Tangled Magazine

Kung Fu Panda
A film review by Laura Hartley

3.5 OUT OF 5.0 STARS

Written : Jonathan Aibel and Glenn Berger (screenplay)
Ethan Reiff and Cyrus Voris (story)
Directed : Mark Osborne and John Stevenson
Starring : Jack Black, Dustin Hoffman, Angelina Jolie, Lucy Liu, Jackie Chan, Seth Rogan, David Cross and Ian McShane.

Jack Black stars as Po, a klutzy martial arts obsessed Panda in his upcoming animated film, Kung Fu Panda.

The film centres around Po, an uncoordinated Panda who works in his fathers noodle shop, but dreams of being a Kung Fu master. The ancient Chinese village, including Po, are shocked when he is randomly chosen to become the Dragon Warrior, and fulfill an ancient prophecy, to defeat Tai Lung (Ian McShane), an evil snow leopard.

Angelina Jolie, Lucy Liu, Jackie Chan, Seth Rogen and David Cross star as the Furious Five, who had all originally been training for the role of Dragon Warrior, and are forced to overcome their jealousy of Po for the better good of the village.

This animated film is surprisingly funny, with both Jack Black and Dustin Hoffman playing their characters brilliantly. Their voices so matched their animated characters (special congrats to the animation department) and they seemed to really have fun with the role.

Angelina Jolie was unexpectedly dull. Her character, Tigress, seemed to lack the prowess and deep emotion that normally comes along with playing a tiger.

This movie is great for kids and parents, as it won’t leave the adults squirming to get out of their seats, but will certainly keep the kids chuckling (as seen first hand).

Kung Fu Panda is in Australian cinemas June 26, 2008 (Tasmania June 12 and NT June 19).