a balance between the predictability of the plot and the loving homage/spoof of the subject matter

Rating: 7/10 (9 June 2008)

Kung Fu Panda was the first Dreamworks animated movie I even considered going to see, nevermind liking, in quite a while. Perhaps it's because I didn't see it on a professional critic basis, and none of the past Dreamworks animation didn't have any appeal aside from a basic, kiddie movie basis (the last one was Sharktale, which left a bad taste in my mouth for a while). But after hearing some high praise, and recognizing some voice talent that seemed a little unusual (i.e. Dustin Hoffman, Seth Rogen), I took a chance. Thankfully, it paid off more than I would've imagined. It's an entertaining ride, and somehow uproariously funny in some pockets. And just when I thought I'd had enough of those "Don't Talk" ads before the movies at AMC with Po the Panda!
It is, in fact, still predictable in that quasi-Shrek kind of way: a big, lovable lug somehow gets chosen for a task of great importance, and along the way becomes everything that he never though he could be, gains respect, and retains individuality all the way through, particularly at the end. What's interesting this time around is how the filmmakers marry this repeated theme for animated kids fare with the basic plots of cool, old-school kung-fu movies, like the fare from the Shaw Brothers from the 60s and 70s. Or, for a more contemporary example, it comes closest to the Kill Bill movies (i.e. the Pai Mei chapter) in attempting homage for a 21th century crowd. What's been done over and over in those films somehow comes fresh with what's expected for a kid's movie, and it all works thanks to the sharp script.
Voice actors, as well, contribute pretty well to the proceedings. Jack Black, who can be hit or miss depending on the viewer (or just the mood of the moment), is fit like a glove for this character, who's a dreamer and weak-willed but wants to not stay a noodle-boy his whole life after being chosen for the Dragon Scroll. Hoffman is terrific as the 'Master' of the members of the group of the "Five", who are a Mantis, a Tiger, a Monkey, a Crane (you know, the "moves"), and all the voice actors in these parts are also pitch perfect- Jolie, Seth Rogen, David Cross (a big surprise), Lucy Liu- because, for many moments, they disappear into their parts (an essential if hidden asset to good voice acting). Points should also go to Ian McShane who plays the bad-ass-turned-villain of the film.
Featuring training montages that veer on spoof (plus a dumpling scene that might be the funniest in the movie), fast and lively and energetic animation, and some intense fight scenes, it's a real treat for its target audience of children, but adults and martial-arts genre fans should not fear. They might have as good a time as the first Shrek, if that's indeed possible after so many years of Pixar's golden standard.