"your evilness is annoying me..." ~ PO ~
A perennial sequel and a sure fire hit for movie-goers. Most sequels are usually a tad below the first film that contains a forcibly pushing and "interesting" storyline. If you include high expectations, the audiences are already inclined and definitely no one is going to make a smile once the sequel starts. Kung Fu Panda was a big hit way back in 2008 and in fact, it was even nominated in the Academy Awards. The sequel proves itself to be better than the first.
Po (Jack Black) is now living his dream as the fabled Dragon Warrior who lived rather a comfortable life protecting the citizens at the Valley of Peace. In a slap of a finger all changes when the town is attacked by a mob of wolves who intend to get all the metals they can. Po and the Furious Five thwarts attack but Po suddenly turns for a flashback when he was left by his mother and soon finds out that he was actually adopted. They also discover that the attack was organized by Lord Shen (Gary Oldman) who has a secret weapon that not only threatens to end the art of Kung Fu but also get all of China for his own selfish deeds. Po and his troops soon embark on a mission to stop the evil Lord along the way, Po might just find out who he truly is.
"Kung Fu Panda 2" is a typical sequel. It was actually an overpowering experience compared to the first film and yet you will feel really good enough to give it a merit. In fact it utilizes a variety of art styles: watercolor-like landscapes, shadow puppet-inspired flashbacks and jangly, hard-edged anime for the harsh recovered memories that Po the Panda (voice of Jack Black) suffers when a visual cue triggers long-repressed horrors that triggers the story as well.
The biggest culprit of the film is its storyline as expected. The musicality was extraordinarily made and was very ingenious using musical instruments in fights scenes that spice up its coolness! Such plot quibbles aside, the film works on both aesthetic and emotional levels and was truly stunning to behold. The audience will feel a sense of touch, value and a pinch to their hearts. It was quite surprising to see such horrific textures on a high-budgeted film. Even though there were scenes that were truly breathtaking, it was pretty sure that you will enjoy the rest of the film once you get along with it. What saves "Kung Fu Panda 2" is by sticking a winning formula presented by the first one and actually a big improvement on it. The action sequences are much better and more entertaining plus the add-on punchlines that add color to the film.
A movie to watch out for… to have an inner peace. c”,)
