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Kung Fu Panda (Mark Osborne & John Stevenson)
In response to that blurb in the poster, damn straight. No question about it, this is Dreamworks' best animated film. It is hip, occasionally, in its use of language, but other than that, there are none of the pop culture references which kill things for certain people. This is a surprisingly realistic and reverential film, celebrating the concept of Martial Arts and what it means, especially since when we watch kung fu, we mostly think of the physical prowess involved, Yet, no one can truly practice kung fu to the best of their ability without a spiritual connection to themselves and all of their environment. Based on some posts I've been reading around here lately, it seems that kung fu should be relegated to the dustbin of superstitious BS. I don't really care because this "Disney Dork" says this movie rocks!
This film opens with some of the starkest, most original animated imagery in film history. A panda is literally kicking ass and announcing his awesomeness, but eventually we learn that it's just a dream, and Po (Jack Black) has to get up out of bed to go to work for his dad (James Hong) at his noodlery (it should be a word for a type of restaurant if it isn't). Po learns that the Dragon Warrior is going to be chosen from amongst the Furious Five (the greatest warriors available in the City), so he does everything he can to try to witness the selection. When all is said and done, Po is chosen to become the Dragon Warrior by the All-Knowing, All-Seeing Oogway (Randall Duk Kim), despite the protests of his protege and super trainer, Shifu (Dustin Hoffman). Eventually, Shifu's adopted son, Tai Lung (Ian MacShane, sounding like Mark Hamill doing the Joker in the animated series), breaks out of prison to wreak revenge on all those whom he believes have kept him from becoming the rightful Dragon Warrior.
Kung Fu Panda succeeds on multiple levels. First off, it presents a totally realistic alternate universe, it's populated with strong convictions and characters, and both the situations and characters are humorous and intense. All of the characters grow, and even if the results may be considered predictable, they certainly earn enough good will to allow them their just desserts. I mentioned that the film is funny, but it's also action-packed, and often the humor and action go hand-in-hand. For example, the highlight for me is the incredible "Battle For the Final Dumpling" scene where the Hoffman character trains the Black character enough to become worthy of the true title of the Dragon Warrior. The fact that the action scenes only escalate from here all the way to the ending is something to be happy about as a viewer and something to be proud about as filmmakers. There are many other notable scenes and vocal performances, but I just want to say that I recommend you see this movie on the big screen before it disappears. It's not just a wonderful action comedy, it's also a powerful drama, and although many animated films push the idea that "you can be what you want to become, if only you put in the work and trust yourself and those who support you", I find that message much more life-affirming than the alternative.
In response to that blurb in the poster, damn straight. No question about it, this is Dreamworks' best animated film. It is hip, occasionally, in its use of language, but other than that, there are none of the pop culture references which kill things for certain people. This is a surprisingly realistic and reverential film, celebrating the concept of Martial Arts and what it means, especially since when we watch kung fu, we mostly think of the physical prowess involved, Yet, no one can truly practice kung fu to the best of their ability without a spiritual connection to themselves and all of their environment. Based on some posts I've been reading around here lately, it seems that kung fu should be relegated to the dustbin of superstitious BS. I don't really care because this "Disney Dork" says this movie rocks!
This film opens with some of the starkest, most original animated imagery in film history. A panda is literally kicking ass and announcing his awesomeness, but eventually we learn that it's just a dream, and Po (Jack Black) has to get up out of bed to go to work for his dad (James Hong) at his noodlery (it should be a word for a type of restaurant if it isn't). Po learns that the Dragon Warrior is going to be chosen from amongst the Furious Five (the greatest warriors available in the City), so he does everything he can to try to witness the selection. When all is said and done, Po is chosen to become the Dragon Warrior by the All-Knowing, All-Seeing Oogway (Randall Duk Kim), despite the protests of his protege and super trainer, Shifu (Dustin Hoffman). Eventually, Shifu's adopted son, Tai Lung (Ian MacShane, sounding like Mark Hamill doing the Joker in the animated series), breaks out of prison to wreak revenge on all those whom he believes have kept him from becoming the rightful Dragon Warrior.
Kung Fu Panda succeeds on multiple levels. First off, it presents a totally realistic alternate universe, it's populated with strong convictions and characters, and both the situations and characters are humorous and intense. All of the characters grow, and even if the results may be considered predictable, they certainly earn enough good will to allow them their just desserts. I mentioned that the film is funny, but it's also action-packed, and often the humor and action go hand-in-hand. For example, the highlight for me is the incredible "Battle For the Final Dumpling" scene where the Hoffman character trains the Black character enough to become worthy of the true title of the Dragon Warrior. The fact that the action scenes only escalate from here all the way to the ending is something to be happy about as a viewer and something to be proud about as filmmakers. There are many other notable scenes and vocal performances, but I just want to say that I recommend you see this movie on the big screen before it disappears. It's not just a wonderful action comedy, it's also a powerful drama, and although many animated films push the idea that "you can be what you want to become, if only you put in the work and trust yourself and those who support you", I find that message much more life-affirming than the alternative.