The Hangover Part II is not the only sequel taking a bow this Memorial Day weekend, but this movie might be the better of the two. In this animated film, Jack Black is back as the voice of Po - a lovably awkward, sometimes clumsy panda who turns out to be a much prophesized Kung Fu master. After saving his town in the first movie, Po has to kick it up a notch and save all of China from an evil mastermind, Lord Shen (Gary Oldman), who has developed a weapon that can defeat Kung Fu!
Will the Kung Fu Panda be able to win a battle without Kung Fu?
Can Po overcome the shocking truth he discovers about his origins and family?
Kung Fu Panda 2 is just as fun, entertaining, goofy and lovable as the first one, with an additional depth that adults will love. Writers Jonathan Aibel and Glenn Berger never lose sight of what kids want as Po still bumbles along, makes us laugh at his kookiness and has the eager enthusiasm of an 8-year old (which usually gets him in trouble). They even give our favorite panda a chance to deal with new found fame and adulation, which he still can't face without a little embarrassment and lack of the right words to say.
Plus, Black fills Po with an infectious joy that makes the audience love him, which also comes in handy when our hero faces a deep inner turmoil. It is a plot we can all see coming from a mile away, and it has been done millions of times before, but Po, thanks to Black, the writing team and director Jennifer Yuh, is a character beloved by the audience, and each member feels an emotional bond that causes real reactions as you sit there watching a couple tears fall into your popcorn.
Some younger kids might be scared by the, ummm, Bambi moment in the movie, so be careful of that. Also, the two plotlines about Po seeking the truth about his beginnings and the need to defeat Lord Shen need to be melded together much better. It's almost there, but Yuh and the team need to make a better connection.
Yes, I am nitpicking a bit. Kung Fu Panda 2 is my favorite animated movie of the year, so far.
3 ½ Waffles (Out of 4)
Kung Fu Panda 2 is rated PG for sequences of martial arts action and mild violence.
Can Po overcome the shocking truth he discovers about his origins and family?
Kung Fu Panda 2 is just as fun, entertaining, goofy and lovable as the first one, with an additional depth that adults will love. Writers Jonathan Aibel and Glenn Berger never lose sight of what kids want as Po still bumbles along, makes us laugh at his kookiness and has the eager enthusiasm of an 8-year old (which usually gets him in trouble). They even give our favorite panda a chance to deal with new found fame and adulation, which he still can't face without a little embarrassment and lack of the right words to say.
Plus, Black fills Po with an infectious joy that makes the audience love him, which also comes in handy when our hero faces a deep inner turmoil. It is a plot we can all see coming from a mile away, and it has been done millions of times before, but Po, thanks to Black, the writing team and director Jennifer Yuh, is a character beloved by the audience, and each member feels an emotional bond that causes real reactions as you sit there watching a couple tears fall into your popcorn.
Some younger kids might be scared by the, ummm, Bambi moment in the movie, so be careful of that. Also, the two plotlines about Po seeking the truth about his beginnings and the need to defeat Lord Shen need to be melded together much better. It's almost there, but Yuh and the team need to make a better connection.
Yes, I am nitpicking a bit. Kung Fu Panda 2 is my favorite animated movie of the year, so far.
3 ½ Waffles (Out of 4)
Kung Fu Panda 2 is rated PG for sequences of martial arts action and mild violence.
