Paramount Pictures is having a Summer to remember at the box office this year. First it was Iron Man then came Indiana Jones and The Kingdom of the Crystal Skull. Both films were the weekend box office champions  in their respective released week.  Each one collecting more that $100 millions dollars in their opening weekends. Now the turn is for Kung Fu Panda to match those numbers, which is reachable for this furry, funny and cute big panda.

Kung Fu Panda is the story of Po, a Panda bear that dreams of learning kung fu and becoming a kung fu master. Mainly because of his looks nobody believes that he will be able to learn this ancient art nor become a kung fu master.  After a trail of funny events Po lands in the Jade Palace where he is designated a "Dragon Warrior".  It is this training what leads Po into an endearing yet challenging journey of self discovery. Sounds familiar? Unfortunately it does and that's the area where Kung fu panda disappoints. Regardless of the story line which is funny and children oriented, a different type of plot was expected.  As a result, the writers did an excellent job delivering the message to their main audience, the kids. Five year olds are not going to have any problems absorbing this story.  Older audiences will also be well entertained with this film, since there is plenty of action, jokes and a few grown up comedy lines that makes this film pure family entertainment.

The visual aspect of the movie is golden and the animation is one of  Dreamworks' best.  An attempt to put to use new technology into the most dramatic scenes, the sound was a big match and that's what this film delivers. It is easy to see the detailed work in cinematography when an ancient Chinese town is well illustrated as well as the Jade Temple and surroundings uncovering memories of the many martial arts Chinese movies for some of the old crowd and for the young exposing them to new lands and frontiers.

Jack Black and Dustin Hoffman voices' in this film were just right. Each one giving strong life to their characters, especially Jack Black who provided that special touch that only he can give to his characters. The rest of the cast (Angelina Jolie, Jackie Chan and Lucy Liu ) were ok.  The biggest problem is that the script didn't provide supporting characters enough dialogue for these actors to expand their talents.  On the other hand, children get to know "the legendary furious five" kung fu masters which as animals use their animal characteristics to fight the evil Tai Lung.

This cute, furry and funny film is set to get all audiences crazy about a little more than the Panda dance and that is to "be your own hero". It is just full family entertainment
 

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