Kung Fu Panda 2 - Movie Review

If you liked the first Kung Fu Panda, you will like the second one. Although, it doesn't supersede the first animation, it doesn't really fall short of it either. It ranks just about the same, which is saying much in regards to sequels. It starts off a bit corny and the producers really drove home about Po's appetite and weight. We know he loves food and is fat, but they overplay those facts quiet a bit.

SPOILER ALERT: The movie focuses on Po's new life as the Dragon Warrior and his recent battle to discover where he comes from. It is obvious that his dad really isn't the Goose and Po asks his dad how he came to be his dad. Po then learns that his true family gave him up due to a prophecy about a panda stopping the then-future ruler from taking the throne. Due to the prophecy the evil albino peacock Lord Shen has all pandas killed, but Po's mother hides little baby Po in a crate of radishes where later on, Po's goose dad finds him and decides to adopt him. At the end of the movie it is insinuated that a Kung Fu Panda 3 will be in the making because we find out that Po's dad is really alive living in a panda community.

The movie touches on the beauty of adoption and the pain and sacrifice of parents giving up their children for their safety and betterment. It also reveals that anger and grudges hurt no one more that those that hold on to them. It insinuates (to those that are really paying attention) the power forgiveness and the bitterness an unforgiving heart can produce.

All the Furious 5 are in the sequel as well as Master Shifu. We see a more tender side of Master Tigress and there are plenty of laughs throughout the movie. 

There are plenty of fight scenes to keep the kids entertained and there is no vulgar language in it. There are a couple of "toilet" jokes, but nothing to graphic. The color schemes are great to keep the littler ones attention and there are some very tender moments of love, sacrifice and true inner peace. Overall it was a fun movie for the whole family.

Again if you like the first one, you will like the second. Although the second one was more of a tear-jerker for me. Yes I cried okay!!!

Kung Fu Panda 2 is rated PG for sequence of martial art action and mild violence

Running Time: 91 minutes

Rating: Rami (my 8 year old) gives it 9.5 out of 10 stars.  I give it a 7.5 out of 10 stars.

Hope you enjoy!!