96. Kung Fu Panda

Kung Fu Panda (2008)
Directed by Mark Osborne and John Stevenson

I think that Kung Fu Panda is one of the more overlooked animated films of all-time and I’m one of the few who thought it should’ve beaten Wall*E for the Animated Feature Oscar of 2008. Shakespeare this film isn’t; but it’s a solid, efficient, and perfect animated film that is an absolute delight to watch.

From the over-stylized opening sequence (that had me laughing from the get-go) to the artful credit sequence, Kung Fu Panda is a tightly wound and plotted work. I applaud the decision to go simple and innocent with the tone of the film. I particularly enjoyed the idyllic settings the animators painted for this universe; the simple landscapes and town folk (mostly made of ducks and bunnies) would feel at home in a children’s cartoon on Disney channel.

Great attention is also paid to the action sequences. It’s clear that the animators and writers have researched and been influenced by past Kung Fu film, because the fights pay homage to all the necessary trademarks of kung fu while remaining refreshingly contemporary as well as exciting. Three sequences are standout action set pieces; Tai Lueng’s prison breakout, Po’s Dumpling Training, and the final showdown between Tai Lueng, Shifu, and Po.

As much as I enjoy the action in this film, the biggest reason I wouldn’t want to live without this film is because of the characters. I’ve had the opportunity to watch this film several times now and I’ve grown fond of the ever-positive but physically challenged Po (voiced excellently by Jack Black), as well as the restless, conflicted, but basically good Shifu (also voiced excellently by Dustin Hoffman).


It’s in the interaction between these two characters that the film really finds its soul. These are two living breathing characters that have their own weaknesses and strengths, and for a simple and innocent family film, it’s refreshing to see such conflicted yet triumphant characters.

While the main message of the film (if we believe that we can be special then we will be special) is a good and worthy message, I really connect with the relationship between Po and Shifu. That they ultimately find redemption and success when they admit their faults and work together is a simple delight that few films have to offer. Honestly, when was the last time a film delivered an honest, innocent, and simply delightful payoff? You know this film works when it can successfully end with the its two central characters just relaxing together on the floor. For that, and all else that goes with it, Kung Fu Panda is a film I can’t live without.

Other Essentials: The moment when Po tries to take some broken concrete as a souvenir, the wushu finger hold, the amazing intro for the turtle Master Oogway

Here is a link to my original review of Kung Fu Panda from June 2008

Kung Fu Panda Review

Overall Grade: A-

Can we say surprise of the season? The early trailers and TV spots for this film did absolutely nothing for me, and actually served to turn me off to it. I watch about 100 films a year and the trailer for this one actually forced me to write this film off the list...that was until the early reviews began to roll in for this film. So what was it about this film that surprised me so much?

This is a film that hits every note its supposed to, and really delivers the goods. To start, Jack Black is perfectly cast as the panda, and his usual schtick here is kept to a minimum. In fact, I found much of his lines in the trailer to be poorly written and most likely just comedic riffing, but within the context of the movie and the story, the lines are absolutely perfect.

Secondly, the story is a spot-on parody and homage to kung fu stories. If you've ever seen any of the old chinese kung fu films, a Jackie Chan film (who is also in this one), any of the recent Zhang Yimou films, or even the Matrix films (as there is some Matrix thrown in as well), then you'll recognize some of the same story elements here as well. Its not exactly an epic and sweeping story, but its very light, good-natured, and most importantly, its consistent with its reality and characters. In fact, the world this story inhabits is beautifully drawn out and inhabited by its residents. Refreshingly gone from this world is the self consciousness of most animated fare these days, and suprisingly few scatalogical jokes.

Lastly, the action is expertly crafted and animated, and really beats most of the great action scenes I have seen this year. Several people have compared the action scenes in this film to those found in The Incredibles, but I actually think that they are much superior. I would put two scenes (a fight over a dumpling and a breakout from prison) in Kung Fu Panda against any action scene in any animated film I've ever seen. It was wonderful to walk into this film not expecting engaging and exciting action.

This is a film for all ages, and its really just a great film to enjoy. It fails to be an (A) film for me because its themes are well drawn, but not neccesarily true. Just thinking that something is special doesn't necessarily make it special, and it really flies in the face of the theme that The Incredibles pushe which is that there truly are some people who are special, and that should be celebrated and not brought down. Aside from that, this film is a great time. If you liked The Incredibles and you also liked Over the Hedge orThe Emperor's New Groove then I think that this film is for you!

For your viewing pleasure I've included the movie trailer below as well as a scene from the film. If you don't want any spoilers, don't watch the scene. If you want an idea of the action, here's a clip from that prison break scene I reference above. Skidoosh!

Kung Fu Panda Trailer

Prison Break Clip