Review of Kung Fu Panda 2 (2011) by Andry R — 30 Oct 2012

"How many times do I have to kill the same stinking panda?!.".

The first 'Kung Fu Panda' surprised me, I saw the trailers and the fact that it said "Starring Jack Black" and I was immediately un-interested. So I put it off but eventually I reluctantly gave it a watch and it was good - it was very well animated and the setting designs were superb.

So I had good hopes for the sequel. I expected more of the same which is what I got but this time more focused and with the character development out of the quicker to the plot.

The plots villain is more central this time with 'Gary Oldman' taking the reins - in glorious fashion. He never gives a bad performance is stand-out as the peacock 'Lord Shen'. The plot of a few warriors taking on a 'emporer' type is a call-back to the classic chinese war epics. A team tackling unbeatable odds but Po's origins are the main focus (mirroring 'Lord Shen' and showing an opposite angry side.) and bits are learnt here and there as the story progresses, with the result ending with a possibility of a 3rd film.

The character designs are just as good as the first with the Wolves, Peacock and a few others added all perfectly fit in and superbly animated. The backgrounds are better this time around with more elaborate settings and visuals.

'Kung Fu Panda 2' is an improvement in most aspects with a more-to-the-point plot and superior backgrounds and a fantastic villain performance of 'Oldman'. There's not much wrong here but it's not a big step-forward and more of the same. 'Dreamworks' are clearly improving with this and 'How to Train Your Dragon' they're going in the right direction I just hope it continues.