2011 was a unique year for filmmaking, as I remember it. It was the year that two of Marvel's films appeared (Thor and Captain America), paving the way for the Avengers the following year. It was also the most disappointing year in Pixar's history, as Cars 2 was released to critical disappointment. I had the unfortunate happening of seeing it in theaters, and I still want my ten dollars back. It wasn't just bad, it was plain awful. For Pixar, who was used to an unbroken record of success, the film was a disaster. To make matters worse for the company, its animated rival DreamWorks had released its film earlier that year, and made around triple what Cars 2 did. And that film, ladies and gentlemen, is the subject of my review today. I give you...Kung Fu Panda 2!
Gary Oldman as Lord Shen
David Cross as Crane
Jackie Chan as Monkey
Seth Rogen as Mantis
Lucy Liu as Viper
Dustin Hoffman as Master Shifu
James Hong as Mr. Ping
Michelle Yeoh as Soothsayer
Danny McBride as Wolf Boss
Dennis Haysbert as Master Storming Ox
Jean-Claude Van Damme as Master Croc
Plot: Life has been good for Po since he became the Dragon Warrior. Loved by the citizens, respected by the Furious Five, he is living the high point of his life. But on a routine mission to apprehend a gang of thieves, he has an unusual flash of a lost memory, one that unnerves him and causes him to question his past.
Meanwhile, in the mighty kingdom of Gongmen City, the powerful Lord Shen, former heir to the throne, returns and defeats the city's guardians with a powerful new weapon, one that is able to overcome any kung fu technique. Po and the Furious Five are sent to stop him from taking over China, but when the two finally meet, Po discovers that he may have seen Shen before...and may be the one who destroyed his past...
The Review: OK, let's just get the most obvious thing done and over with. This is the best-looking animated film of all time, bar none. The environments range from beautiful Chinese forests to colorful urban environments, all the while they look stunning. There's even small moments of traditional 2D animation mixing with 3D, which provide some pretty spectacular results.
The most evident moment of 2D animation is in the opening scene, which is a slick way of introducing some key plot points in the film.
The first action sequence in the film, which happens pretty early on in the film, is synchronized to fit the scene's score. It works pretty well and provides a good laugh, as well as some cool kung fu action.
Speaking of laughs, this film is pretty funny. For putting out a lot of jokes, the film doesn't really feel like a comedy and the humor isn't stale. In fact, it's probably DreamWorks best gag reel ever.
A good movie needs good characters, and something the original film suffered from was the focus was so intent on Po, Shifu and Tai Lung that the other characters felt rather bland. This problem is fixed, as the Furious Five are given a greater overall focus and feel more complete as characters.
On a particular note, Tigress, out of the entire Five, is given the most screen time and we delve into her character more than the others. There's moments when she shows an emotional reaction, but we're left only to guess as to why. I'm not left frustrated but instead curious, as I want to know her story.
Every story needs a good villain, and this film delivers so well it's one of the high points of the whole film. Lord Shen is a sinister, excellent villain who really steals the show. Brilliant voice acting from Gary Oldman combines with Shen's barely concealed insanity for a remarkable villian who brings a dark edge to the film.
In fact, this film is one of the darkest animated films I've come across, almost to the point of too mcuh so. It's an intense, dramatic story. Guillermo Del Toro's involvement in the film provides an emotional punch that is remarkably harsh.
I liked this film a lot, but there was always one scene in the film that stuck with me the most, and I believe is the best scene in the film: The abandoned village. When Po is forced to face the horrors of his past is the culmination of the film's plot. The sequence has an emotional gravity and depth that is unforgettable.
All of the depth is heightened by the score, which is simply superb. Hans Zimmer and John Poweel combine to make an unforgettable score that is well worth listening to.
The flashback sequence is soon followed by two more wonderful scenes, the first of which is the final battle. It's an overload of sheer awesomeness, beautiful visual detailing, and a powerful stand against Lord Shen's completely obvious madness.
Then the film ends on a heartwarming note, bringing Po back to where his journey began: home, with his father. It's a tear-jerker of a moment, and the film ends on a climax that leaves me desperate for more, and eagerly awaiting the third installment of the series.
The Bottom Line: It took me a little time to really appreciate this film, but I believe it's one that stands on its own in a way DreamWorks had never really ventured. I can't think of a single film whose target audience is children having a plot involve genocide. But Del Toro's depth brought a needed boost to the film, making it memorable and touching, perhaps even impactful. As we watch the movie, we see Po seemingly at ease, but a blast from the past reveals hidden unease, and an eventual horror from his past that tortures him. Though horrific as it is, he is somehow able to overcome. Why?
The answer is truly a simple one: The power of darkness is limited. Evil relies on the power and grip it has on us to keep going, to keep torturing us and antagonizing us. Our past can horrify and torment us, telling us it will never go away, and will never be redeemed, but I do not believe that is so. As I heard a wise old goat once say, "Your past may not have a beginning, but it does not make you who you are. It is the rest of your story, who you choose to be..."
As a Christian, I really do believe that is true. We are given free will, and so we have the choice to allow darkness to rule over us, or to fade away and be something greater. We may never forget what has been done, but it does it control you? Does sorrow truly overcome joy? Or does the darkness fade with the rising of the sun?
Well, that marks the end of this review. See you again Wednesday, and be ready for another great film!
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