With dazzlingly animated fight scenes and the likable panda Po, I found this very entertaining.

Rating: Null/10 (3 July 2008)

I saw this with a friend at a preview screening last Sat and I was worried it might be like the other forgettable mass-produced animated films, but I was pleasantly surprised.
The voice acting was pretty flawless. This is a very good case of finding the actors(even if they are all well recognised stars) that fit that characters well. I couldn't imagine anyone else voicing Po apart from Jack Black - he just seems to completely embody Po's personality and humour. Jolie also has the severity of her character Tigress while the standout being Hoffman conveys Shifu's exasperation and everything else as the panda's master.
Pacing and Plot: OK, so the plot is probably borrowed form numerous sources but it does have a classic storytelling feel to it, and there are certain parts that don't happen(especially during the climax) exactly the way you expect. Slightly clichéd, but charming and entertaining enough to overcome it, I think.
Animation: The opening 2D sequence is nothing short of amazing, in my opinion. The fight scenes and Tai Lung's escape is just stunning to behold - both witty and a feast for the eyes. This coupled with the subtle character animation that brings them to life might be overlooked since the masses are probably used to it due to the load of animated films that come out, but it's really well done.
Music: This is where I take my hat off - there are no of those stupid, generic pop songs playing during the film! Thank God! The music is very good, from the orchestral parts I heard and does give one a sense of being in China.
Overall, there are some things not explained(like why Po's dad is a duck and Po's past) but apart from niggles with lack of originality story-wise and some clichés, this is really an experience to enjoy fully in a cinema I think, due to the sheer scope of the fight sequences and the cinematography of old China. It has it's quite funny scenes and even if it's not funny all the way through exactly, it has a heart, which is always important to me - it raises it from just flash to having some substance. A very good animated film from Dreamworks and even if the forthcoming sequel isn't as good, this'll be one for me, to enjoy again and again when it arrives on DVD.