Kung Fu Panda (2008) DreamWorks
1 hr. 28 mins.
Starring (the voices of: Jack Black, Angelina Jolie, Jackie Chan, Dustin Hoffman, Seth Rogan, Lucy Lui, Ian McShane, David Cross
Directed by: Mark Osborne and John Stevenson
MPAA Rating: PG

Rating: *** stars (out of 4 stars)

It's hard to knock a vibrant, highly-spirited children animated action flick that captures the empty imagination of youngsters and oldsters alike. Well, the DreamWorks Animation has come up with a jubilant and jittery family fare showcase where karate chops involving a paunchy panda will be considered infectious in its very conception. True, we've experienced eye-popping animated satires before so that's completely understood. Still, there's something refreshingly distinctive and delightful about co-directors Mark Osborne and John Stevenson's Kung Fu Panda that begs to seize our giddy attention.

Frantic comedian-actor-musician Jack Black voices the playful poundage of protagonist Po the Panda, an unlikely hero chosen to carry the mantle of Dragon Warrior. We find Po working aimlessly in his father's noodle restaurant. The former Dragon Warrior icon--a bitter snow leopard Tai Ling (Ian McShane)--has become a local threat to his surroundings in China's flowing Valley of Peace. The question remains: can Po take on the surging responsibility of his duties as The Chunky Chosen One despite his penchant for being a weighty carefree cad that enjoys lounging around at will?

Po, believe it or not, isn't the only karate-kicking candidate in waiting to try and assume the title of Dragon Warrior. Although Po's intense training is under the tutelage of honorable Kung Fu Master Shifu (Dustin Hoffman) there's a motley crew of cut-ups that are warriors in training as well. Among the "noteworthy" ninjas that pine for the Dragon Warrior honors are Tigress (Angelina Jolie), Mantis (Seth Rogen), Monkey (Jackie Chan), Viper (Lucy Liu) and Crane (David Cross). Poor Master Shifu...he's stuck with some very erratic characters to offer wisdom and skilled fighting techniques in order to protect their peaceful haven. Po, in particular, is difficult to mentor because he's overweight, undisciplined and seems set in his nonchalant ways. Nevertheless, there's some promise and enthusiasm in the black-and-white beer-bellied fur ball that Master Shifu reluctantly senses.

The message is loud and clear%u2014Kung Fu Panda deserves some kudos for maintaining a morality lesson about achieving something special despite obvious-given obstacles. As the unmotivated and out-of-shape portly panda that dreams of being something unique via his acquired Kung Fu credentials, Po learns to trust his accomplishments and confront adversity even though his fellow frolicking fighters think he's a joke-in-a-half. This feel-good sentiment is wrapped around some stylized martial arts action, colorfully swirling special effects, pulsating background music and top-notch animation set pieces.

Clearly, Kung Fu Panda entertains of both levels for the tykes and seniors. Kids will root for Po because he's an unconventional kind of icon that transforms gradually from a "scared-of-his-shadow" huge hairball to a confident and confrontational student of chopsocky wonderment. The adults will chuckle generously and recognize this kiddie caper as an innocuous parody to their beloved live-action cheesy Kung Fu cinema sessions from yesteryear.

Screenwriters Glenn Berger and Jonathan Aibel are resourcefully festive in how they present this animated narrative without having to be blatantly flippant and forceful. The movie is genuinely excitable and insightful without having to take on doses of empty-headed laughs to ensure the prescribed lunacy at large. Black and his co-starring voice artists are cunningly pleasing in how they bring to life their nifty and nutty characterizations on screen. McShane's Tai Ling is joyfully menacing and when he makes his daring escape to set up the climax face-off with our pudgy but persistent Po...well folks...look out for something truly breathtaking.

Overall, Kung Fu Panda is sheer immense fun that is an unavoidable understatement to utter. The protrusive Kung Fu-oriented fight sequences are visually potent and could literally rival a Jackie Chan bone-crushing action flick without sweat. Willingly raucous and revved up for your escapist consideration do welcome this plump yet profoundly prancing panda into your thrill-seeking heart.

Frank Ochieng
@ TheWorldJournal.com (2008)