Fun Family Film!

Rating: 9/10 (1 May 2011)

Kung Fu Panda will leave you and your family smiling as you recall Po the pudgy panda's struggle to believe in his own strength and follow his heart. Jack Black lends his voice to Po: Kung Fu's biggest fan. We can laugh with his earnest attempts to become a Kung Fu master despite his apparent lack of physical strength or agility. It isn't until an accident (or fate) unexpectedly lands Po in the role of the revered Dragon Warrior that he must truly learn to trust in his own worth and save his new friends and family from the vicious and vengeful snow leopard, Tai-Lung (Ian McShane). I am a preschool teacher and a huge fan of animated films. This film was one of the few that I enjoyed in 2008. Director John Stevenson out did himself. Revolutionary animation techniques even allowed for both clothing and fur on each of the animals, something that is generally not done at the same time in a film. Slow motion fight scenes and intense action sequences will keep even the most energetic little boys enthralled. Young girls will feel empowered as Angelina Jolie and Lucy Liu lend their voices to the female Kung Fu masters of the film, proving that martial arts are by no means for boys alone.
An all star cast makes up the film's martial arts masters, the Furious Five. The Five consists of Tigress (Angelina Jolie), Viper (Lucy Liu), Crane (David Cross), Monkey (Jackie Chan), and Mantis (Seth Rogen). They all help to create a challenging environment where Po can learn both the history and skills of Kung Fu. Dustin Hoffman lends his voice to their strict guru, Master Shifu.
A film that could have possibly dropped the ball by relying solely on its star-studded cast list shines through as an inspirational and highly entertaining children's film that even parents won't mind watching. Po's enthusiastic but clumsy attempts to ditch his munchies and become the true Dragon Warrior are sure to make you chuckle at least once or twice. This film inspires hope in even the clumsiest of little pandas.