It all whizzes along at an invigorating pace and there's plenty to please a young child but if you're looking for the kind of insights that made Ratatouille such a feast, you'll have to wait for Pixar's next.
Kung Fu Panda (2008)
Tomatometer
How does the Tomatometer work ![]()
Reviews Counted: 157
Fresh: 139
Rotten:18
Average Rating: 7.2/10
Consensus: Kung Fu Panda has a familiar message, but the pleasing mix of humor, swift martial arts action, and colorful animation makes for winning Summer entertainment.
Australian Rating: PG [See Full Rating] Animated violence, Some scenes may frighten young children
Runtime: 1 hr 50 mins
Genre: Action/Adventure
Australian Theatrical Release:
Jun 26, 2008 Wide
US Box Office: $215,395,021
Synopsis: "Kung Fu Panda" features Jack Black as Po the Panda, a lowly waiter in a noodle restaurant, who is a kung fu fanatic but whose shape doesn't exactly lend itself to kung fu fighting. In fact, Po's... "Kung Fu Panda" features Jack Black as Po the Panda, a lowly waiter in a noodle restaurant, who is a kung fu fanatic but whose shape doesn't exactly lend itself to kung fu fighting. In fact, Po's defining characteristic appears to be that he is the laziest of all the animals in ancient China. That's a problem because powerful enemies are at the gates, and all hopes have been pinned on a prophesy naming Po as the "Chosen One" to save the day. A group of martial arts masters are going to need a black belt in patience if they are going to turn this slacker panda into a kung fu fighter before it's too late. -- © DreamWorks [More]
Starring: Jack Black, Dustin Hoffman, Angelina Jolie, Jackie Chan
Starring: Jack Black, Dustin Hoffman, Angelina Jolie, Jackie Chan, Lucy Liu, Ian McShane, David Cross, Seth Rogen, Michael Clarke Duncan, James Hong, Randall Duk Kim, Dan Fogler
Director: Mark Osborne, John Stevenson
Director: Mark Osborne, John Stevenson
Screenwriter: Jonathan Aibel, Glenn Berger
Story: Ethan Reiff, Cyrus Voris
Producer: Melissa Cobb
Composer: Hans Zimmer
Studio: DreamWorks Distribution LLC
Reviews for Kung Fu Panda
More original plotting could have bolstered this visually magnificent production.
It’s funny at times, and quite exciting, but of course you know where it’s going from its opening moments, so no surprises dramatically.
Filled with abundant slapstick and visual comedy, this family-friendly animation is sure to amuse the youngsters with its roly-poly panda hero antics and inventive effects. ...its predictable and formulaic script is less impressive
Kung Fu Panda puts most other recent action movies to shame with its astonishingly beautiful, fluid, fast, clean use of movement and space.
A witty, visually interesting and sweet comedy that works in pretty much all departments.
...relies on the sounds of its voice cast and the brilliance of its CGI animation to help it succeed.
It is as if the spirit of recent Zhang Yimou spectaculars have informed this warm and very likable Hollywood fare.
Manages to entertain and dazzle, and parents won't beat themselves up for sitting through it, although what it teaches could fit on a fortune cookie.
Hands down the most visually striking of DreamWorks Animation's releases, this lively CGI comedy is tailor-made for Jack Black.
A fun movie that manages to entertain pretty much the whole way through.
Despite the traditional animation platitudes, the film is entertaining and well voiced.
The aphorisms creak. The plot's an open book. But all of those clichés are part of the joke in this ebullient ursine coming-of-age tale about a humble panda destined for greatness.
Enjoyable, superbly animated and frequently funny adventure with great voice work, strong characters and some excellent fight scenes.
Just like many martial arts movie epics of old, Kung Fu Panda is filmed in widescreen CinemaScope: a perfect, vast canvas for an epic set in old China.
... a solid animated flick for kids, and for any adults who are singing "Kung Fu Fighting" to themselves as they enter the multi-plex (guilty as charged).
Latest News for Kung Fu Panda
May 14, 2009:
Stevenson Goes from Panda to Minotaur ![]()
"The Minotaur Takes a Cigarette Break," Steven Sherrill's 2000 novel about a minotaur who works as a cook in a Midwestern diner, will get a live-action/CGI adaptation courtesy... More...
May 10, 2009:
Cannes 2009: RT's 10 Most Anticipated Movies
The Cannes Film Festival will screen nearly 100 films as part of its Official Selection and associated sidebars when it kicks off next week in the Southern France town. The... More...
January 31, 2009:
Kung Fu Panda Dominates 36th Annie Awards
Kung Fu Panda dominated the 36th Annual Annie Awards, the most prestigious awards ceremony for feature and television animation. Wall-E was shut out from every award it was... More...
January 08, 2009:
Broadcast Film Critics Name Critics' Choice Winners
The 14th Annual Critics' Choice Awards were given on January 8, 2009, to honor the finest achievements in 2008 filmmaking. A list of nominees follows below, with winners in bold: More...
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