.jeri.

A few months ago, Cyndi and I got to see a test screening of Kung Fu Panda. The animation was incomplete and the music wasn't finished, so it was a very rough draft. We enjoyed ourselves, but I admit that I didn't feel completely satisfied, and I think that's just because it still had a lot of work to be done. Ric and I went to see it last weekend and we had a great time.

Jack Black voices the character of Po, a Panda who accidentally interrupts an important ceremony and gets named the Dragon Master of the Valley of Peace. He trains with the Furious Five, who are Kung Fu experts, and his master's name is Shifu. Shifu once trained Tai Lung, who was too hungry for power and was eventually put in prison. But now Tai Lung has escaped, and Po is expected to fight him. But first, Po has to learn the basics of Kung Fu!

Po's character is what makes this movie great, and Jack Black's vocals are perfect. His dialog is full of humor that has today's attitude in a setting of the past. It's an odd blend to think about, but it works well. Lines about there being no charge for awesomeness at the beginning of the film were really funny, but the final line of the battle between Po and Tai Lung was a big highlight for me too. Other famous actors are a little bit wasted because of how little screen time they get, but I guess they all do a good job with what they're given.

The thing that stood out to me the most in this movie is its style. There are several dream sequences and credits that feature an almost comic-book style of Kung Fu animation. These were probably my favorite part of the movie. But then there's an amazing prison break scene with great lighting, and then there are tons of beautiful settings as well. The movie just looks great. It's this attention to detail that makes it better than a lot of the other modern animated movies and makes it feel more like a Pixar movie.

I also really liked the angle of using Po's love of food as a catalyst for his Kung Fu style. The movie's good for the family, has some good lessons, and has a definite rewatchability factor. Ric was really surprised at how much he liked it, and I'd have to say I was really happy with the finished product too.