Kung Fu Panda ***** (2008, voices of Jack Black, Dustin Hoffman, Angelina Jolie, Jackie Chan, Ian McShane, Lucy Liu, Seth Rogen, David Cross) – Classic Movie Review 3454

This bundle of animated furry fun is a cuddly charmer.

In ancient China, Po is one lazy, tubby panda. He toils in his father’s humble noodle restaurant but dreams of being a kung fu fighting legend and joining in the heroic exploits of his idols, the Furious Five – a snow tigress, monkey, viper, crane and mantis.

While out delivering noodles, Po is mistaken for a legendary warrior and chosen to fulfil an old Chinese prophecy involving training in kung fu with the Furious Five under the guidance of wise but unflinching martial arts guru Master Shifu, a mean and merciless (if ultimately cute) raccoon. Po is put to the test when Tai Lung, the deadly snow leopard, arrives set for battle. So, does Po have what it takes to save his valley?

Sending up The Karate Kid, Enter the Dragon and Kung Fu, this stupendous 2008 CGI animation from DreamWorks Animation has a smashing story, funny lines, wonderful characters and stylish animation – and is an adorable feel-good event for all ages. At the heart of it, Jack Black and Dustin Hoffman form a brilliant and hilarious odd-couple team as the voices of Po and Shifu. What wit and energy Black brings to his voicing!

Though the colourful animation is a treat and the cartoon martial arts can beat many live-action kung fu capers for thrills, most of the playful fun comes from the endlessly amusing wisecracking lines in the script and the irrepressibly daft voiceovers of a magnificent cast headed by Angelina Jolie (Tigress), Jackie Chan (Monkey), Ian McShane (Tai Lung), Lucy Liu (Viper), Seth Rogen (Mantis) and David Cross (Crane).

Two sequels so far: Kung Fu Panda 2 (2011) and Kung Fu Panda 3 (2016).

© Derek Winnert 2016 Classic Movie Review 3454

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