What Do The Critics Say?

"Blow me down if it isn't a pretty fine kung fu movie, when all is said and done: carefully sanitised for your child's protection, obviously, but Yuh stages some wholly exciting battle sequences, making good use of the fact that in animation, you can put the camera wherever you damn well want, and you can have your characters do things that physics don't quite allow for. As far as a '70s chopsocky film for wee folk in the 2010s, this is pretty fun stuff." Tim Brayton ANTAGONY & ECSTASY "As sequels go, Kung Fu Panda 2 is quite good, a particular compliment at this point in the movie season. It’s tricky to change the thrust and the tone of a story in its second installment, but I think the creators of Kung Fu Panda 2 have pulled it off." Leonard Maltin INDIEWIRE "Some of the year's best fight sequences, and inarguably the best use of 3-D in a long time. The first Kung Fu Panda opened up new fighting possibilities by showing us animals that actually embody the different styles and use their differing physicality to great advantage in battle. Open that up further to 3-D, and it's sure to equal fun for fighting fans of all ages." Luke Y Thompson E! ONLINE "With an all-star voice cast, gorgeous animation and a story that both thrills and tugs the heartstrings, it's as good a 'toon as we're likely to see all year." David Edwards DAILY MIRROR "Kung Fu Panda 2 is just as fun, entertaining, goofy and lovable as the first one, with an additional depth that adults will love. Writers Jonathan Aibel and Glenn Berger never lose sight of what kids want as Po still bumbles along, makes us laugh at his kookiness. Entertaining, goofy and lovable with an additional depth that adults will love." Willie Waffle WAFFLE MOVIES "A knowing script, beautifully bright animation and a truly towering effort from Black combine to create a cracker of a family film. Jack Black's return as Po the Kung Fu Panda is smack on target. like The Empire Strikes Back, we have here that rarest of cinematic treasures — a sequel that surpasses its predecessor on almost every front." James O'Brien DAILY MAIL (UK)

"Life lessons and loving Chinese cultural references rendered by turns sweet, scary and charming, with yet more fantastical kung fu, make this an engaging winner. DreamWorks’ sequel has been lavished with everything it takes to make it bigger and arguably better, and it does not disappoint in the awesomeness. Furiously flying fists, feet and wings are just one aspect of a fine, fun tale of destiny." Angie Errigo EMPIRE MAGAZINE "There’s something inherently funny about the notion of a tubby panda serving up awesome martial-arts moves and slacker-specialist Black remains a perfect fit for the role. Another knockout combination of vibrant animation, energetic action and nifty jokes." James Best MOVIE TALK "As with the first one, this film combines exquisite, Asian-influenced design and a story that includes the classic heroic themes and gentle humor. The action sequences are exciting, especially a sensational scene with our heroes hiding out in a dragon costume." Nell Minnow BELIEF NET "Panda hero saves the day in surprisingly deep family film. Not surprisingly, there’s plenty of action: including explosions, swordfights, and lots of kung fu fisticuffs. Unlike the first film, this one is offered in 3-D, which can make some of the sequences feel more intense." COMMONSENSE MEDIA "Rarely is a sequel even close to as good as the original. The franchise hits a better stride with Kung Fu Panda 2. Plenty of slapstick add positive punctuation to the predictable plot and No. 2 is funnier and more fun than the original." Gary Wolcott TRI-CITY HERALD "The movie is as busy and crisply detailed as ever, and the action sequences involving rickshaw chases, martial arts dust-ups and cannonball juggling score high." Alan Jones RADIO TIMES "The verbal and physical comedy are a given, and probably as much to do with the script and vibrant animation as the acting. But the way Po’s search for answers brings to mind: yes, I’ll say it!; Luke Skywalker is almost entirely down to the performance. A knowing script, beautifully bright animation and a truly towering effort from Black combine to create a cracker of a family film." James O'Brien MAIL ONLINE

The Inside Story Jennifer Yuh Nelson, the director of "Kung Fu Panda 2", had three different titles on the first "Kung Fu Panda" adventure: Head of Story, Actions Sequences Supervisor and Dream Sequence Director. And just as Po followed his path to becoming the Dragon Warrior, Nelson had her own journey. "Jen was there from the beginning, and was really instrumental in helping to shape the story. If there is anyone who knows this material, these characters and this world, it is Jen," producer Melissa Cobb ("EverAfter") stateS. "Her becoming the director of "Kung Fu Panda 2" was the most natural progression imaginable." "I grew up with Hong Kong action movies, and I brought that sensibility as Head of Story on 'Kung Fu Panda'. I was pretty gung ho for all of us to be in that mindset, and I continued that push on this film," says Nelson ("Spirit: Stallion of the Cimarron"). "I think one of the keys is that we’re all conversant in that vernacular now. And in working on "Kung Fu Panda 2", that shared experience has come with us, and it informs the story we are telling and the manner in which it is told. Our goal was to take ‘Kung Fu Panda’ and Po to the next level." Just as Po has become a better warrior, his newest adventure reflects his deeper immersion into the world of kung fu. "This film follows more in the tradition of martial arts movies. There are often questions that arise about a newly anointed hero’s past and there are those who seek to challenge his authority," Nelson notes. "Since the release of "Kung Fu Panda", there has been one burning question that people are desperate to answer. The question that defies explanation is: Why is Po's dad a goose? For Po, the Dragon Warrior, it was logical for him to finally realize his father is not his biological father and to seek his origin. While doing so, he learns his past is tied to Lord Shen. The peacock’s challenge is not random, it is the working of fate: something that also figures prominently in martial arts films. And it is only when he learns the truth about who he is that Po is able to confront Shen and his army. "In the first film, we learned that heroes come in all shapes and sizes as Po fulfilled his destiny and became the Dragon Warrior. In the sequel, we learn that fate leads us to our destiny, bringing people into our lives that protect us and those that challenge us," Nelson explains, "allowing us to realize our full potential." Po’s story began in the winter of 2008, when DreamWorks Animation’s "Kung Fu Panda" hit motion picture screens around the globe. The tale of the day dreaming noodle maker with aspirations of kung fu greatness found a widespread audience who happily accompanied Po on his journey from kung fu super fan to kung fu hero. The action-packed family comedy grossed more than $US633 million worldwide, was nominated for the Academy Award® for Best Animated Feature Film and took home ten Annie Awards (the animation industry’s highest honor). "With the first film, we really did set out to make an animated movie that people could enjoy with their families for years to come. We were intent on making a film that felt timeless, while being respectful to the kung fu action genre," says Cobb (TV'S "They Shoot Divas, Don't They?"). "What we have in the sequel is the evolution of a hero: which isn’t a straight path; or a standard arc. And evolution takes time, so we’re committed to going with Po on his journey. When "Kung Fu Panda 2" started to take shape, it was an organic extension of the story that we began." "Kung Fu Panda" screenwriters Jonathan Aibel ("Monsters vs Aliens") and Glenn Berger (TV'S "King of the Hill") were thrilled to return to continue Po’s story. Aibel sumed up the thoughts and feelings of the creative teams: "Working on the first, it was fantastic, a giant collaboration. I think the best thing we can say about the group of people working on the first movie is that they all wanted to be a part of the second movie. That’s pretty rare in Hollywood. I mean, the heads of nearly every department on this movie were in the same job on the first movie. People say once they started working for Po, they didn’t want to leave." The screenwriters had joined filmmakers on the first film to focus the story. It was Aibel and Berger’s job to refine the story, bring it back to Po and his legacy, and help define the story’s tone. As their final script did just that, their services were retained to pen "Kung Fu Panda 2", as both writers and co-producers. "When you become enmeshed in the development of a character, there is no stopping place. We always imagined we had more story to tell with the continuation of Po and his journey," Cobb offered. "When you love your work as much as Glenn and I loved working on Po and Shifu and all the others, your brain is constantly churning out story possibilities and since we were there when the groundwork was laid, we know the characters inside and out, so getting to take them further is another great day at the office," Aibel noted. When work began in earnest on the first film, there was no parental figure for Po. As the story developed, the writers felt that such a role was necessary for the panda’s story. So how did they choose Mr Ping, the goose, for fatherhood? "The obvious choice would be to just give Po a panda dad, but we always knew we wanted Po to be the only panda in the village," Aibel explained. For 2009 Kids' Choice U.S.A. Award winner Jack Black, returning to the character of Po was a chance to spend more time with one of his most beloved characters. Thanks to Po, Black had the chance to kick off the 2008 Cannes Film Festival ("Kung Fu Panda" was the first film screened), by leading a parade of marchers dressed in panda costumes. Black recalls another unique opportunity the role of Po afforded him. "A few months ago, I got to go to the Atlanta Zoo, and see the latest panda born in captivity: and they named him Po. Wow! I’d say that’s a pretty big deal. He’s not ready for a throw-down yet, but give him time. He’s gonna be one heck of a panda, I just know it." For even the most casual of observers, it’s evident that Mr. Ping, a noodle-making goose, is not Po’s biological father, but the story does address exactly what makes a parent. Black, who gained a much deeper appreciation of martial arts due to his involvement with the franchise, admits to practicing kung fu. "Yes, I did some training in kung fu, for both films. It wasn’t just for research purposes, it was also to kind of get in shape. What really drew me is that there’s a combination of exercise and self-defense, along with a third, sort of unseen, component: a spiritual one. When you’re really practicing kung fu, living it and feeling it, there’s a meditative quality that seeps in. It feels almost religious." Now a package deal, the Dragon Warrior comes with the Furious Five. Both writers were more than happy to welcome the entire gang back. "In the first film, we were busy telling the story of Po’s training with Shifu, so we didn’t get as much time as we wanted to with the Furious Five. But now, we have the great opportunity to have them along on this journey with Po and have them in more scenes," Berger revealed. "For any writer, any one of those would be enough." As Tigress (perhaps the most accomplished fighter of the Furious Five), 2000 Oscar ® winner Angelina Jolie ("Girl, Interrupted") was also happy to return. Like Black, she too was enthusiastic when she found out that her character would be undergoing some changes as well. "First and foremost, Tigress is a fighter, and she’s out to get the bad guy. But what’s nice about this story is that she has a bit of a breakthrough and learns to be nicer. Her pride was wounded when she was not chosen to be the Dragon Warrior, and it took her a while to get over being angry at Po and the universe, in general." When asked to name one of the best things about working on the 'Panda' films, Jolie joked: "You get to come to work in your pajamas." Apparently, choice of work attire also played a great part in why 1980 & '89 Oscar winner ® Dustin Hoffman ("Kramer vs Kramer" & "Rain Man") returned for a second stint: although in a somewhat, poetic sense. "Providing the voice of Shifu again was like slipping into a comfortable robe, assuming a meditative pose and settling into a tranquil state of mind. That pretty much describes the atmosphere created by the wonderful filmmakers at DreamWorks Animation, as well. I’ve had great fun working on both 'Panda' films. I’m greatly impressed by the creative passion and artistic talent I have encountered along the way." For 1992 & '03 Golden Horse Award winner Jackie Chan ("Supercop" & "Crime Story"), silliness was a requirement most days. The character’s joking manner was perfectly served by Chan’s jovial work attitude and it could almost be mistaken for a case of type casting. "It’s so much fun playing Monkey that it doesn’t even feel like a job. We’re very much alike. We’re good at martial arts, and we can use joking as a screen, to hide the fact that before our opponents know it, while they’re laughing, we’ve beaten them. But then a lot of times, I just joke for fun. "The joke quotient, according to three time Canadian Comedy Award winner Seth Rogen (who returns as the tiny but mighty Mantis), is one of the reasons for the success of the films. Considering the 'Furious Five', Rogen observed: "The dynamic between the characters is funny, honestly, just from a sheer physical standpoint, they look pretty funny together. It’s just an odd collection of animals to see in one place, and the actors they have doing them are funny." Returning as the seductive fighter Viper, two time Screen Actors Guild Award winner Lucy Liu ("Ally McBeal" & "Chicago") couldn’t have been happier that the project was heading into a second chapter. "My experience with the first one was incredible. And then to find out that they wanted to do it again was even more exciting: mostly based on the reaction of the kids that I know that loved the first one. When they saw the movie, a lot of them didn’t know that I was playing Viper, because some are younger and they don’t really associate me with my voice. But once they got that concept, and figured out it was me, suddenly, I was like the President of the United States!" The forever wry David Cross says he's just happy to have a job. "Yeah, the first one was fun and all. I mean, I felt certain that there would be a 'Kung Fu Crane' spin off, because let’s face it, who wouldn’t plonk down hard-earned cash to see that?" As Po’s father, the goose Mr Ping, James Hong (a veteran character actor with more than sixty years worth of performances) found the first film 'awesome' without any thought of biology or parentage. "I was flabbergasted by the whole thing, the process, the way it was put together. I just could not believe what I was seeing, in the sense that it was amazing to finally 'see' my voice coming out of Ping." What's It All About?

Po is now living his dream as The Dragon Warrior, protecting the Valley of Peace alongside his friends and fellow masters, The Furious Five: Tigress; Monkey; Mantis; Viper and Crane. But, according to his mentor kung fu guru Master Shifu, unless Po finds inner peace, he will never achieve complete fulfillment. As Master Shifu explains: there are things in the past that can have deep concequences. Before they can finish their conversation a warning bell rings out. They are under attack. Warriors under the control of the evil Lord Shen, are taking everything made of iron. During the confrontation, memories hidden in the darkets recesses of Po's mind are ignited. After the villians have escaped, Po, looking for answers seeks out his father Mr Ping. Now Po must look to his past and uncover the secrets of his mysterious origins: only then will he be able to unlock the strength he needs to succeed.

The Verdict "Jack Black and those who voiced the on-screen characters: Mr Ping, Shifu and the 'Furious Five' in "Kung Fu Panda"; are back in "Kung Fu Panda 2"; another rollicking, mad-cap adventure that once again provides a crowd-pleasing experience. Cinemagoers who were swept up by the massive appeal of 'Kung Fu Panda" and its wonderful characters, should get their monies worth with this sequel. Why? Because it exceeds the original on every level: and that, as we all know; is a rarity in the film industry. But (and isn't there always a 'but'), "Kung Fu Panda 2" not only outdoes its predecessor, it also outshines the latest offering from Walt Disney Pictures/Pixar Animation Studios, which, by the way, also happens to be a sequel: "Cars 2". "Kung Fu Panda 2" is, in fact, much more family friendly, more endearing, more exciting, the action segments are more spectacular and the laughs come thick and fast. Throw into the mix the heartfelt revelation as to Po's origin (a panda with a duck for its father?) and the bar is raised even higher. Unlike "Cars 2", "Kung Fu Panda 2" fires on all cyclinders throughout. Excellent. 5 STARS." Who's Voice Is That?

Jack Black Angelina Jolie Dustin Hoffman Gary Oldman Jackie Chan Seth Rogen Lucy Liu David Cross James Hong Michelle Yeoh Danny McBride Dennis Haysbert Jean-Claude Van Damme Victor Garber

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Po Tigress Shifu Shen Monkey Mantis Viper Crane Mr Ping Soothsayer Wolf Boss Master Ox Master Croc Master Rhino

The Production Team Directed by Jennifer Yuh Nelson Written by Jonathan Aibel & Glenn Berger Additional story Ryan Crego/Ed Gombert/Robert Koo/Simon Wells Produced by Melissa Cobb Executive P roducer Guillermo del Toro Original Music by John Powell & Hans Zimmer Film Editing by Maryann Brandon & Clare De Chenu Production Design by Raymond Zibach Run Time 90 minutes Rated PG [AUST] Copyright ©2011 - Paramount Pictures - All Rights Reserved ©1999-2011 - The Movie Pages & Impact Internet Services - All Rights Reserved. Protected by Australian & International Copyright, Trademark Laws & Intellectual Property Rights.