After “Shrek the Third” & “Bee Movie” came out in 2007 earning mixed reactions from critics and movie goers, DreamWorks Animation commenced development on their next project titled, “Kung Fu Panda.” A martial arts comedy about a clumsy panda named, Po who wants to fulfill his dreams to become a fighter. When he’s randomly as chosen the “Dragon Warrior” by mistake, he begins training, but The Furious Five and their master, Shifu doubts he’s worthy. Meanwhile, Shifu’s former pupil, Tai Lung breaks out of prison seeking a dragon scroll that’ll grant the user power.
Released in 2008, (same year The Forbidden Kingdom came out) Kung Fu Panda earned positive reviews from critics and movie goers alike. Besides good reactions, it made enough money at the box office. Kung Fu Panda earned an Oscar nomination for “Best Animated Feature.” Unfortunately, “WALL-E” went home with it.” The first movie spawned two sequels, three TV shows and video games. Jack Black will reprise his role as Po in a fourth installment. It’ll be released on March 8, 2024. Before it comes out, I wanna share my thoughts on my favorite animated film of 2008. I remember seeing this with my little brother back when I was in high school.
The following review contains no crucial SPOILERS whatsoever. I’m giving newcomers a chance to see this gem.
Awesome & Lame Qualities
Awesome: Jack Black did a funny as heck job for his voiceover performance as Po.
Other Cast Members such as Angelina Jolie, Lucy Liu, Seth Rogen, David Cross, Jackie Chan, Ian McShane, Dustin Hoffman, Michael Clarke Duncan, (may he Rest in Peace) Dan Folger, Randall Duk Kim (The Keymaker from The Matrix Reloaded) & James Hong (Chi-Fu from Mulan) all did a solid job for their respective voiceover performances.
Fun Fact: Jackie Chan also appeared in a martial arts film in 2008 with Jet Li known as, “The Forbidden Kingdom.” A dream fight came true and everybody went nuts when this became a reality.
Animation looks gorgeous as it brings a few things to life including character models, fluid movement, lighting and environmental locations.
Action Sequences display legit battles inspired by kung fu films.
Hanz Zimmer (Gladiator, The Last Samauri Dunkirk) & John Powell (Face/Off, The Bourne Identity series, How to Train Your Dragon Trilogy) orchestrated the soundtrack.
Pacing didn’t take forever going from Point A to Point B.
Humor contains slapstick, visual gags and well written jokes funnier than these unfunny comedies from 2008. Boy, do they stink.
- Meet the Spartans
- Disaster Movie
- Superhero Movie
- The Love Guru
- Mamma Mia!
- 27 Dresses
- Beverly Hills Chihuahua
- Sex in the City
- The House Bunny
- Mad Money
- Fool’s Gold
- Surfer, Dude
- My Best Friend’s Girl
- Made of Honor
- Definitely, Maybe
- Meet Dave
- Space Chimps
- Fly Me to the Moon
- Four Christmases
- Bedtime Stories
Po’s chemistry with The Furious Five & Shifu serves as the main highlight.
Much of Po’s slapstick antics reminds me of Chris Farley in “Beverly Hill Ninja.”
Members of The Furious Five’s first names are named after actual fighting styles.
During a battle with The Furious Five, Tai Lung says, “Shifu has taught you well.” That’s Darth Vader’s quote from “Return of the Jedi.” Speaking of which, “Star Wars: The Clone Wars” came out two months after Kung Fu Panda was released.
The movie is influenced by ”The Drunken Master,” “Crouching Tiger, Hidden Dragon,” “Kung Fu Hustle,” “Hero,” “Samauri Jack” & “Avatar: The Last Airbender.” Heck, Po’s daydreaming scene takes cues from the latter two.
Unlike “Shrek,” Kung Fu Panda isn’t a parody taking potshots at Disney. It’s an action-comedy paying homage to martial arts films.
The moral of the story is always believe in yourself and never let others doubt you.
A Plot Twist changes everything. A better twist than Mark Wahlberg’s “Max Payne.”
Lame: I couldn’t find nothing wrong. I’m giving the cast and crew an Extra Point for making a flawless animated film as possible.
The Final Verdict: A, FOR APEX!
Kung Fu Panda remains as my favorite animated film of 2008. If you’re a fan of kung fu films or looking for something for your kids to watch before Kung Fu Panda, 4, start with the first entry and sequels.
Nickthemoviecritic.com 