Movie: Kung Fu Panda 2
Production Company: DreamWorks Animation
Director: Jennifer Yuh Nelson
Producer: Melissa Cobb
Scriptwriters: Jonathan Aibel, Glenn Berger
Main Cast: Jack Black, Angelina Jolie, Dustin Hoffman, Seth Rogen, Lucy Liu, David Cross, Jackie Chan
Release Date: May 26th 2011 (US)
Running Time: 90 minutes
Certificate: PG
Introduction
Well in honour of the slow death of the Kung Fu Panda franchise, we thought we’d look back on its highest high: Kung Fu Panda 2. Are we taking an animated children’s franchise about animal kung fu fighting too seriously? Probably yes but then again when you release a film this damn good all these years later you better believe your fans are going to hold you to a very high standard. So with Kung Fu Panda in cinemas currently, why not revisit the true peak of the franchise in this retro review? Anyway, with that out of the way let’s get into the review of the film now.
Synopsis
Kung Fu Panda once again follows Po (Black) and the Furious Five: Tigress (Jolie), Monkey (Chan), Crane (Cross), Mantis (Rogen) and Viper (Liu) as they face the biggest threat ever seen to Kung Fu in the form of Lord Shen and his deadly cannons. Alongside their Master Shifu (Hoffman), Po and the Furious Five must stop Lord Shen before it’s too late and all of China is subjected to an eternity of imprisonment and technically an eternal year of the peacock. On their journey, Po also discovers more and more about Shen’s connections to his past and his parents who he was forced to leave during a war.
Analysis
The Voice Cast in Kung Fu Panda 2
There’s no better place to start than the sheer stacked nature of the voice cast as Dreamworks definitely got their money’s worth. Look no further than Po as this was still an era where Jack Black hadn’t begun to outstay his welcome by attempting to become a living meme. Here, Black manages to convey a level of emotion and humour which just drives the film along. Because although the film goes pretty dark at points it’s always full of jokes. Just look at the scene where the Soothsayer reveals Po’s destiny and he declares that the only thing he’ll need is a hat. Comedic gold…
Anyway, we’d also be remiss to not credit Gary Oldman as Lord Shen who puts in a phenomenal vocal performance as the murderous peacock: Lord Shen. Just look at the sheer venom he manages to add to his delivery which genuinely makes you forget this is supposed to be a fun, uplifting kids film about silly animals kung fu fighting.
The Score in Kung Fu Panda 2
Also, another huge positive in Kung Fu Panda 2 is the phenomenal score which is done by Hans Zimmer and John Powell. Both of whom are some of the best composers going in Hollywood. Just look at the final battle scene in the harbour which has a track called Zen Ball Master playing over it. Not only does it swell perfectly in time with the scene and the character’s reactions but it also changes styles to fit the mood swings in the film.
I guess this is what happens when you bring in two legends to compose a score for a kids film which stands out as one of the best animated scores going. Also, the music in the scene where Po and the Soothsayer are talking is just as good as it plays into the trauma Po is having to work through in order to find inner peace. Although considering he finds inner peace from thinking about his dead parents maybe that’s questionable….
Summary
To summarise Kung Fu Panda 2, this is still a phenomenal film with a who’s who of great voice actors and a killer score to accompany the wonderful animation. Also, the fact there’s only about 3 years between this and Monsters vs Aliens makes it even more incredible. Mainly the fact it is as good as ever. So if you’re feeling down after a meh Kung Fu Panda 4 viewing, put Kung Fu Panda 2 on and you’ll instantly remember the good times.
Overall Rating: 8/10 – Very Good
Target Audience: 10+
Content Warning: Mild Violence and Gore, Moderate Frightening and Intense Scenes
Recommendation: Yes
