Nice CGI, but otherwise rather unnecessary.

Rating: 6/10 (17 July 2012)

I loved the movie "Kung Fu Panda" and gave it a well-earned 9. However, "Kung Fu Panda 2" is like MOST CGI movies these days--an unnecessary sequel that was simply an excuse to bleed just a bit out of the original source material. Frankly, the plethora of sequels just seems very lazy and cynical towards the audience. Sure..."Kung Fu Panda 2" is pretty good, but 'pretty good' is a far cry from the original. I sure would love to see an end to this awful practice.
The story once again finds out hero panda filled with uncertainty (though he sure APPEARED to have come into his own in the last film!). This is a problem since an all-new baddie with cannons is on his way (Gary Oldman)--and kung fu doesn't seem to be effective against this super-weapon. However, since this is formula, you know that by the end of the film all will be well once again. However, in the meantime, be prepared for a movie that is almost non-stop action and with a very dark tone--very dark. In fact, it's so dark that the filmmakers seemed to have forgotten one important thing--to make it fun. Overall, watchable and with incredible graphics--but it sure was a lot better in the first installment. I've heard they are making a "Kung Fu Panda 3"...whoopee.