Kung Fu Panda

The ancient-China-set story follows lazy, clumsy panda, Po (Jack Black) who dreams of Kung Fu stardom while working away at his dad’s noodle joint. His fantasy becomes reality when, at a ceremony where Master Oogway (Randall Duk Kim) is to choose the next Kung Fu master, Po is accidentally selected (though as Oogway explains – “there are no accidents”). Despite objections from teacher Shifu (Dustin Hoffman), Po fumbles his way through training alongside his heroes the Furious Five - Tigress, Crane, Mantis, Viper and Monkey. They are preparing for the return of the vengeful and treacherous snow leopard Tai Lung (Ian McShane) who is headed their way.
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I apologise, we feel bad, but there's no trailer available. ~Ed.

Rating: 3 Flicks Review:

Guaranteed household hit right here. The kids will leave the cinema kung-fu chopping the air and pleading for a pet panda. Kung Fu Panda is affable, humorous, visually gorgeous and will charm the pants off many… despite relying on a heavily formulaic story.

Asides from the attention to detail and the pretty colour palette – making the most of a high mountain setting and a mystic haze – there are also some surreal moments that are visually inspired. The characters are lovingly brought to life with great, idiosyncratic movements and solid voice work from Jack Black, Dustin Hoffman and especially Randall Duk Kim as the tortoise Kung Fu guru. The whole design and it's gentle cadence is striking – quite simple, but quite elegant – making for a pleasant place to get lost in for 90 minutes.

It’s also free of the pop culture references and audience winking that is plaguing children’s animation. Pity though it couldn’t break the shackles of the sleepy, animated film formula story-wise. After a few scenes you can guess what will happen and you’ll guess right. Our hero reaches his greatest challenge and realises the key he needs is found in self-belief, just like Nemo, like Woody, like Flick, like Mr Incredible, like Sully, like Lightening McQueen, etc. It makes me sigh. Be that as it may, recommended.

By Paul Scantlebury, Flicks.co.nz

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Release date: June 26th 2008.

We haven't received times for this movie in this location yet. However these are updated as cinemas announce them, so check back soon. Hopefully the lovely cinemas in your location will choose to play it shortly. ~Ed.