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Movies Forum Index » Movie Reviews Forum » Review: Kung Fu Panda (2008)...
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| Homer Yen... |
 Posted: Sat Jun 14, 2008 11:11 pm |
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"Kung Fu Panda" - Ska-doosh
by Homer Yen
(c) 2008
I heard this word (Ska-doosh) used near the end of the film. I'm
thinking that it's sort of a self-congratulatory expression uttered
the moment you are about to complete a monumental task. And I use
that word to describe my feelings for this film because, let's face
it, I'm not sure if Kung Fu and Panda really go together in the same
sentence. But in the world of animation, almost anything goes because
anything can happen.
The storyline of "Kung Fu Panda" is pretty familiar. Main character
dreams of being a hero. Main character's reality is that he's stuck
in his father's business. Main character finds himself with a
one-in-a-million opportunity that may allow him to change his destiny.
Main character becomes a lightning rod for slapstick comedy because,
as Jackie Chan said in a recently-released, similarly-themed movie
about a kung fu master and his apprentice, he ain't got no kung fu.
None.
When you mix the man-boy rocker attitude of Jack Black and add it with
the deer-in-the-headlights goofiness of Homer Simpson, you get Po the
Panda who is the titular Kung Fu Panda. The first 10 minutes of the
film is actually the funniest because it's all Jack Black at his zany
best hyping himself up. Once the film really starts, Po has a chance
encounter with a legendary quintet of kung fu fighters named the
Furious Five. They are comprised of: Monkey (Jackie Chan), Tigress
(Angelina Jolie), Mantis (Seth Rogen), Viper (Lucy Liu) and Crane
(David Cross). The individual fighting styles of the Furious Five
members are actual martial art styles modeled after the particular
animals. They are led by the venerable Shifu (Dustin Hoffman) who
hopes that one of his students will become the coveted Dragon Warrior.
The Dragon Warrior's duty is to engage the evil and revenge-mindedTai
Lung (Ian McShane) in combat. However, you guessed it, that title has
been unexpectedly bestowed upon Po. Shifu is not supportive. The
Furious Five are not cooperative. And, Po ain't got no kung fu.
None.
Despite the familiar plotline, it has a lot of positives. One thing
that will immediately catch your attention is the brilliance of the
colors and the high-quality of the animation. Po looks absolutely
cuddly; Shifu looks like something you'd want to have as a pet; and
Tigress is sleek and sexy. Another positive is that there is a good
amount of humor as Shifu tries to whip Po into shape in time for the
climactic duel. And all of the combat scenes are well-choreographed
and entertaining. All of this leads to the last 6 minutes of the
film, which is abundantly inventive and lively.
For the parents, it's short enough so that they will not become
agitated. For the kids, it has beautiful colors and cuddly animals to
keep them occupied. For the rest of us, there is enough action and
story to keep our attention. But is it a great animated film? No,
it's not in the league of "Toy Story" or "Ratatouille." However, will
your kids thank you when you take them to see it? Yes, and that's all
that really matters, eh?
Grade: B
S: 0 out of 3
L: 0 out of 3
V: 1 out of 3 |
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