CINEMA : KUNG FU PANDA

2008

Cert: PG

Dir(s): Mark Osborne, John Stevenson

Starring: (the voices of) Jack Black, Dustin Hoffman, Ian McShane, Randall Duk Kim, Angelina Jolie

What You Need To Know: Fat, clumsy cartoon panda kicks ass.

I approached 'Kung Fu Panda' with a degree of trepidation, given the quality of studio Dreamworks' Animation's previous output. After a succession of duds including 'Shrek The Third', 'Shark Tale' and 'Madagascar', I was under the impression that Dreamworks had failed to live up to it's potential laid down in the early productions 'Antz', 'Shrek' and 'Shrek 2'. It was then, a pleasant suprise to discover that 'Kung Fu Panda' is an extremely enjoyable piece of work.

The film opens with a fantastic dream sequence that alone convices that Dreamworks are back on top with fantastic visuals and amusing dialogue. The films' expressionate characters are definately a step up from the dated, ugly and souless models shown in their last effort, 'Shrek The Third'. The expansive, varied scenery and action sequences are masterfully executed. It then feels like a real gift, that the beautiful artistry marries so perfectly with the wit and charisma of 'Panda's impressive voice cast. Speaking of which, Jack Black brings endless infectious enthusiasm to his character Po. Dustin Hoffman and Ian McShane take to their characters equally well, with Randall Duk Kim providing some particularly memorable moments as the elderly Oogway.

The film is by no means flawless. The pacing and plot are fairly formulaic and it's never as funny as you sometimes feel it should be. In addition to this the kung fu itself isn't particularly noteworthy, given that the film makers have the potentially limitless animation medium at their fingertips. Having said this, 'Kung Fu Panda' certainly delivers action-wise in two thrilling sequences involving the antagonist, Tai Lung.

Conclusion

Despite its' flaws and limited scope, fans of western animation will delight in 'Kung Fu Panda's ability to succeed artistically while mass audiences will revel in the fun, thrills and humour of this solild return to form from Dreamworks Animation Studios.

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