Master in animation: Kung Fu Panda is a winning combination of superb animation and solid storyline. Picture: kungfupanda.com
Saturday, June 21, 2008
Certification: PG
Cast: Jack Black, Dustin Hoffman, Angelina Jolie, Ian McShane, Randall Duk Kim, James Hong, David Cross, Dan Fogler
Director: Mark Osborne, John Stevenson
Genre: Action, Comedy
PO THE panda is a master of kung fu; one who is fearless, strong, and well-respected in the arts by his peers. But this isn't the reality, it is merely a dream that Po, voiced by Jack Black, frequents in his sleep.
However, Po's love for kung fu is real, second only to his love for food. He longs to train under the legendary Master Shifu (Dustin Hoffman) and fight the bad guys alongside his heroes, the elite warriors collectively known as the Furious Five.
Until one day, an ancient prophecy has come to pass. The Dragon Warrior must be quickly determined by ancient Master Oogway (Randall Duk Kim) in order to fight off the snow leopard Tai Lung (Ian McShane). Somehow Po ends up being chosen during the selection process.
Although disagreeing with Master Oogway's decision, Master Shifu must train Po into becoming the Dragon Warrior. The Furious Five, confused with the decision, especially Tigress (Angelina Jolie), are not going to make things easy for Po.
Under the direction of Marks Osborne and John Stevenson, DreamWorks has beautifully created an animated story with martial arts action that flows smoothly and is stunningly realistic that even Jackie Chan, who has two audible lines as Monkey, gives his stamp of approval.
The kung fu representation and the carefully choreographed fight scenes are breathtaking and exciting to watch.
The overall 3-D effects are definitely visually pleasing. From the intricate details of the animals' fur to the hand drawn dream action sequence that opens up the movie, they are nothing short of what's expected from the photo-realistically generated imageries.
The main plot echoes many of the old Chinese martial arts masterpieces — a helpless protagonist must undergo harsh training to become a proficient user of some form of fighting methods and defend his and his master's honour against an evil opponent. The evil opponent here, however, isn't a one-dimensional figure that's just there menacingly to instil fear.
Tai Lung is given a proper back story that could make the audience feel for him. But this is also where it lacks in originality as his story is very similar to one of the Star Wars storylines.
Think of Master Oogway as Yoda, who even mentions about the Dark Side, and the rest will fall familiarly into place.
Jack Black is of course best suited to voice this round, clumsy but lovable panda. He has managed to distance Po from "Jack Black" by presenting Po in less eager and frantic voices and making Po feel more homely and real.
The sub-casts are featured very little in order not to overshadow the main characters, though it would have been nice to see some form of origin for each of the Furious Five.
Best thing about this comedy is that it doesn't sell out its characters for cheap thrills and laughter, but finds its entertainment through its core storyline that will delight both children and adults.
Reviewer's Rating: 7 / 10
The Brunei Times
Cast: Jack Black, Dustin Hoffman, Angelina Jolie, Ian McShane, Randall Duk Kim, James Hong, David Cross, Dan Fogler
Director: Mark Osborne, John Stevenson
Genre: Action, Comedy
PO THE panda is a master of kung fu; one who is fearless, strong, and well-respected in the arts by his peers. But this isn't the reality, it is merely a dream that Po, voiced by Jack Black, frequents in his sleep.
However, Po's love for kung fu is real, second only to his love for food. He longs to train under the legendary Master Shifu (Dustin Hoffman) and fight the bad guys alongside his heroes, the elite warriors collectively known as the Furious Five.
Until one day, an ancient prophecy has come to pass. The Dragon Warrior must be quickly determined by ancient Master Oogway (Randall Duk Kim) in order to fight off the snow leopard Tai Lung (Ian McShane). Somehow Po ends up being chosen during the selection process.
Although disagreeing with Master Oogway's decision, Master Shifu must train Po into becoming the Dragon Warrior. The Furious Five, confused with the decision, especially Tigress (Angelina Jolie), are not going to make things easy for Po.
Under the direction of Marks Osborne and John Stevenson, DreamWorks has beautifully created an animated story with martial arts action that flows smoothly and is stunningly realistic that even Jackie Chan, who has two audible lines as Monkey, gives his stamp of approval.
The kung fu representation and the carefully choreographed fight scenes are breathtaking and exciting to watch.
The overall 3-D effects are definitely visually pleasing. From the intricate details of the animals' fur to the hand drawn dream action sequence that opens up the movie, they are nothing short of what's expected from the photo-realistically generated imageries.
The main plot echoes many of the old Chinese martial arts masterpieces — a helpless protagonist must undergo harsh training to become a proficient user of some form of fighting methods and defend his and his master's honour against an evil opponent. The evil opponent here, however, isn't a one-dimensional figure that's just there menacingly to instil fear.
Tai Lung is given a proper back story that could make the audience feel for him. But this is also where it lacks in originality as his story is very similar to one of the Star Wars storylines.
Think of Master Oogway as Yoda, who even mentions about the Dark Side, and the rest will fall familiarly into place.
Jack Black is of course best suited to voice this round, clumsy but lovable panda. He has managed to distance Po from "Jack Black" by presenting Po in less eager and frantic voices and making Po feel more homely and real.
The sub-casts are featured very little in order not to overshadow the main characters, though it would have been nice to see some form of origin for each of the Furious Five.
Best thing about this comedy is that it doesn't sell out its characters for cheap thrills and laughter, but finds its entertainment through its core storyline that will delight both children and adults.
Reviewer's Rating: 7 / 10
The Brunei Times