Prepare for Awesomeness

Dreamworks Animation’s latest summer release, “Kung Fu Panda,” is being promoted with the tagline: “Prepare for awesomeness.” Prepare yourselves, indeed.

 “Kung Fu Panda” tells the comical tale of Po, a plump, clumsy panda from the Valley of Peace who dreams of one day becoming a great martial arts warrior, and ends up discovering the importance of believing in oneself.

 The film deviates from Dreamworks’ usual slew of pop culture references by relying on mostly good old slapstick humor. It also pays homage to classic martial arts cinema a la “Kill Bill”, while staying within PG limits. Chopsticks double as weapons, familiar “hi-yahs!” of attack rip through the air and even various styles of Kung Fu fighting are carefully choreographed to match each character.

 Although many clichés are employed, the film is not a parody. The detailed backgrounds reflect actual ancient Chinese landscapes, while the soundtrack embodies a traditional Chinese influence with flutes and percussion. The sometimes-formulaic plot of a Kung Fu master guiding a new protégé to greatness is given a fresh spin, as Master Shifu (Dustin Hoffman) guides Po (Jack Black) along the path after he leaves behind his life as a noodle shop employee. Master Shifu trains Po by tempting him with food. 

 Jack Black, who was perfectly cast, throws himself into the role of Po with all the energy and hilarity that audiences now associate with him. His performance allows Po to come to life right from the movie’s opening 2-D sequence before it segues into CGI.

 We laugh with (and at) Po, but there are also moments where his sincerity and ambition makes it possible for us to believe in him despite his obvious setbacks. Other portrayals of animated, talking animals have fallen flat in the past, but Black succeeds in delivering up a flawed yet genuine hero.

 In addition to Master Shifu, The Furious Five also live within the Jade Palace: Tigress (Angelina Jolie), Viper (Lucy Liu), Crane (David Cross), Monkey (Jackie Chan) and Mantis (Seth Rogan).The Furious Five are Kung Fu inspirations to Po, who longs to fight and train with them, even when they scorn him. Although Black shares screen time with these big Hollywood names, the movie always keeps a close focus on Po and he is rarely overshadowed.

 Ian McShane also stands out in the role of Tai Lung, Master Shifu’s former protégé-turned-enemy. As a menacing snow leopard that makes the Furious Five look like amateurs, Tai Lung is intent on stealing the coveted Dragon Scroll from Po. For a cartoon, the expository story between Mater Shifu and Tai Lung is surprisingly emotional.

Applause erupted from a theater packed with viewers of all ages as the end credits rolled. If Dreamworks has let you down in the past this may be the movie that redeems it. And you will probably be saying “Skadoosh!” long after the movie leaves theatres.