”Kung Fu Panda” is definitely a kid-friendly film, but it also appeals to the child in all of us. What’s not to love about a cuddily panda who turns out to be the hero? At the heart of “Kung Fu Panda” is a message about believing in oneself and we go on a remarkable journey with Po as he learns this lesson. Po the Panda (voiced by Jack Black) daydreams about being a martial arts hero when he’s not working in his father’s noodle shop. In another part of the city, Master Oogway (Randall Duk Kim), has had a vision that Tia Lung (Ian McShane) will escape his prison and ravage the city in his quest for dominance. Master Oogway must choose the Dragon Warrior to stop Tia Lung. There are five obvious candidates, all students to Master Shifu (Dustin Hoffman): Tigress (Angelina Jolie), Viper (Lucy Liu), Crane (David Cross), Mantis (Seth Rogen) and Monkey (Jackie Chan). However, Oogway chooses Po, which outrages Shifu and his pupils. The thought of the chubby Po fighting Tia Lung is laughable because Po can’t even climb the stairs to the temple. Nonetheless, Po has hidden talents that Shifu must discover as time grows short.
The film contains enough humor and action to keep children engaged and adults will enjoy the fanboy aspect to Po’s personality and the way Master Shifu unlocks Po's talent. Po is a true kung fu wannabe and meeting the Furious Five is a dream come true, even if they don’t like him. And he is awestruck when he sees all of the legendary gadgets on display in the temple. Jack Black brings a mix of puppy dog enthusiasm and self-depricating humor that’s perfect for Po. Dustin Hoffman and Ian McShane are also standouts. “Kung Fu Panda” delivers and if you like animated movies, you’ll enjoy this one. (6/7/08)
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