Reviewed by Victor Rebikoff.
Directors: Mark Osborne and John Stevenson, DreamWorks Animation, PG 92 Minutes.
In this delightful origin story from directors Mark Osborne and John Stevenson the main character is a rather big and obese fuzzy panda named Po (voiced by renowned comedian Jack Black) and seen having difficulty getting out of bed.
Po’s usual routine involves working for his father Mr Ping-a stork (voiced by James Hong) in his noodle shop until he responds to the call of an ancient prophecy to join the Kung Fu world alongside the Furious Five.
Under the leadership of their respected Master Shifu (Dustin Hoffman) the Five include Viper (voiced by Lucy Liu), Tigress (Angelina Jolie), Monkey (Jackie Chan), Mantis (Seth Rogen) and Crane (David Cross)-with each intent on being the next Dragon Warrior.
But in a surprising move it is the pudgy Po that the tortoise Grand Master Oogway (voiced by Randall Duk Kim) chooses as the Dragon Warrior much to the displeasure of the Five and the objections raised by Shifu.
After discussing his concerns with the obliging Oogway Master Shifu reluctantly agrees to provide Po with some specialist training in Kung Fu and the martial arts. Meanwhile in in a faraway place the fearful leopard warrior Tai Lung (Ian McShane) has escaped from his twenty year imprisonment determined to return to the Valley of Peace and wreak his destruction once again onto its population.
When Tai Lung finally returns he is challenged initially by Tigress and the rest of the Five but are no match for the vindictive villain seeking the next confrontation between himself and his father figure the skilful Shifu.
Having overcome the Kung Fu master Tai Lung’s objective is getting hold of the sacred Dragon Scroll before finally confronting Po in a battle-royale that results in the panda being bestowed the mantle of Dragon Warrior-and receiving everyone’s adulation.
Directors Osborne and Stevenson have fashioned one of the best animated movies to come out of the DreamWorks stable with its loveable characters and colourful action sequences with an enjoyable storyline that provides continual entertainment from start to finish.
But it is Black’s characterisation of the plump panda that is the major highlight in this fun family movie which is sure to be enjoyed by everyone-not to mention seeing Black’s return in a sequel.
Kung Fu Panda is being televised on 9Go! at 7.00pm on Saturday 10 October
Vic’s Verdict: 4 Stars
