Kung Fu Panda 2 [3D] (2011)
Full review: 2011 finally bring us the long-awaited sequel to one of the most enjoyable and visually-stunning animated features in cinematic history, and while "Kung Fu Panda 2" doesn't exceed expectations, it very well satisfies them. The story, though overly familiar and utterly predictable, is hugely entertaining nonetheless, and moves along at a nicely brisk pace, without wasting too much time on introducing the brand new villain and the other new characters, plus, it fits well with the plot of the first movie, especially the part telling the story of baby Po. The script is funny, clever and witty, and it provides many laughs along the way, as well as plenty of hilarious situations that our favorite characters create. However, the most impressive thing about this sequel is the animation itself. Not sure if it's because of her Asian origins, but former assistant designer Jennifer Yuh does an incredible with her directing debut of "Kung Fu Panda 2". Yuh certainly has an eye for detail, a great sense of visual style, and overall, she shows an incredible creativity as a director. Thanks to her competence and previous experience, and animators' astounding skills, "Kung Fu Panda 2" is nothing short of dazzling, visually. The CGI scenery of ancient China is as exotically-exquisite as it's accurate, featuring glorious mountains, stunning cities and beautiful bamboo forests and waterfalls, plus, the amazing use of 3D adds to the overall marvellous look of the film. Just like in the predecessor, the action sequences are one of the film's highlights - they're dynamic, flawlessly-choreographed and thrilling to watch, and arguably better than most fights in any live-action movie. The characters are wonderfully-designed and thoroughly engaging, with special mention goes to baby panda, Po, and the newly introduced characters, Shen and Soothsayer. Unfortunately, I can't comment on the voice acting, as I saw the dubbed version of movie, but I bet the fantastic cast involved has done a great job.
Overall summary: Although it hardly surpasses the delightful awesomeness of the first movie, "Kung Fu Panda 2" is a more-than-worthy sequel, that fascinates with an enjoyable story and charming characters, and stuns the viewer with its first-rate animation, splendid visuals and absolutely great use of 3D.
12 comments:
I didn't see this in 3D, but I'm sure it must have been great from your opinion. I enjoyed this as much as you did, great review George! :D
This movie is awesome. I agree with everything (almost everything, I'll explain later), especially great Yuh's directorial debut and stunning CGI. As for the thing, I don't really agree, I found this one even better, just a little bit, than the original movie. I think that the sequel was more dynamic and beautful. I love both films though.
Knew you'd enjoy it! Yeah, the visuals were stunning, and I liked the different animation styles. Bummer about the dubbing. I prefer subtitles.
And how on earth do I sign in (to the left) for my visit to be counted?
Still waiting to see this. Great review!
Just got through watching Troll Hunter - I liked it! The humor surprised me. Such a unique film and the ending was funny - "Yes, we have trolls!" Just like the end of Iron Man.
I really loved this movie even though I did not laugh out loud as much as I did in the first. The first is still the best, but this story was great and I loved the end when he hugs Tigress and the jaws of the rest of the Furious Five gape open like broken gates.
Super review! You have such an excellent, fun descriptive style. Hugs!
J-Son, buddy, there were certain scenes that looked stunning in 3D. It was the best 3D in an animated movie since "Tangled", and I'm really glad I didn't watch it in 2D. :)
It was fantastic, wasn't it? :)
Lesya, it was awesome indeed. I liked pretty much everything about it, though I thought it lacked the wit and the originality of the first movie. CGIs-wise, it was absolutely mind-blowing. I loved both films as well.. even better than some Pixar movies :)
Alex, I certainly did! :) It's being dubbed because of the kids you know. The theater was full of children, most of them so young, I doubt they could read subtitles. Our voice cast did an awesome job though.. I was pleased with the dubbing. ;)
Alex, I was asking myself the same thing. The interesting thing is, none of my regular readers gets counted, which is kinda weird. I thought visitors should be logged in through Google Friend Connect for their visit to be counted, but obviously that's not the case. :(
Matty, you should give it a shot as soon as you can. It's utterly fantastic!
Alex, so glad you dug "Troll Hunter"! :) Yes, I hate when this type of films take themselves too seriously, and this one didn't... at all! I was so unique and different, and the scenery was incredible. The bridge sequence in the middle of the film was the highlight in my book.
Mel, I agree 100%! Though I liked it a lot, I thought the original was funnier and wittier than the sequel. Yep, the final sequence was hysterical! I laughed so hard when Crane's beak dropped off. :)
Ah, thanks, sweetheart. You know how valuable your opinion is to me. HUGS!
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