“Big Trouble In Little China”) chips in as Mr. Ping, Panda’s father and the villain of the piece is non-other than Ian McShane of “Deadwood” fame. Rounding out the supporting cast, referred to on-screen as the “Furious Five” are Angelina Jolie as Tigeress, Seth Rogan as Mantis, Lucy Liu as Viper, David Cross as Crane and Kung Fu superstar Jackie Chan as Monkey. This film certainly presents an impressive showcase of talent. In fact “Kung Fu Panda” could possibly be Jack Black’s finest hour. As the larger-than-life Panda who loves his food, Black is in his element and there is no-denying that he brings the character to life with own brand of trademark quips. Having grown out of animated movies many years ago it takes something really special to wet my appetite in the animated genre. The major attraction in this film for me was always the kung fu element and although far-fetched and outrageous it has a tongue-in-cheek quality that overshadows any unbelievability factor. All great Kung Fu films have a training sequence and “Kung Fu Panda” is no exception. For me, the best part of the film and certainly the most fun was the training sequence in which food was the incentive for Panda to train. The battle between Panda and master Shifu over the last dumpling is hilarious to say the least and without doubt the standout hyper-kinetic sequence in the film. “Kung Fu Panda” is not a bullseye but at the same time it is not a bad film. My interest levels were a bit sporadic at times but nevertheless consistent at that middle-of-the-road level. The film has a likeability factor that is hard to shake. You just cannot deny the appeal of the cuddly Panda, something that will ensure that the film has a long stay in the multiplexes. With a $60 million box office take in its first weekend of release “Kung Fu Panda” proves that animated films still have a massive appeal in the marketplace and the film looks set to become the highest grossing kung fu film of all-time. What more can I say, just like the “Shrek” films before it, I think the filmmakers have stumbled onto a major movie franchise. I am sure most kids in attendance would be thinking one thing and that is, bring on the sequels and I am sure the filmmakers will happily oblige. © Copyright Pick Of The Flicks. All rights reserved. Kung Fu Panda - Cinema Synopsis: Enthusiastic, big and a little clumsy, Po is the biggest fan of Kung Fu around...which doesn't exactly come in handy while working everyday in his family's noodle shop. Unexpectedly chosen to fulfill an ancient prophecy, Po's dreams become reality when he joins the world of Kung Fu and studies alongside his idols - the legendary fighters Tigress, Crane, Mantis, Viper and Monkey - under the leadership of their teacher and trainer, Master Shifu. But before they know it, the vengeful and treacherous snow leopard Tai Lung is headed their way, and it's up to Po to defend everyone from the oncoming threat. Can he turn his dreams of becoming a Kung Fu master into reality? Po puts his heart - and his girth - into the task, and the unlikely hero ultimately finds that his greatest weaknesses turn out to be his greatest strengths. If you like "Kung Fu Panda" you should enjoy the "Shrek" Trilogy of Films - Now Available on DVD: Shrek (Special Edition) (2001) [DVD] Shrek 2 (Widescreen Version) (2004) [DVD] Shrek The Third (Widescreen Version) (2007) [DVD] Jack Black DVD Collection - Now Available: Jackie Chan DVD Collection - Now Available: Angelina Jolie DVD Collection - Now Available: Dustin Hoffman DVD Collection - Now Available: Pick Of The Flicks - Recommended Links: The Kung Fu Connection at Hollywood Teen Movies Pick Of The Flicks Blog Spot / Messageboard: Use the search bars below to search our site, find your favorite movie or find your favorite poster:
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