In the sequel to 2008’s surprise hit, Jack Black returns to lend his voice to Po, the Dragon Warrior Kung Fu Panda. This time Po and his band of fellow Kung Fu heroes; Tigress (Angelina Jolie), Shifu (Dustin Hoffman), Monkey (Jackie Chan), Mantis (Seth Rogen) and Crane (David Cross) must battle the evil Peacock Shen (Gary Oldman) who has discovered that fireworks can be turned into lethal weapons. He plans to use these to take over China and end the world of Kung Fu as we know it!
Was it good?
I personally liked this more than the original 2008 film, the artists have managed to capture the feel of China in such a way that you would think that the surroundings are normal even though the main characters are all animals with a - great - touch of Kung Fu Magic.
In some ways Po’s character has not developed a great deal since the last outing and the other characters don’t get much of a look in either, but Jack Black’s enthusiasm transfers through to the loveable Po in such as away that you can’t help but be amused with the words he says and you are constantly looking forward to his next punch line.
However there are not that many laugh out loud moments it has to be said, but it’s still an entertaining film that gives you some background over Po’s earlier life and his determination to discover his inner peace, which may just turn out to be the key to saving the day (but you will have to watch the film to find out). So you should get plenty of entertainment to see you through to the end of the film with a smile on your face.
The introduction of Gary Oldman as the new villain was genius as it adds a new sense of crazy evil madness to the whole film.
The graphics, sound and fight scenes are also inventive and delivered with plenty of high-end cinematic cartoon CGI action.
So for fans of the first film (or those new to the franchise) its definitely worth a rent or buy over the remaining holiday period.
