Reviews of Kung Fu Panda

the best ....

Posted : 1 year, 1 month ago on 11 November 2008 01:45 (A review of Kung Fu Panda)


that's unblievable cartoon until now, i like the movements
in all the characters specialy between 'pu' and 'Tai Lung'on the bridge,
and i like 'shifu' he is so kind. !
and now i will waitting for "Madagascar" i think it be so interesting *_*.

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A fun, albeit somewhat flawed animation romp!

Posted : 1 year, 1 month ago on 28 October 2008 03:27 (A review of Kung Fu Panda)

"Yesterday is history, tomorrow is a mystery, but today is a gift. That is why it is called the present."

By now it's a given that animated features must appeal to adults as much as they do to kids in order to be both a critical and commercial success. 2008's Kung Fu Panda is the latest entry into the DreamWorks pantheon. This marks the first true family feature of the 2008 summer season. Armed with an A-list voice cast and a clever premise - this is the type of stuff we expect to see getting nominated for Best Animated Feature at the Oscars. For a while, Kung Fu Panda held the honour of being the best animated film of 2008 simply because there weren't any additional titles to mention. Later on in the summer, Pixar released their latest masterwork unto the world: WALL-E. Following the release of Pixar's WALL-E, DreamWorks' Kung Fu Panda became a mere afterthought. This isn't because of the inadequate, uneven script or even the obtuse messages. The underwhelming result of Kung Fu Panda boils down to the fact that this is a DreamWorks film and not a Pixar film.

The panda of the title is Po (voiced by Black); a tubby animal who dreams of becoming a martial artist. He's the (supposed) son of a noodle shop owner (Hong) and Po's destiny is to inherit the family business. Meanwhile, in the temple on the hill, a handful of trained warriors wait anxiously as one of them will soon be bestowed with the title of the prophesised Dragon Warrior. The community is invited to watch the selection process. Much to the chagrin and surprise of the characters (but not the audience), Po is picked as the Dragon Warrior. Soon following this peculiar selection, a disgruntled snow leopard and former martial arts student (McShane) escapes from prison, causing a potential threat to everyone at the temple. Their only hope is the Dragon Warrior...and Po is apparently the only one for the job.

Kung Fu Panda benefits from spectacular animation and mind-blowing visuals. The opening sequence is reminiscent of modern Manga. DreamWorks also manage to fill the screen with gorgeous backdrops of mountain vistas and fluttering leaves that give Zhang Yimou a run for his money. These wonderful images are made slightly funnier with the chubby Po the Panda huffing and wheezing his way through the landscapes like a relative of Hurley from Lost. This is a fun little romp with adequate charm to keep any audience entertained. At a brisk 90 minutes in length, Kung Fu Panda relies on its action sequences and brisk slapstick gags to see it through.

The directors (Mark Osborne and John Stevenson) rediscover how gut-bustingly funny and rip-roaringly entertaining cartoon violence can be. One of the film's primary action sequences depicts animals of all stripes battling on a bridge resembling Indiana Jones and the Temple of Doom. We even watch as animals fall from great heights onto land completely unharmed, ala Wile E. Coyote. Yesssssss...the spirit of the Looney Tunes lives on. However, the action is somewhat undermined as the combatants appear unable to succumb to injury even after falling from a dizzying height onto solid cement. In addition, the laws of physics are disregarded. It brings back the Looney Tunes spirit for sure, yet such overuse of this technique grows too dreary and unexciting.

While Kung Fu Panda is fun, it feels as if it's missing something (not just the Pixar logo...although that may be relevant in final analysis). Characterisations are flat, its formula is too unoriginal, laughs are surprisingly limited, and predictability abounds. There's extensive build-up to Po's status as the Dragon Warrior, yet the script focuses too heavily on this build-up and Po suddenly becoming the warrior without this status being sufficient earned. Po's training is restricted to a few straightforward montages showcasing fights that are too cartoonish and unnecessary. There's no sense of achievement. One minute Po is a bumbling fat old oaf. Next minute he's well-trained in kung fu and is able to do some spectacular shit. What's missing is at least a handful of scenes that should delve deep into the training and what exactly Po is put through to become so much better. The emotional progressions also feel unearned. Shifu (Hoffman) initially resists training Po for reasons which are suitably supported. When he eventually gives in and agrees to train Po, as we know he must eventually do, the about-face seems inadequately abrupt. It seems as if the film's all-too-familiar formula is all the justification the audience should require.

The characters surrounding Po and Master Shifu are far too underused and underdeveloped. They're just stock characters dropped into the movie to create the illusion of depth. Granted, this is a children's flick and to expect meaningful characterisation may be foolhardy. However, Pixar manages to do it properly. WALL-E was about robots with a three-word vocabulary, yet we come to love each and every character in the entire film. Even the fat, useless human characters in WALL-E we grew a slight attachment to. Even Ratatouille was able to introduce an adult plotline and a myriad of well-developed characters without ever dragging. For this reason, Pixar continually comes out on top.

Humour is another aspect that denotes this film's greatest failing. Kung Fu Panda is just too insatiably cute in its humour and messages. I wanted some adult comedy, of which there is none. Lack of wit proves detrimental. Kids may not get bored with the great visual feast, but adults will be glancing at their watch frequently. Shark Tale and Madagascar are decent films from DreamWorks that managed to make its audience laugh a lot despite their formulaic structures. Even the three Shrek films, while of increasingly mediocre quality, were appealing enough. Same goes for every single Pixar film. Kung Fu Panda is too dull.

Following the usual tradition of mainstream animated movies, the voice cast is stocked with major Hollywood stars. Jack Black is in fine form as Po the Panda. He's perfect for the role. Black disperses a few good lines ("Oooo, my tenders!" he exclaims when bashed in the crotch), however he doesn't make full use of his wild side - the eager, crazy glee he has previously shown in films like School of Rock. Black instead gives Po a slightly abashed suburban-couch-potato sweetness. When Po gobbles down every ounce of food in sight, he's too cute for words. It's scenes like these that give Kung Fu Panda some much-needed highlights.
With the exception of Jack Black and a suitably embittered Dustin Hoffman, the cast seems like overkill. This overkill syndrome I also picked up in 2007's dreary Bee Movie. The actors are there for the sake of being there. Casting Jackie Chan as a kung fu monkey is good in theory considering his reputation, but what does it accomplish, really? He isn't the central character...in fact he doesn't get many lines! The same goes for Jolie. And in her case, it ain't her voice that attracts the adolescent males to their local theatre complex (it's those enormous mountains threatening to snap her spine that attracts the guy audience). I didn't even know Seth Rogen was involved until I read the cast list. He never gives his character any distinguishable persona. Note to DreamWorks: save your money on big names for supporting roles and let the characters and premise speak for themselves.

At the end of the day, it's the DreamWorks logo that doomed Kung Fu Panda to its mediocre existence. By all means it's an enjoyable little romp: it's fun, inoffensive, is straight to the point, and deserves its box office earnings...but it isn't one of the greatest animated films of recent years. Pixar yet again comes out on top with WALL-E as they did with last year's Ratatouille. To be honest, I was looking forward to Kung Fu Panda immensely. After missing its theatrical run I was keen to view it as soon as possible. But it wasn't what I expected at all, and that's a shame. Too few laughs and a non-serviceable script prove utterly lethal. Kung Fu Panda feels too rushed and too underdone, as if designed for optimal play times per day at the cinema (story be damned). It's fun with spectacular animation, but it's ultimately hollow and it feels like something's missing.

Make sure you say until after the credits. Followed by a sequel.

6.2/10

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Panda Pop!

Posted : 1 year, 3 months ago on 19 September 2008 08:45 (A review of Kung Fu Panda)

''It is said that the Dragon Warrior can go for months without eating, surviving on the dew of a single ginko leaf and the energy of the universe.''

''Then I guess my body doesn't know I'm the Dragon Warrior yet. It's gonna take a lot more than dew, and, uh, universe juice.''

Po the Panda is the laziest animals in all of the Valley of Peace, but unwittingly becomes the chosen one when enemies threaten their way of life.

Jack Black: Po (voice)

Kung Fu Panda unsurprisingly was birthed by the wondrous Dreamwork people, for a start the animation and story are untouchable in quality executed to the highest standard.
In recent years Dreamworks animation has been a sort of hit and miss production company. Some of their films have been nearly as good as the Pixar films (Shreks, Over the Hedge), but others have been close to complete crap (Shark Tale, Madagascar, Bee Movie). With Kung Fu Panda Dreamworks strikes gold.

The film is great because of how simple it is. Simple story, simple morals, simple comedy, and simplistic style. The movie is just good to watch. You could go and see it with your family, or your girlfriend, its a gloriously animated sort of film.

We are told the story of a slightly overweight Panda whom has duties with his father in a Noodle restaurant. Panda dreams of becoming a great Kung Fu master while at the same time trying to please his father by saying his dream is comprised of taking over the Noodle heritage of his father. Yes you may have noticed ''his'' father per say, lacks resemblance or species to Panda funnily enough. When a choosing of the Dragon Master comes about. Panda rushes to see this tournament. What transpires next is him unwittingly getting chosen by Oogway, the Old Turtle Master.

Kung Fu Panda has such effortlessly smooth paced animation that fluidly speeds along at all times we the audience, scarcely get to notice the amount of work thats gone into every frame. Especially the action scenes which seem to thunder along in a dazzling array of splendor.
I think Kung Fu Panda perfectly gets together several important Chinese cultural elements: traditional Chinese Kung Fu Tactics, traditional Chinese fighting story, traditional Chinese jokes, traditional Chinese scenes, traditional Chinese music, even traditional Chinese legends! I also like the ending song.

''There are no accidents.

The voices are incredibly done and some I didn't even recognise. Notably Dustin Hoffman voicing Shifu, was superb, his voice instantly recognizable.
Jack Black as Panda excellent providing laughs, charm and charisma throughout as the main star of the film.
Other iconic voices are from a dazzling selection of actors and actresses such as Angelina Jolie voicing Tigress, Ian McShane as Tai Lung, Jackie Chan as Monkey, Seth Rogen as Mantis, Lucy Liu as Viper and even Michael Clarke Duncan as Commander Vachir pops up.
James Hong voicing Mr. Ping was instantly recognisable by ear, the actor from Golden Child & Big Trouble In Little China. Amusing how they made that of the bird character he plays to match a certain element of him from real life in the animation.
The characters fit so well with their voices, especially my all time favorite character Master Shifu voiced by Dustin Hoffman. True, Jackie Chan and the furious five didn't have too many lines, but this does not stop the upbeat trhill and flow of the movie. The battle scenes are superb. The storyline is very original, and bright, but within all the humour there is a soul, and other emotions,such as sadness. One of my favorite scenes is the one in which the Brave Master Shifu battles with his former pupil, the vicious Tai Lung.

Speaking of animation, the cinematography, character design and backgrounds are all done very, very well. Whether it's flying through the air alongside a leaping character, the painting-like backgrounds, or the wonderful opening sequence (reminiscent of Samurai Jack), they're all beautiful. Snap zooms, slow-motion, and flying cameras are also used with great skill to further the experience.

Even the music and sound is outstanding. Asian drums rumble in the background of intense fights... stones shatter and crumble away... fight sequences rise and fall with each of the music cues, or is that the other way around? Beautiful.

Loved how Kung Fu Panda begins with the drawing styled animation, then all the way through I was amazed how detailed Panda is on the whole capturing action, suspense and excitement mixed with comical fun and laughs galore.
What it lacks in originality, it makes up for in style and humour. Relatively new directors, Mark Osborne and John Stevenson have created a multi-hued ancient China that moves with stealth precision between enchantment and explosive energy. Its inhabitants are geese and rabbits that live their lives in the shadow of lore. As long as all is peaceful, then they can blissfully enjoy their noodle soups in the town square and if anything should happen to collapse that peace, then they have the kung fu specialized Furious Five, a tiger, a monkey, a crane, a snake and oddly enough, a mantis, to protect them from whatever evil lurks. No one member of the community has more faith in these five than Po. His idolatry of these heroes extends to numerous posters on his walls and action figures by his bed. Black plays Po as the hardcore geek that hides his enthusiasm and secret desire to be a part of it all in fear of being ridiculed for wanting the impossible. Po is that unfortunate fat kid from school that wants to hang with all the cool kids, hates that he's stuck working at the local fast food establishment after school and knows that there's nothing he can do about it.

Kung Fu Panda is great wisdom wrapped in even greater fun and often breathtaking animation. Sometimes the simplest of lessons are the ones that are hardest to learn.
Perhaps the subtlest lesson the film passes on is to relinquish your control over the destiny of your own life. Po never thought he would find himself surrounded by his heroes, getting the chance to realize his life long dream of becoming a kung fu master but here he is suddenly. Master Shifu never thought he would be training such a useless lump but here his is as well. It is only when each character let go of their egos and expectations that they saw how to make their situation work. Shedding your own expectation for Kung Fu Panda to be something more than what it really is will allow for the good times intended to be had and an unexpected tranquility to seep into your mind.
Along with the masterpiece that is Pixar's WALL-E, this offering from Dreamworks Kung Fu Panda shows that Pixar aren't the only ones with talent. A story with heart, of wonderment and of humour, Kung Fu Panda comes recommended to any lover of animated films.

''Yesterday is history, tomorrow is a mystery, but today is a gift. That is why it is called the present.''

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KUNG FU PANDA

Posted : 1 year, 4 months ago on 5 August 2008 08:22 (A review of Kung Fu Panda)

The story of a Panda Bear who goes after a dream to be a martial arts porfessional, after working most of his life in a noodle resturant with his dad who is some type of bird, to me seems like an unrealistic plot. However, after watching this movie, I realised that this "family friendly" and is a great movie to sit down with the family, and learn the moral of "never giving up"...
Overall, not the best movie ever made, but a fun and interesting film to get caught up in...

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This was a Good Movie..

Posted : 1 year, 5 months ago on 17 July 2008 07:55 (A review of Kung Fu Panda)

It is very "Kid Friendly" Unfortanately i got stuck watching it with my sister... at first i didnt wanna watch it.. but im glad i did.. it is a very very funny movie.. its a must watch! =]

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Skadoosh!

Posted : 1 year, 5 months ago on 29 June 2008 12:18 (A review of Kung Fu Panda)

An incredibly delightful film about a panda, Po, raised by a goose (Which they never explain.) who yearns to do more than be a noodle maker. At once an homage to martial arts film and a parody of them, it follows Po on his journey to become the legendary Dragon Warrior. Plenty of laughs, some well done pathos and extraordinary animation make this a "watch again" for me. Suitable for all but the smallest and most sensitive children.

Oh, and stay to watch the credits.

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Movie of Pure Empowerment

Posted : 1 year, 6 months ago on 23 June 2008 11:37 (A review of Kung Fu Panda)

Everyone who feels they are "A FEW POUNDS" more than they'd like to be will find they ALL have a BIG, LOVABLE PANDA named Po, inside them. This movie Enforces the RULE to Look Deep Down Inside YOU for the Answers to most questions you may have. Jack Black really nailed down A BIG Panda, his quirky antics and sideline remarks "that most MISS because MOST don't pay attention" are Hilarious...

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