Dr. Venkman Reviews: Kung Fu Panda!
I knew Kung Fu Panda was going to be a good film from everything I saw in advertising, but I didn't know it was going to be that good. As soon as the movie started I knew I was in for a treat. It started out with great stylized 2D animation that was like Samurai Jack on steroids! I would not have minded at all if the whole movie was done in that style it was really cool. After the opening scene the movie goes into full CG, and that looks great as well. I loved the style and design of this film it looked pretty incredible. The whole movie is a solid as everything you have scene in the previews, and the best parts of the film are not even in the preview!
Kung Fun Panda has a solid story of a panda named Po who works for his father at a noodle shop and is a Kung Fu Geek. The guy or animal knows everything there is to know about the history of Kung Fu. He thinks about it so much the Kung Fu legends invade his dreams. He has no aspirations of becoming a Kung Fun master, all he wants to do is go and watch a celebration in which The Dragon Master will be chosen out of the 5 great Kung Fu Masters that reside on the top of the mountain. It is during this celebration and a series of events that Po finds himself unexpectedly being chosen as the Dragon Master. I don't want to go into too much of the story, but Po has to go through some pretty crazy trials before he and the others embrace him for who he is.
This movie is incredibly funny. I found myself laughing through most of the film. The humor was really smart mixed in with some slapstick comedy, but it is not cheesy or stupid it was really clever.
There is not a dull moment in the film. From start to finish you are just enjoying the film. I love Kung Fu movies and I wasn't sure if I was going to be impressed with animated Kung Fu fighting, but I am here to tell you IT WAS AWESOME! The fighting scenes in this movie were amazing and fun. There is one scene in the movie between Po and Master Shifu that steals the show, all I will say is it involves chopsticks.
The voice acting was great. I am always amazed how the CG characters mannerisms match up with the actual actors voicing them. The movie stared Jack Black, Dustin Hoffman, Angelina Jolie, Jackie Chan, Lucy Liu, and Ian McShane. Jack Black obviously steals the show.
Kung Fu Panda is the best movie that Dreamworks Animation has made so far. Yes, I thought it was even better than Shrek. It was an incredibly funny and action packed movie that both kids and adults will love. If you get a chance to see it take it, you wont be disappointed. Whatever you choose to see always remember to enjoy your time at the movies!
-Dr. Venkman