Release Date: 6 June 2008
Time: 1 hr 32 min
Distributor: DreamWorks Animation, Paramount Pictures
Rating: PG
My Rating: PG
Starring: Jack Black, Dustin Hoffman, Angelina Jolie, Jackie Chan
Grade: B+
Synopsis: Enthusiastic, big and a little clumsy, Po is the biggest fan of Kung Fu around, which doesn't exactly come in handy while working every day in his family's noodle shop. Unexpectedly chosen to fulfill an ancient prophecy, Po's dreams become reality when he joins the world of Kung Fu and studies alongside his idols, the legendary Furious Five--Tigress, Crane, Mantis, Viper and Monkey--under the leadership of their guru, Master Shifu. But before they know it, the vengeful and treacherous snow leopard Tai Lung is headed their way, and it's up to Po to defend everyone from the oncoming threat. Can he turn his dreams of becoming a Kung Fu master into reality? Po puts his heart - and his girth - into the task, and the unlikely hero ultimately finds that his greatest weaknesses turn out to be his greatest strengths.
My Review: Good story about being able to fulfill your dreams if you believe in yourself, work hard, and have a little bit of luck. It was a good theme, and the animation was well done. Po is a great panda character and I like how he is always trying to eat. It is pretty funny. I went into this film with higher expectations than what it delivered. The story was pretty slow and not as funny as I thought. Also, it was lacking a love story which I think would have made it a little better, and could have added some great jokes. All in all though, a decent film.
Recommend: Especially for the kids. They love films like this. Parents will also enjoy it, but as I stated above, it is a little slower than I was hoping and not as funny as I was hoping for. It was still a great animated film. If you have to choose between this and Shrek, choose Shrek hands down.