Kung Fu Panda 2 (PG)

Voices of: Jack Black, Gary Oldman, Seth Rogen, Angelina Jolie

Reviewed,Anthony Quinn
Friday 10 June 2011 00:00 BST
Comments

Your support helps us to tell the story

From reproductive rights to climate change to Big Tech, The Independent is on the ground when the story is developing. Whether it's investigating the financials of Elon Musk's pro-Trump PAC or producing our latest documentary, 'The A Word', which shines a light on the American women fighting for reproductive rights, we know how important it is to parse out the facts from the messaging.

At such a critical moment in US history, we need reporters on the ground. Your donation allows us to keep sending journalists to speak to both sides of the story.

The Independent is trusted by Americans across the entire political spectrum. And unlike many other quality news outlets, we choose not to lock Americans out of our reporting and analysis with paywalls. We believe quality journalism should be available to everyone, paid for by those who can afford it.

Your support makes all the difference.

A second time out for the tubby high-kicking panda was always on the cards once DreamWorks hit the jackpot with the original animation.

Jack Black again does voice duty as Po, the less-than-agile panda who somehow became Dragon Warrior at the end of the first movie – also less than smart given that he's just twigged a crucial detail of his heredity. His dad, Mr Ping the goose, is not actually his dad. Po's inquiry into his past is combined with an urgent mission: an evil peacock tyrant (Gary Oldman) plans to subjugate all of China with his great new gimmick, gunpowder. How can Po and his crew of kung-fu fighters – Tigress, Monkey, Viper, Mantis and Crane – defend themselves and the nation against cannon fire? Strong points are the voicework (particularly Oldman's petulant peacock), some daft stunts (the kung-fu five disguised as a Chinese dragon) and the scenic backdrop, projected in the inevitable 3D. But it drops points for a narrative that overstretches by at least 20 minutes. Kids will love it, though, and parents won't be savagely bored.

Join our commenting forum

Join thought-provoking conversations, follow other Independent readers and see their replies

Comments

Thank you for registering

Please refresh the page or navigate to another page on the site to be automatically logged inPlease refresh your browser to be logged in