Kung Fu Panda topped my 2008 Top Ten list. It’s a masterpiece of a film. KFP2 is also very good, but slightly less magnificent. I’m giving it only an A and not an A+.

So why is it also excellent? The 3D is rock solid. The animation paints the silver screen as if it were a canvas. Both films are beautiful to simply look at and admire. In KFP2, the flash of peacock tail feathers fanning on and off in combat is but one example. The dance-like kung fu choreography is spot on: fast, clever and fun, with accents that echo the work of Jackie Chan (who voices Monkey). But beneath the fun and games flows a personal emotive drama that calls for reflection from the characters and sympathy from the audience. Both calls are answered.

The pace never stalls, the momentum only increases. Even at its most intense moments, the film never loses its sense of humor. Filmmakers show great confidence and poise by letting the Panda be silly even in the midst of his redemptive and personal climactic scene. And yes, it still works.

So why is KFP2 slightly less magnificent than KFP? Well, the commercials promise that 2 is more Kung Fu-ey than 1. Perhaps this boast proves too true, making the sequel lean toward the “noisy” side. While visually exciting, the extra action mildly interrupts the overall dramatic arc.

In sum, KFP2 offers a bear-size chunk of entertainment, art, heart, and laughs. Plus you might even find yourself choked up a time or two. (Who would have thought?) My buddy and his wife came along. They enjoyed the film as well. In fact, he, an astute lover of film, used the word “Epic!”

-- Books by Author/Illustrator Ross Anthony --