Since the original Shrek was released in 2001, the pressure to create an animated film that pleases all ages has skyrocketed. Though many films have failed (The Wild and Happily Never After), there are still the rare bright spots (Cars, Finding Nemo) that continue to drive up the demand for animation. Then every once in a while, viewers are greeted with a film such as Kung Fu Panda. Carrying a star studded cast and an interesting concept, the film quickly strikes your fancy; however, you doubt that the film will actually be able to deliver on all its trailer made promises. And like very few other films, Kung Fu Panda actually does delivers, giving fans a quick comedic escape in a summer full of action, screams and sequels.
Taking the reigns as the lead cast member, Jack Black plays a kung fu fanatic in Po the Panda. Carrying some excess baggage around the midsection, Po has never been able to master the art of kung fu, but when he is chosen as the "˜Dragon Warrior,' things seem to be on the up for Po and the down for the Valley of Peace, the land that he is suppose to protect. When the ultimate enemy Tai Lung escapes from prison, Po must face his fears and his doubters as he is forced to prove himself to the entire valley.
Known for his randomness and unforgettable facial features, Black was put into an unfamiliar environment with this film. However, the man exceeded all my expectations. By the first moments of the entire film the audience is already either smiling or laughing as Po declares his love and admiration for kung fu. Ultimately, Black was able to use his voice to fully consume his role and give a pitch perfect portrayal of Po.
Along for the adventure are Angelina Jolie, who plays the strong leader Tigress (and could easily pass as the sister of Tony the Tiger), martial arts expert Jackie Chan as Monkey, funny man Seth Rogan as Mantis, David Cross as Crane and the gorgeous Lucy Liu as the poisonous Viper. Together the clan (minus Po) forms the Furious Five, a group of professional kung fu experts who have been trained by Master Shifu (Dustin Hoffman), and ultimately given their lives to for the opportunity to be called upon to serve as the "˜Dragon Warrior.'
Feeling burned and rejected, the five original group members work with their master to get Po to quit, and through the process, each character is able to shine in their own right.
Angelina Jolie steals every scene that she is in as her dedication and precision are brought to the foreground. Her moves are flawless and with the tone and personality of the devil, Jolie is able to create the perfect subordinate character character.
At her side is famed martial arts and comedy actor Jackie Chan. Though his face never graces the screen, you know from the first words that escape Monkey's mouth that you are watching a true kung fu legend.
Additionally we have Seth Rogan as Mantis. Held to only a handful of lines, Rogan makes the best of his part, using wit and delivery to transfer the energy and momentum that exists within his small character and expelling it out for all the viewers to feel and experience.
Then we have David Cross and Lucy Liu, who played the soft and subtle characters of Crane and Viper. Poorly underused in the film, both actors are unable to use their comedic talents as they characters are often overlooked for other, more prominent characters.
As the film progressed, the audience got to witness the formation of a strong story. Often placed secondary to the laughs and jokes, the guys behind Kung Fu Panda worked to create jokes that were used to advance the plot rather than hinder it. Instead of the typical random one-liners or unaffected pranks, the jokes that lie within Kung Fu Panda all have a purpose in the big realm of things. And with most animation films sending the importance of a strong plot to the bottom of the list, it was nice to see a film that attempted to appeal to the entire family.
As the film came to a close I was shocked at the flow and sense of continuality that it possessed. Carrying a running time of only eighty eight minutes, the film ended perfectly, when the story had been told. As a result, audience members were finally presented with a complete package film full of love, laughs and a true to heart life lesson!
