By: debbie lynn elias and guest critics, Edward Raymond Elias and Tommy Elias
This is a first for me. Not only have I never co-written a review before, but I have never before had the pleasure and privilege of being able to screen a film in the theater with my two nephews whom you have all often read about – Eddie and Tommy. And topping it off, this was Tommy’s first time to a theatre for a screening. That all changes now with KUNG FU PANDA 2. A much anticipated film by not only myself, but by my guest critics, KUNG FU PANDA 2 more than met our expectations and with its colorful, vibrant animation and action, and heartfelt story, now has each of us eagerly anticipating the now mandatory, “Kung Fu Panda 3.”
Since we last saw Dragon Warrior Po, he has been living the life with his faithful Furious Five friends – Tigress, Viper, Mantis, Crane and Monkey, not to mention stopping by now and again to visit his devoted dad, Mr. Ping. But one day, their peaceful fun-filled lives are interrupted when Po receives word that the evil albino peacock, Lord Shen, has set out to destroy China AND kung-fu with a special secret weapon made of metal and gunpowder. Facing off against Shen and his henchmen, Po is frozen by or hypnotized by memories of a spiraling gold ball with flames swirling from it. Also in the dream, is himself as a little baby panda, radishes, and faint visions of his mother and father Somehow Po and his memories are connected to Shen and he intends to find out why…and save China and kung-fu in the process.
The voicing of KUNG FU PANDA 3 is impeccable. In what has become almost mandatory to an actor’s resume, A-listers abound here, giving life, light and heart to our characters. Joining Jack Black as Dragon Warrior Po are Angelina Jolie as Tigress, Lucy Liu as Viper, Seth Rogen as Mantis, David Cross as Crane and none other than Jackie Chan as Monkey. And who else but Gary Oldman could ever voice the insidious evil Lord Shen. Not to miss out on the fun, Jean-Claude Van Damme, Victor Garber and Dennis Haysbert step in as Po’s legendary kung-fu heroes, Master Croc, Master Rhino and Master Ox, respectively. But I must say, two of my faves are James Hong and Dustin Hoffman. Hong brings a beautiful texture and touching heartfelt sentiment to Mr. Ping, which, as you will see, was not lost on our guest critic, Tommy Elias. And then there’s Dustin Hoffman who gives Master Shifu a Yoda-like persona that is not only mesmerizing to watch in the character but lends to anticipation as to what and how Shifu will say next.
Jonathan Aibel and Glenn Berger follow up their success for “Kung Fu Panda” and once again put pen to paper, this time delving into our hero’s past, giving it a darker spin that is showcased in a climatic water battle that has the audience gasping, cheering, oohing and aahing, and balanced with the laughter of Po’s rolly polly adventures and death defying kung fu stunts. Standout is the character development which is more detailed and steps up a notch with the interactions and friendship amongst Po and his Furious Five sidekicks.
A real delight is director Jennifer Yuh. Although KUNG FU PANDA 2 is only Yuh’s first feature film as a director, be it animated or live action, her lengthy and accomplished background as a story artist and storyboard artist on countless animated features, including “Kung Fu Panda”, makes her not only more than qualified, but an obvious choice to direct KUNG FU PANDA 2. Already familiar with the characters themselves, Yuh brings a freshness and energy that propels not only the action and animation forward, but celebrates a wonderfully told story filled with great sentiment and sorrow. She maintains a steady hand, balancing the ying and yang of the story, the actions, the characters and the emotion, lending to a lightness of fluid enjoyment. You know it’s a good sign when the kids in the audience are yelling, “Go Panda Go” during the climactic scenes and moms are tearing up at the sentiment of the story.
Visually, the film is a pantheon of beauty, vibrancy, diversity and delicateness as eye popping action leaps forward from the beauty of peaceful, exotic Chinese backgrounds. Notable is the intricacy of Shen’s pagoda temple and ship, the meticulous details of Shen’s secret weapons, a stunning Chinese New Year dragon and the tranquility and very green celebration of nature we find with Master Shifu (reminds me another Master on a planet called Dagobah). All is a feast for the eyes. Unlike most, we elected to screen KUNG FU PANDA 2 in 2D and given my experience with 3D films, I am glad for our choice as the colors are bright, vivid and true and not dingied or greyed from the use of 3D glasses.
Well, you’ve read what I have to say, now let’s turn to Edward Raymond Elias for his thoughts:
I think the movie and the animation looks awesome. The battles are very intense and original using cannons and kung-fu together. The movie shows good imagination using kung-fu with a panda, Master Po. But this is not like real world kung-fu.
The movie reminds me of “Star Wars.” Master Shifu is a lot like Yoda as a Jedi. Po and his friends are like Anakin and Obi Wan. My favorite character is Po and the way he redirects fiery cannonballs with his paws. These are also my favorite scenes.
I wasn’t surprised by the movie because I read the book so I knew what was going to happen. And it did! This is the awesomist movie to come out using kung-fu!
And now, comments from Tommy Elias:
I saw KUNG FU PANDA 2.
When Panda was redirecting the fiery cannonballs, it was exciting. When Po was in disguise as a Chinese New Year dragon, it was good costuming. Po farted people out of the back of the dragon costume’s butt. THAT was funny.
I liked all the characters. I like Panda Po because I like his moves. I liked the peacock (Lord Shen) even though he was evil because he had all the little knives (on his claws and in his feathers). He had “spike things” around a ball as a design that Panda Po stared at and remembered his mom and dad. I like the goose (Mr. Ping) because he became Panda Po’s dad. Panda liked his dad. I like my dad. Tigress was indestructible by Panda’s moves.
At the end, I saw Panda’s [real] dad. That was a surprise.
You should see the movie because it’s awesome.
Dreamworks, your moviegoing public speaks. KUNG FU PANDA 2 – it’s awesome. Now how soon before we get “Kung Fu Panda 3”??
Po – Jack Black
Tigress – Angelina Jolie
Shifu – Dustin Hoffman
Shen – Gary Oldman
Monkey – Jackie Chan
Mantis – Seth Rogen
Viper – Lucy Liu
Mr. Ping – James Hong
Directed by Jennifer Yuh. Written by Jonathan Aibel and Glenn Berger.
