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Movies and Life - by Tracy

'A good story should surprise you as it unfolds. Then afterwards it should seem the story could only have unfolded that way.’ Ken Loach

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Movies and Life - June 2008

Kung Fu Panda - a review

June 12th 2008 22:53

Sydney's premiere at the State Theatre

Kung Fu Panda is Jack Black’s latest animated jaunt. Black plays the voice of Po, a bumbling, affable panda who yearns to become a martial arts star. He currently works in his father’s noodle shop, worlds away from fulfiling his dream. His father, a kind yet humble goose, wants his son to continue the family business with the same noodle zeal he has.

Po’s heroes are the Famous Five, a tightknit clique consisting of: Tigress (Angelina Jolie), Monkey (Jackie Chan), Viper (Lucy Liu), Crane (David Cross), and Mantis (Seth Rogen). The tempestuous team is led by Master Shifu (Dustin Hoffman).

The tortoise Master Oogway (Randall Duk Kim) organises a formal ceremony to determine the next Dragon Warrior to defend the kingdom. Everyone expects him to pick from among the Furious Five, but by fluke Po, a late-arriving spectator becomes the Dragon Warrior.

Master Shifu, a small red panda needs to train Po for the ultimate fight with villain Tai Lung (Ian McShane). This seems an unlikely quest until Shifu releases that Po is capable of amazing feats in the hope for food. He decides to use this talent to motivate Po into learning.

At all opportunities, The Famous Five cruelly scorn and ridicule him for his rotund shape and ineptness. Po endures their wrath, still hoping to become something better than the failure he thinks he is, while Master Oogway encourages the panda to believe in himself.

This a parable about dreams, a reminder that even the most unlikely candidates can achieve if they work hard enough. Infused with humour and CGI glory, the action sequences deftly negotiate the fine line between being physically believable and becoming too graphic for children who are the film’s primary audience.

Thank-you to Paramount Pictures for my invite to this preview at the beautifully majestic State Theatre and the glimpse of Jack Black cavorting on the red carpet.

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Posted By: Tracy - Category: Reviews

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Comments

25 Comments. [ Add A Comment ]

Comment by tlcorbin

June 13th 2008 06:30

Coffee Quip
A Global Citizen
Paranormal Paranormal
Is Why
Alaska Chronicle

I want to enjoy the show Tracy, not analyze it. Raven

Comment by Michaelie

June 13th 2008 10:08

Flick Wit

Raven - what?

Trace - Sounds good, sounds better than the other kids' flicks being popped out at a manic pace at the moment. I've gone a bit off Jack Black in recent years, though I used to find him funny.

Po sounds like a character I could bond with.

Mich

Comment by tlcorbin

June 13th 2008 12:56

Coffee Quip
A Global Citizen
Paranormal Paranormal
Is Why
Alaska Chronicle

Uh, sorry Mich, I haven't gotten to see the movie as yet, and when I do, I just want to settle in with my popcorn, jumbo cold drink, licorice, juju b's, red hot's, hot dogs n mustard, donuts, chips, bon-bons, news paper n a few snacks to watch the preview and movie with in the company of a small intimate group of 300 and my wife; if I analyze the movie first, I'll be off my feed so to speak when I finally get to view it. I look to be surprised and amused, not fulfilled.

Comment by tlcorbin

June 13th 2008 13:01

Coffee Quip
A Global Citizen
Paranormal Paranormal
Is Why
Alaska Chronicle

Comment by Michaelie

June 13th 2008 20:35

Flick Wit

Ohhh, now I catch your meaning.

Comment by Tracy

June 13th 2008 23:03

Movies and Life

Hi Raven

I see what you mean now, Raven. I was a bit perplexed, wondering how I could write a review without some analysis! It’s a good film, I enjoyed it.

Thanks for popping in,

Tracy

Comment by Tracy

June 13th 2008 23:08

Movies and Life

Hi Mich

I found this film isn’t as heavy-handed as other films in its genre. It’s less-forced and gimmicky and thankfully less formulaic.

Po definitely is a character that’s easy to bond with

Thanks for your comments,

Tracy

Comment by Ash

June 16th 2008 08:48

Australian Traveller
Flashes of memories

Hiya Tracy

I cannot wait to see this - I just love animated films, even if I have to stand in line with all the kids to buy my ticket

There is nothing like an afternoon spent living through the imagination of a child once again!

Ash

Comment by Tracy

June 16th 2008 20:33

Movies and Life

Hi Ash

It sounds like you would enjoy this one. Po is quite an adorable character and the animation is great.

Feel free to pop back when you've seen it,

Tracy

Comment by Aimzster

June 17th 2008 23:27

Health and Beauty
Reality TV
The Jeepney Stop

I'm not a fan of Jack Black movies but heck, I can see him as a panda. Will definitely watch this movie. Can't wait!

Comment by Tracy

June 17th 2008 23:52

Movies and Life

Hi Aimszter

I'm not the biggest Jack Black fan either. It's not that I don't like him, rather he's not as amazing as he's portrayed. Having said that, he is great in this one.

I wouldn't put this up in the Shrek realm as it's more low-key and less flashy. I think that's why I liked it, it seemed less concerned with hype.

Thanks for popping in,

Tracy

Comment by Always Eighteen

June 18th 2008 12:31

Always Eighteen

Hey Tracy!

Just looking at the last photo of this post instantly makes me want to watch it...

if only the Kung fu panda were real!

Comment by Tracy

June 18th 2008 20:54

Movies and Life

Hi AE

He is that sort of bear isn't he?!

Byee

Comment by Jason King

June 20th 2008 06:35

Salty Popcorn

Thanks Tracy
Everyone promotes their blurb/ blog - go for it!!
Jack Black was great!! I missed him by 5min - I was at the State Theatre to see Trope De Elite after Kung Fu Panda. Boo me!! Jealous of you!! I saw some pics of the overseas premiere and it looked amazing with a panda bear line of honor (not the real ones in case there are any PETA people out there endeavoring to throw buckets of blood at me!).

Comment by Tracy

June 20th 2008 07:33

Movies and Life

He he, Jason, you gotta watch out for those PETA people!

Yes, the night was fun and Jack enjoyed his red carpet antics.

Comment by Mrs M

June 23rd 2008 12:44

Mum's Word

Mr M is very excited about seeing this movie. He's taking the kids of course....how very convenient.

It does look good though. It seems that if you like Jack Black, you're gonna like this.

Though I've heard Dustin (being the 'method' kind of actor) be a little critical of the voicing process.

Love & stuff
Mrs M

Comment by Tracy

June 24th 2008 23:05

Movies and Life

Hi Mrs M

I'd say your kids and of course, Mr M will like it. I loved hearing the kids chuckle in the audience when I saw it.

I hadn't heard that about Dustin, I guess people have their opinions...

I’m not a particular fan of Jack Black, it‘s not that I don’t like him, he just leaves me lukewarm. But in the film, he’s excellent.

Does that mean you don't get to see it?! Maybe you could add a film to your recent list

Tracy

Comment by KylieW

June 25th 2008 05:40

Celebrity Obsession

Oh I'm glad you liked it. I definitely want to see this flick. It's showing at iMax, and I'm thinking I might like to see it there - on the REALLY big screen.

I love Jack Black.................

Comment by Tracy

June 25th 2008 12:35

Movies and Life

Hi Kylie

I think seeing it at the Imax would be cool, especially the kung fu scenes.

Have fun!!

Tracy

Comment by Mrs M

June 26th 2008 04:54

Mum's Word

Kung Fu Panda will be a DVD watch for me. Mr M is always the one who takes the kids to the movies. He tries to get me to go but I always say "that's your thing with the kids" but I think we both know that it can sometimes be a bugger to take kids to the movies.

Love & stuff
Mrs M

Comment by Tracy

June 26th 2008 07:56

Movies and Life

Hi Mrs M

Maybe you could indulge in a film just for your pleasure

Tracy

Comment by May

July 22nd 2008 11:39

Music Dime

Hi Tracy,

Had to pop and just say that i really enjoyed this film. I couldn't help but laugh at the unimaginative names given to the characters, especially Master Shifu, with Shifu literally meaning master in Chinese, so it's like calling him "Master Master"...

Love the "WuShi Finger-Hold"...... hmm, now i want to watch it again!

Great review.

May

Comment by Tracy

July 22nd 2008 21:35

Movies and Life

Hi May

I didn't know that about the names, how interesting. You'd think they would've done some research...he he.

Thanks for popping in,

Tracy

Comment by Miswanderlust

July 23rd 2008 03:22

Killer Beats
Ramble On
Hipnotherapy

Hi Tracy
I can't wait to see this movie. I would have loved to have seen Jack Black cavorting! Great review friend
Mis

Comment by Tracy

July 23rd 2008 03:27

Movies and Life

Hi Mis

He was quite a sight, he was definitely enjoying himself. Hope you enjoy the film!

Thanks for popping in, always good to see you,

Tracy

[ Previous - ‘The more I tried to sleep, the less tired I felt' - Cashback (2006) ]

[ Next - What could have been...? ]

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