An epic & heartwarming sequel that is more superior than the original

Rating: 10/10 (4 December 2013)

After being a fan of the first film, I went to see this in theaters with my brother back at 2011, hoping that it would not disappoint me. Turns out, during the summer of that year, it didn't disappoint me and has been one of my favorite movies that managed to be a lot more superior than the original.
Everything is great and it has the same things that made the first so compelling. The characters are as likable as ever. Po is still his hungry self, but he becomes more serious throughout the rest of the movie. While Mantis, Monkey, Crane, and Viper get little to no screen time, Tigress gets some character development in this movie and his interactions with Po is beyond terrific. Master Shifu, whose relationship with Po became the heart of the first film, is a bit underused, but it's great to see him in the film's climax (I'll get to that in a moment).
The new characters are great. Lord Shen may be a bit too similar to Tai Lung, but I think he's a cool villain and is easily one of the best. He kicks some butt with his cannons and his connection to Po and that he felt unloved by his parents explains the reason why he's been forcing his wolves to make them in the first place. His motives are great and Gary Oldman's creepy voice work explains; not to mention he has a great sense of humor. His henchman, the Wolf Boss, is great and his menacing appearance was so intense. Master Ox, Master Croc, and Master Rhino aren't given much to, but it's great to see them in action. The Soothsayer, the fortune telling goat, reminds me a lot of Rafiki from The Lion King, but the way she explains Lord Shen's reasons for murdering his panda family is good and while having a sense of humor, there's a creepy atmospheric feel about her.
The voice acting is great and it's awesome to Jack Black, Gary Oldman, Angelina Jolie, Dustin Hoffman, Jackie Chan, Lucy Liu, David Cross, and Seth Rogen return along with some new ones. The action is great and the script is smart and strong much like the original film. The dialog is also sharp and witty at the same time.
The animation is great. The character designs are as solid as ever with realistic emotions and the texture of their fur is fabulous. The visuals are the strongest point in the animation. The Jade Palace and the Valley of Peace is beautiful and so is Gongmen City and Lord Shen's palace.
The best part, however, would have to go to the story. It's as emotional as the first and while it has bits of elements from that film, it continues the story and adds Po's back-story, which made me felt sorry for him it would leave you teary-eyed. It has a nice moral about having the rest of your story and that life goes on forever.
Overall, Kung Fu Panda 2 is a solid sequel with complex themes and a mature story line. With the anticipation for the third film coming in two more years, I will never stop watching this and the original film.