Kung Fu Panda

RATING: A+

A kung fu panda. Doesn't that seem like kind of an oxymoron? Especially when you're looking at this particular panda on the poster. It shows from the beginning that this film is not into taking itself particularly seriously. 

One could argue that it's essentially the Matrix for kids. It features similar fighting styles--even in slow-motion shots. Some of the slam-downs into the ground shown near the end are straight out of the Matrix Revolutions Neo vs. Smith fight. The characters aren't quite as similar--though the teacher figure Shifu could almost be Morpheus--but the fights are straight out of it fairly often. 

This film centers around a fat panda named Po who is obsessed with kung fu. And when it's found out he's a legendary warrior--the very kung fu masters he idolizes--the Furious Five and Master Shifu--reject him, with Tigress even calling him "a disgrace to kung fu," at one point. Po has to become a kung fu master pretty quick, since an angry snow leopard named Tai Lung looking to bring destruction on the valley is on the way. 

When this film isn't mimicking the Matrix, it's playing the comedy card. And it does pretty good at it--we get a fair amount of slapstick violence as well as some wit. And again, it often doesn't takes itself that seriously. The means through which Po becomes a kung fu "master" of sorts is certainly unorthodox, although it works. 

However, besides doing all the things I've mentioned already, this film also has a very good plot to it and some emotional depth as well. Without giving too much away, let's just say that Shifu has a certain connection with the villainous Tai Lung. 

Thus, what do we end up with? A Matrix rip-off kung fu comedy action animated flick with a surprisingly good plot. This film certainly does a lot of good things for one with its lack of ambition. I mean, I find it hard hard to call a premise of a kung fu panda particularly ambitious. 

Also worth mentioning is the all-star cast. We have Jack Black as the main character, Dustin Hoffman as the master Shifu, and Angelina Jolie, Jackie Chan, David Cross, and Seth Rogen playing different members of the enjoyable Furious Five characters (Mantis is probably the best because of his hilarity), Ian McShane as the villain Tai Lung, and also Michael Clarke Duncan in a minor role. 

Overall, this film is a rollicking ball of fun, with something for everyone. The fights are surprisingly good for even the adults to enjoy, the comedy is hilarious for everyone, and adults won't find themselves agonized when their kids are forcing them to watch it. It's a film that everybody should give a chance, as ridiculous as it may seem to some.