Kung Fu Panda (2008); animated family film review

Poster artwork for the animated comedy family film Kung Fu Panda.

Panda With Po-tential by Linh

Kung Fu Panda is Dreamworks latest venture into CGI (computer-generated imagery) animated family entertainment and its star-studded cast of vocal talent is a definite drawcard. Besides the CGI, the film is impressive in its use of comic timing and character idiosyncrasies to highlight humour and fun throughout.

The film's story is set in ancient China in the Valley of Peace, where a chubby and clumsy Panda named Po works in his father's noodle shop. Po dreams of becoming a Kung Fu Master who fights alongside his idols, The Furious Five (Tigress, Viper, Monkey, Crane and Mantis). In order to fulfill an ancient Chinese prophecy, Master Oogway calls for a competition to determine the next Dragon Warrior to defend the city against the ruthless Tai Lung. Po unexpectedly is chosen and he must work harder than he's ever worked before to learn the art of Kung Fu, and protect the city from an oncoming threat.

The affable and huggable Jack Black voices the cuddly and good natured Po (Panda) and is an instant favourite with the audience as he starts from scratch to become the next Kung Fu hero. Po's childlike mannerisms and determination to conquer his quest to fulfill the prophecy endears him to all. 

Dustin Hoffman gives a stern but solid vocal delivery as Master ShiFu (Red Panda), the one who must train Po to become the Dragon Warrior. ShiFu is at first reluctant to waste his time on a fat, lazy Panda, but realises he must put his prejudices aside to fulfill the ancient prophecy and save the city. 

Master Oogway (Tortoise)is voiced by Randall Duk Kim, and is the wisest and most elite of Kung Fu masters. He is the Yoda of the film spurting words of wisdom and encouragement when Po loses hope and confidence in himself.

The Furious Five comprising of Tigress (Angelina Jolie), Viper (Lucy Liu), Monkey (Jackie Chan), Mantis (Seth Rogen) and Crane (David Cross), provide some of the comic relief and drama as Po struggles to learn the skills necessary to fight Tai Lung.Together the quintet are a powerful force to be reckoned with, and individually they are equally formidable.

Ian McShane lends his voice to the vengeful former student of Master ShiFu, Tai Lung (Snow Leopard) who has escaped from his imprisonment to earn what he believes is his destiny to be the next Dragon Warrior. His fight scenes with Po are both hilarious and compelling as the animated Kung Fu action sequences delight and beguile.

Kung Fu Panda is wonderfully entertaining for the entire family, with its brightly coloured and stylised drawings and brilliant animation. There's a message for everyone in the film - believing in yourself to achieve your dreams is one for younger audiences, while the more mature can heed the message of turning your weaknesses into your strengths to overcome life's obstacles.

ANIMATED AWESOMENESS: Monkey (Jackie Chan), Viper (Lucy Liu), Po (Jack Black), ShiFu (Dustin Hoffman) and Tai Lung (Ian McShane) in Kung Fu Panda.
Image: Paramount Pictures/Dreamworks.

Director: John Stevenson, Mark Osborne

Writers: Jonathan Aibel (screenplay), Glenn Berger (screenplay), Ethan Reiff (story), Cyrus Voris (story)

Voice Cast: Jack Black, Dustin Hoffman, Angelina Jolie, Jackie Chan, Ian McShane, Lucy Liu, Seth Rogen, David Cross, Randall Duk Kim, James Hong, Dan Fogler, Michael Clarke Duncan, Kyle Gass, J.R. Reed, Melissa Cobb, Tanya Haden, Mark Osborne, John Stevenson, Stephen Kearin

Producers: Melissa Cobb, Jonathan Aibel, Lorne Orleans, Kristina Reed, Bill Damaschke, Glenn Berger

Cinematographer: Yong Duk Jhun

Original Music Composer: Hans Zimmer, John Powell

Film Editor: Clare Knight

Running Time: 1 hour and 30 minutes