Kung Fu Panda

Jack Black - kung fu master. That very thought is both questionable and hilarious, but then again, the entire concept of Kung Fu Panda is questionable and hilarious. The story of a lovable, overweight panda becoming a kung fu legend is more original than it seems.

Po is a well-intentioned but goofy panda in ancient China who works as a waiter but has only one dream - to become a kung fu master. However there are three major problems with this - One, he is stuck as a waiter at a family-owned restaurant. Two, he knows no kung fu whatsoever. And third, he's completely out of shape and overweight.

Meanwhile, Tai Lung is a dangerous tiger who's been locked up in prison for 20 years for trying to steal the fabled Dragon Scroll that apparently holds the secret to eternal power. When he breaks out to take it, the wise Master Oogway knows only the Dragon Warrior can fight it and now must pick the Dragon Warrior. By an accident Po is made the Dragon Warrior, and must train to fight Tai Lung.

It's charm is unique, partially because there's no pop culture references anywhere. It actually does rely on plot and action, and definitely humor. Jack Black provides a great voice and an awesome catchphrase - Skadoosh. The action sequences are actually pretty creative, and another good part of the movie is the cast. Jack Black, Angelina Jolie, Jackie Chan, Dustin Hoffman...They all show great comedic timing...

Now that the Shrek franchise is kind of tired out, I think Dreamworks Animation has found a new franchise. Kung Fu Panda 2, here we come! A-