A new take on an otherwise generic plot

Rating: 8/10 (12 June 2008)

Call it generic, but 'Kung Fu Panda' is one of the most enjoyable films I have seen in years. Jack Black voices a lovable overweight panda named Po, living in China selling noodles in a family business. Po has developed an interest in the ancient art of Kung Fu, but accepts that this interest can only be a dream and nothing else. This changes however, when he crashes a Kung Fu ceremony and is named the Dragon Emperor. Although the other Kung Fu students protest, their master proclaims 'there are no accidents'. Simultaneously, a Kung Fu master named Tai Lung, who was previously denied the title of the Dragon Emperor and became evil, has just escaped from prison and seeks revenge. It is up to the unlikely hero, Po, to become a master and stop him.
While the ending is predictable, what separates 'Kung Fu Panda' from other animated films is how damn funny it is. 'Kung Fu Panda' is a mere 92 minutes, which is perfect because it never feels dragged out and it never gets boring. The animation is visually stunning, which is especially apparent in IMAX. The martial arts fight scenes represent a breakthrough in computer animation. Each character perfectly matches the personalities of the actors who gave their voices to them. Jack Black is perfect as the lazy Po, and Angelina Jolie is equally convincing as the fearless and powerful tiger Tigress. 'Kung Fu Panda' is guaranteed to entertain people of all ages, and leave them laughing even after they leave the theater.