Kung Fu Panda


release year: 2008
genre: animated martial-arts/comedy
viewing setting: cruise ship TV 6/23/12 and home DVD, 1/18/09

synopsis: An overweight panda appears to the the Dragon Warrior, who is the last hope to defend his people against a powerful villain freshly escaped from prison.

impressions: This was like a cross between a kids' cartoon movie and a genuine martial-arts movie. It had all kinds of references to the latter, including plenty of training and fighting scenes, but also plenty of funny moments. I'm not really sure how to classify it further, but it was definitely well worth watching.

something this movie has that no other movie has: an actual mantis using mantis-style kung-fu

acting: There's an all-star cast behind the voices here, including Jack Black, Dustin Hoffman, Angelina Jolie, Jackie Chan, Lucy Liu, and David Cross.

final word: Surprisingly well-done and highly entertaining.

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