Review of Kung Fu Panda 2 (2011) by Chantal B — 16 Jul 2013

It is rare that a film gets this close to perfection. I usually say "Oh yeah, that's a fantastic movie. If only...But..." etc., but this film leaves me gaping for anything negative. It approaches the themes of revenge and adoption with intelligence and real charm. Everyone is well acted, and the colours make me want real life to look that awesome. Not to mention all the 2D animation, the puppets at the beginning - sorry, let me wipe this froth from my lips.

Regarding the villain. First off, Gary Oldman earns you 150 points right from the start. Second, the animation - especially his fight sequences - made me forget to perform basic functions liek breathing. And his scenes with the Goat Seer were also simultaneously hilarious and impeccably subtle. But perhaps my favourite part of his treatment? How Po dealt with the murderer of his family, destroyer of his home, and a proven egomaniac sadist. Not with a need for revenge for the past, but to protect others from the future he would create. Not to destroy him, but to stop him. The intelligence here was astounding. A subtle piece of animation also suggests another answer to the soothsayer's prophecy : that perhaps the warrior of black and white may have had more feathers than fur. Po proves himself, through his earnestness, appreciation of his situation, emotional capacity and understanding to be a true hero, one I actually believe in.

Only drawback: increased use of word 'awesome' after viewing.