Splendid blend of animation with kicking action

Rating: 8/10 (29 September 2009)

Po the panda (Black) has dreamed of becoming a hero all his life and when the opportunity arises to fight the deadly Tai Lung (Ian McShane) he starts to doubt himself Pixar are currently the Kings of animation. Practically winning an Oscar with whatever they put out there, they don't have much going wrong for them. When Shrek was released in 2001 they stepped up the rivalry with a flurry of a picture about a green monster with feelings, and what a smash, and what a turn for the books. DreamWorks seem to have got better as this year's Monsters Vs Aliens brought in the money and last year's Kung Fu panda got budged at the Oscars by Pixar's Wall-E.
Despite finishing runner up Kung Fu panda is a blend of dreams mixed with desire and though fulfilling many animation traits in unlikely hero and bad appearance jokes, it has a strong likability and significant relevance for children of a young age.
DreamWorks best pictures usually contain a variety of animals. From Over the Hedge to Madagascar they know how to attract the right audience and thanks to some splendid visuals they generate likable characters from the computer screen.
Po is your stereotypical unlikely saviour being overweight, unappreciated and little common sense. Black gives Po the cocky and assertive going over making him likable enough to watch the film for its entirety. Undoubtedly Black adds that necessity humour to give the family what they're looking for from their main watch. Character mistakes, fluffs and incomprehensibility fit DreamWorks pictures down to the last CGI hair. From Alex the Lion to the funny squirrel in Over the Hedge the central character has a fault, and it is always good to see the character be an outsider and to grow.
The narrative for this Oscar nominated animation is a blend of wonderful action with an aspiring fantasy element. What this film has that has not been in too many other animations is a vast collection of action sequences. Words cannot comprehend how splendid the choreography for the fight sequences are in this picture. The opening 2D montage is a great setup and Po's training with Dustin Hoffman's mentor is exceptional animation working.
The humour of the animation flows nicely with Po being the character with the main dialogue. Shifu adds some excellent guidance comedy whilst the fantastic five are collectively substantial for the majority.
The added drama of Oogway is excellent. The turtle master is perhaps the most mystical protagonist to ever come from a computer. He is funny, sharp and positive. An idol some might say. And whilst he isn't in this film nearly enough he adds a heartbreaking scene to a picture that flows with excellent fighting action and enough laughs to be a worthy watch for any family