Kung Fu Panda(2008)

Posted June 10th, 2008 by Sandy
Tags:

Suspension of disbelief is a

Sandy 1 year 39 weeks 1 day 8 hours ago

Suspension of disbelief is a technique filmgoers use to resolve actions or plot points that do not quite fit into our version of reality. For instance, when an aging Indiana Jones takes yet another 20-foot fall without breaking his arm, we suspend our disbelief in order to enjoy the film.

Dreamworks' latest CGI adventure, "Kung Fu Panda," does not make this requirement of the audience. At no point are we asked to even remotely believe any of the scenarios involving a talking, martial-arts-fighting, noodle-selling panda whose father is a duck. And that's what makes the movie so much fun.

The panda, Po (voiced by Jack Black), is reluctantly thrust into the spotlight when he is told he must fulfill an ancient prophecy to become one of the greatest kung fu masters of all time.

A kung fu fanatic, Po is excited to study among his idols, a collection of animals representing forms used in Shen Lung kung fu: Tigress (Angelina Jolie), Crane (David Cross), Mantis (Seth Rogen), Viper (Lucy Liu), and Monkey (Jackie Chan). Don't expect too much dialogue or character development from these expensively voiced characters -- there is almost none.

When an evil snow leopard (Ian McShane) threatens their world, Po and his mentor, Master Shifu (Dustin Hoffman), must find a way to turn the panda's special talents (which seem to be laziness and gluttony) into strengths.

The story is tight, witty and has more than a few laugh-out-loud moments. Jack Black's portrayal of a clumsy yet enthusiastic panda is exactly what you'd expect and hope for. Black's Tenacious D persona makes brief appearances with lines such as "I know you're trying to be all mystical and kung fu-ey..." and what will likely be the most overly quoted new Jack Blackism, "Skidoosh!"

The animation is beautiful, simple and reminiscent of Japanese woodblock printing. The opening pays homage to this two-dimensional, non-textured, yet heavily stylized look before extruding into a three-dimensional environment. The characters retain a purposefully simple appearance, but the cloth simulation alone makes this one of DreamWorks' most technically complex movies to date.

While the majority of the animation was done down south at DreamWorks, some of the animation gurus from PDI/DreamWorks ("Antz," "Shrek") in Redwood City were able to lend a hand during the four years of production.

If you're looking for something resembling reality, you'll find more believable pandas at Panda Express. If you're looking for a fun romp and a good story, Kung Fu Panda will not disappoint.