An inept panda learns he is destined to become a kung fu warrior.
FAMILY/FANTASY
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Kung Fu Panda (2008)Directed by Mark Osborne and John Stevenson
Written by Jonathan Aibel and Glenn Berger Starring Jack Black, Dustin Hoffman, Ian McShane, Angelina Jolie, Seth Rogen, Jackie Chan, Lucy Liu, David Cross, Randall Duk Kim, James Hong, Dan Fogler, Michael Clarke Duncan Oscar Nominations - Best Animated Film |
Dreamworks tried for years to find something that could follow Shrek as their next flagship franchise, and I don't think anyone expected a movie about a kung fu fighting panda to be the one. But after $630 million global box office, two sequels, and a host of short film spin-offs and TV shows, Kung Fu Panda is worth-mentioning. Plus, it's actually a pretty good movie. Jack Black makes the character of Po the perfect balance of goofy and heroic, and the supporting cast of insane voice talent doesn't hurt.
The time has come to choose the almighty Dragon Warrior. But during the selection process, kung fu fanatic and inept panda Po lands in front of Master Oogway (Kim). Oogway, who believes there are no accidents, believes this is divine intervention and Po is destined to become the Dragon Warrior. Annoyed and lacking belief, Master Shifu (Hoffman) trains Po to combat the fierce and evil Tai Lung (McShane), who is on his way to the village for revenge. Can Po become the Dragon Warrior and save everyone? Of course he can, it's a kids movie. But getting there is hilarious, action-packed, and surprisingly full of wisdom in regards to destiny, identity, and inner strength. Kung Fu Panda was defeated at the Oscars by Wall-E, because the day Dreamworks beats Pixar at the Oscars is the day Hell freezes over. But that doesn't mean we should discount Kung Fu Panda as anything less than. It's a fun, ridiculous at times action fantasy for kids that grown ups can enjoy at the same time. What more could you want from a film like this? |