Movie review: Kung Fu Panda 2 3D

Po hasn't lost his charm. Photo / Supplied

One of modern animation's most lovable characters, Po, and his team of butt-kicking kung fu masters are back in Kung Fu Panda 2, a darker, more intense, 3D version that achieves a new level of awesomeness, just.

When first reacquainted with Po, we're reassured that scoring his dream job as the legendary Dragon Warrior hasn't gone to his head; he's trying to break his own record for how many pork buns he can fit in his mouth. Those who don't know Po may find this a rather frivolous challenge for one of the world's finest martial arts masters. Those who know Po will be delighted that he retains his slightly "stoner" approach to life.

In fact, Kung Fu Panda 2 retains plenty of its predecessor's charm. There's Po's fanboy passion for kung fu, exotic Eastern settings, and the influence of Chinese art and shadow puppets in the animation.

It also goes back and fleshes out how Po, a panda, came to have a goose for a father, an issue raised but not fully explored in the original film. This is something rather obvious to the audience so feels a little like old ground, but it comes as a shock for Po and gives him something other than noodles and kung fu to worry about. It also leads us into an exciting new adventure with Po battling Lord Chen (Gary Oldman), a sinister albino peacock with plans to take over China and destroy kung fu.

It's a lot of responsibility for Po and his team; what with saving kung fu and the world, finding "inner peace", and cracking jokes. Our anti-hero comes through it relatively well though, and is still responsible for most of the laughs, even though the more serious subject matter hinders Jack Black's normal amusing flow of banter. Oldman does such a good job finding his inner evil peacock that even the famous voices behind The Furious Five (Angelina Jolie, Seth Rogen, Lucy Liu, Jackie Chan and David Cross) don't get much of a look in, although Rogen gets his share of good quips.

So, it's more of the same but a little better, with more depth and a real sense of urgency. Its not essential viewing in 3D but the 3D does nicely accentuate the flash animated action that rocks along at a dizzying pace. The question is, can the kids keep up with the pace, and can the team at DreamWorks Animation top it next time?

Stars: 3.5/5
Cast: Jack Black, Gary Oldman
Director: Jennifer Yuh
Running time: 90 mins
Rating: PG (Low level violence)
Verdict: Vibrant, fun and full of action, Po fans won't be disappointed

- TimeOut