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A reporter once asked legendary movie producer Sam
Goldwyn to name the three most important elements in a successful movie.
His reply: “Story, story, story.” Directors Mark Osborne and
John Stevenson have taken this piece of advice to heart with their charming
new feature, Kung Fu Panda. Writers Jonathan Aibel and Glenn Berger take a familiar premise
and infuses it with a degree of charm and humor that makes it seem fresh.
That the actors assembled to provide voices are first-rate and brilliantly
cast doesn’t hurt, either.
Po (Jack Black) is an overweight panda with oversized
dreams. Stuck working in his father’s noodle shop, he longs to be a
master of kung fu, but his large size and voracious appetite stand in his
way. Youthful dreams die hard, and he heads to a ceremony where a new
Dragon Warrior will be named. Through a set of quirky circumstances, Po is
named the one who will fulfill this prophecy, much to the dismay of Tigress
(Angelina Jolie), Mantis (Seth Rogen), Monkey (Jackie Chan), Viper (Lucy
Liu), and Crane (David Cross), otherwise known as the Furious Five. The
prophecy doesn’t sit well with Master Shifu (Dustin Hoffman), either
— he has the unenviable task of training this chubby wannabe. Po must
also worry about Tai Lung (Ian McShane), a fiery snow leopard who believes
that he should have been named the Dragon Warrior and is intent on taking
Po out to prove it.
The Rocky template at work here is one of the most dog-eared
premises around, but the sense of style and wit at play here elevates the
film above that premise to something unique. Though it would be silly to
say that there is chemistry between the characters (they’re cartoons,
for cryin’ out loud!), there is a real spark between the performers.
The comedic give-and-take, especially between Hoffman and Black, drives the
film, and though the members of the Furious Five don’t have nearly
enough time on screen (sequel, anyone?) each makes the most of his or her
brief time in the spotlight. Chan’s postmodern take is particularly enjoyable to fans
of the martial-arts genre.
The film looks just as good as any other modern
animated feature, and its main distinguishing factor, the Far Eastern
setting, provides a fresh palette for Western audiences.
The question I always ask where animated films are concerned is “Will parents enjoy it as much as their kids will?” With its short run time, outlandish action, and blazing wit, Kung Fu Panda will wind up being a favorite for all. The first true family film of the summer not only inspires kids to strive to realize their dreams but may also prompt adults to get in touch with their inner pandas.
The question I always ask where animated films are concerned is “Will parents enjoy it as much as their kids will?” With its short run time, outlandish action, and blazing wit, Kung Fu Panda will wind up being a favorite for all. The first true family film of the summer not only inspires kids to strive to realize their dreams but may also prompt adults to get in touch with their inner pandas.
