Kung Fu Panda (Widescreen Edition) (2008)
What’s a panda to do when his dreams of kung-fu awesomeness awake to the cold reality of noodle-making? Clumsy, overweight Po (Jack Black) dreams of becoming a kung fu master like China’s revered “furious five,” but instead seems destined to follow in the footsteps of his father and grandfather in the restaurant business. When great leader Oogway has a vision that the imprisoned kung fu warrior Tai Lung (Ian McShane) will soon escape, he declares it time to choose China’s dragon warrior–one kung fu master deemed worthy of possessing the dragon’s scroll and its secret to limitless power. Po and all the townspeople rush to the Jade Palace atop the highest mountain to witness the contest between Tigress (Angelina Jolie), Monkey (Jackie Chan), Mantis (Seth Rogan), Crane (David Cross) and Viper (Lucy Liu), but Po is locked outside the palace. After a miracle of sorts, Po lands inside the palace gates, where he is chosen as the dragon warrior and placed under the tutelage of (more…)
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Tagged with: 2008 • Edition • Kung • Panda • Widescreen
Filed under: DVD Movies
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From the very beginning, Kung Fu Panda had me practically falling out of my seat — laughing. It was the perfect blend of comedy, heart, and action, all necessary elements in a successful and great animation/CGI film, in the tradition of The Incredibles and (less action, but containing the heart and laughter) Ratatouille, Finding Nemo and Monsters, Inc.
I was laughing, smiling, and guffawing at Po, the main protagonist (voiced by Jack Black) and his misadventures at becoming a Kung Fu expert. This was certainly a flawed character, one that a lot of people can relate to because he dreams, he’s funny, and he can laugh at himself. Also, the story was pretty clear and easy to follow because the storytelling was well crafted, and the animation was paired well with characters brought vividly to life by some of the most famous names in Hollywood.
Jack Black and Dustin Hoffman are downright excellent as the main characters, and Ian McShane as the bad dude gave it the right fearful presence. Other big name stars don’t shine as much, but that’s because their roles are rather limited in the film. But that’s still okay because the animators should be given equal credit (if not more) for delivering the funny, action and heart elements of this movie in an effective, amazing and (I’ve got to use this) AWESOME manner. Visually, this movie is stunning (notice all those scenic shots of the Chinese mountains, bodies of water, and the bridge scene; not to mention the action animation version of “The Matrix” with slow-mo)… simply a delight to watch.
It’s clear that Dreamworks has gotten back in the animation game with Kung Fu Panda, after slight ho-hums in Shrek 3 and Bee Movie (call me crazy, but I liked Over The Hedge more than those two). Hopefully, it should earn well over $500M worldwide because it is so good.
This movie rightfully belongs in the top animation movies of all time (okay, let’s not include the classic fairy tales of old; let’s begin with the 90’s onwards), alongside my faves “The Incredibles” “Finding Nemo” and “Beauty & The Beast.” Has the makings of being a classic.
Enjoy!
3.0 out of 5 stars
okay
Not a bad movie but no where near as good as the movie “Cars”. I wouldn’t have wanted to pay for 5-6 kids to see it at the movie theater.
With deep foreboding, I walked into this movie braced for second rate animation (at least compared to Pixar), endless fights between cartoons (as in the CGI “Clone Wars”), and a cultural sensitivity that was either painfully preachy (like “Mulan”) or outright insulting (like “Aladdin”).
At first, my dread seemed confirmed. Poor Dustin Hoffman mangles Chinese names without mercy – so much so that James Hong, Lucy Liu and Jackie Chan have to deliberately mispronounce stuff just to match what he says.
But once the movie got rolling, I found myself grinning from ear to ear in sheer delight. Yes, it’s true, Dreamworks can’t compete with Pixar’s technology, but they make up for it with beautiful graphic design, sheer wit and – of course – those hilariously quivering “Scrat Eyes”. What’s more, the animators somehow manage to make Kung Fu battles between cartoons both exciting and enjoyable – every bit the match of live action fights (which nowadays are nothing more than CGI with faces pasted on).
However, the most remarkable thing about this film is how faithful it is to Chinese culture – family dynamics, Buddhist philosophy, values, and even martial arts – this film simply HAS to have been written by Chinese. There is never a moment where it strains to “score points” with political correctness. Its characters are never tediously noble “anti-stereotypes”, but are instead lovingly depicted with all their flaws intact while uniquely Chinese messages are delicately hidden within a plot crammed with excitement and laughter. Here you experience how parental love turns into suffocating pressure, here you see teenage rebellion as a monstrosity rather than a virtue, here you see the quirky characters of a city (complete with that wobbly “bound foot” walk), here you hear the wisdom of Zen detachment, and here you experience the sacred relationship between student and teacher.
Perhaps my opinion is biased by the surprise this movie gave to my low expectations, but I can’t help but see this film as an unappreciated but precious gem. Now if only someone could do the same thing with Islamic culture…!
This movie was surprisely fun to watch and Paramount Pictures is having a Summer to remember at the box office this year. First it was “Iron Man” then came “Indiana Jones and The Kingdom of the Crystal Skull.” Both films were the weekend box office champions in their respective released week. Each one collecting more that $100 millions dollars in their opening weekends. Now the turn is for Kung Fu Panda to match those numbers, which is reachable for this furry, funny and cute big panda.
The visual aspect of the movie is golden and the animation is one of Dreamworks’ best. An attempt to put to use new technology into the most dramatic scenes, the sound was a big match and that’s what this film delivers. It is easy to see the detailed work in cinematography when an ancient Chinese town is well illustrated as well as the Jade Temple and surroundings uncovering memories of the many martial arts Chinese movies for some of the old crowd and for the young exposing them to new lands and frontiers.
Jack Black and Dustin Hoffman voices’ in this film were just right. Each one giving strong life to their characters, especially Jack Black who provided that special touch that only he can give to his characters. The rest of the cast (Angelina Jolie, Jackie Chan and Lucy Liu ) were ok. The biggest problem is that the script didn’t provide supporting characters enough dialogue for these actors to expand their talents. On the other hand, children get to know “the legendary furious five” kung fu masters which as animals use their animal characteristics to fight the evil Tai Lung.
This cute, furry and funny film is set to get all audiences crazy about a little more than the Panda dance and that is to “be your own hero”. It is just full family entertainment.
5.0 out of 5 stars
Action
This is a high action movie. It has great sound affects. The whole family enjoyed this movie.
5.0 out of 5 stars
Wonderful movie for toddlers
My toddlers are crazy about animals and trips to the zoo are frequent. So what can be better than a dvd about animals with kung fu moves mixed in.
1.0 out of 5 stars
Not Happy
I have been charged for this item and still not received it. I have sent email after email to the shipper to no avail.
2.0 out of 5 stars
If the kids find time to fight in the middle of a movie……
We missed this one at the theaters and all four of my kids were disappointed. I promised them that as soon as it was released on DVD that I would buy it.
4.0 out of 5 stars
Great Movie
Great kids movie! Lots of good action and lessons learned in this movie. I would give this movie an A.
5.0 out of 5 stars
Great Movie Even for Adults
I saw this in the theater with my dad. I love “kids” movies even though I am an adult, but wasn’t sure how my dad would like it.
5.0 out of 5 stars
kung fu panda
amazin movie, its one of the best to see with your childs
the movement the graphics, the movie, all the story is really good
2.0 out of 5 stars
Much too violent for young children!
I had been looking forward to seeing this movie for a long time. But finally having done so I am disappointed.
5.0 out of 5 stars
Great movie
My 8 and 5 year old love this movie. I haven’t seen it yet though. Got it for under $10 – great price for a great movie.