Kung Fu Panda 2 - Skidoosh!

Rated: PG for sequences of martial arts action and mild violence

Starring:  Jack Black, Angelina Jolie, Dustin Hoffman

Run Time: 91 min

I really liked Kung Fu Panda so when Kung Fu Panda 2 was scheduled to come via Netflix, I was excited.  And, I wasn't the only one.  My kids and my adult brothers were eager to watch this flick, too.

The viewing of this movie was an entire event for my family.  We went to my brothers' house, made dinner and watched it all together.  Jack Black is a huge celebrity around here.  Not to mention the huge cast of well known actors/actresses who did voices for this.  Not only does the movie have voices from the likes of Dustin Hoffman (Shifu) and Angelina Jolie (Tigress), David Cross does the voice of Crane.  And, what kind of a kung fu movie doesn't feature kung fu artists?  Not this kind.  Jackie Chan (Monkey) and Jean-Claude Van Damme (Master Croc) are familiar kung fu related voices.

The story is a good one.  Po has become the Dragon Warrior and is a local celebrity.  Tigress, Monkey, Crane, Mantis and Viper have all become his friends.  They all work very well together as they keep the Valley of Peace safe from bandits and the like.  That is until they get news of the death of Master Thundering Rhino.  

Shen (Gary Oldman), an evil but beautiful peacock, has created a weapon that will be the death of kung fu.

Will Po and his band of heroes be able to defeat this evil or will it be the death of kung fu?  It's worth the time you'll set aside to find out.

The animation is beautiful and the fight scenes are lots of fun.  Though this movie is rated PG it was just fine for my entire family.  Of course, the two-year-old isn't into movies yet, but the four-year-old sat still in her uncle's lap and the eleven-year-old loved the movie.

I have to admit, the end brought a tear to my eye.  Yes, I know... It's a cartoon!  I might have just been in one of those moods - the kids had been extra trying and my nerves were frazzled.  That's my excuse.

I recommend this movie for full family and extended family viewing.

 

Reviewed by JC Phelps