Pablo Rants: Why Kung Fu Panda is a masterpiece.
With the release of Kung Fu Panda 4 it is time to step back and analyze its predecessors. There are 3 previous movies and a handful of shows taking place in the Kung Fu Panda universe that have set in place the foundations Kung Fu Panda 4 will be built on. Undoubtedly the greatest movie of the franchise is the first movie. Let me give you my insight into what I consider to be one the greatest cinematic masterpieces of all animated movie history.
The birth of all this happened when Kung Fu Panda came out in 2008. The movie was absolutely phenomenal. Jack Black, who plays the loveable chubby panda, Po, made an awe-inspiring performance. His ability to fully embrace a character’s goofy side made watching any part of the movie a delight. While Jack Black’s portrayal of Po was undoubtedly one of the greatest elements of the movie, it was not the only attraction. For starters, the storyline was to die for, the humor was consistent and funny, and the underlying message for the movie was inspiring. The movie has very good direction. Immediately you are introduced to Po’s dream of mastering Kung Fu, but that is not his only dream. Underneath his dream of being awesome we can see Po wants people to like him. Most everyone can relate to Po because of this dream. Mixing this with his big, clumsy personality makes the audience root for Po right off the bat.
This brings me to my next point, the character selections for Kung Fu Panda are a work of art. Everyone is perfect, from Oogway the hilarious, wise tortoise who pioneered Kung Fu, to Shifu the short, grumpy mentor for Po, to Tai Lung, one of the greatest villains to ever come out of a movie. Every moment Tai Lung is on the screen is a savory one. He is formidable, intimidating, and has an amazing backstory that gets everyone to be a fan.
If movies are like lottery tickets then Kung Fu Panda is the ultimate jackpot. All the pieces fall perfectly into place to create a fantastic movie. Everything from the actors, characters, plot, humor, and subtle messaging are done beautifully. Kung Fu Panda is a very good movie.
