Kung Fu Panda (2008)

Hewitt considers it DreamWorks Animation’s finest effort since the first Shrek, despite a rudimentary plot and merely decent gags. He especially praises the astonishing visuals and exhilarating kung fu sequences.

Honeycutt finds the film funny, frantic, and broadly appealing. He especially praises its vivid animation and the lively martial-arts action.

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Kermode finds the film affable, slick family entertainment, though its script is baggy and it lacks the staying power of the Shrek series. He praises its unexpectedly plentiful, innocuous laughs.

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Schager finds the film watchably innocuous but narratively meager and overly reliant on familiar formulas. He praises the lively, well-animated action, especially the chopstick battle between Po and Shifu.

Jones gives the animated adventure a positive assessment, highlighting its visually arresting animation. He also praises how the filmmakers use slow motion and freeze frames to enliven familiar martial-arts action conventions.

The review gives the film a qualified verdict, suggesting its premise feels committee-designed. It singles out the plot’s extrapolation from the title as a complaint.

The critic finds the film entertaining but dramatically thin, with a story that gives way to predictable fights. They praise the beautifully animated, humorous kung fu battles and the film’s vivid imagery.

McCarthy finds the film heavily formulaic and only mildly effective overall. He praises its sophisticated, detailed visuals, while faulting the script’s elementary characters and lack of comic inspiration.

Hogan finds the film a brisk, refreshing, and respectful animated take on kung fu, despite its flimsy and predictable plot. He praises the fluid fight scenes, striking scenery, and expressive voice performances.

Sullivan calls it a thoroughly enjoyable, funny family adventure. He praises Jack Black’s performance as Po and the film’s good-humoured take on its familiar underdog story.

McHugh calls it a terrifically fun film that entertains both adults and children. He praises the script and animation, which help make the characters appealing and the world convincing.

Jackson finds the film enjoyable, especially as a family-friendly Jack Black kung fu movie. He singles out the animated fight scenes and the silly, endearing panda for appeal.

The review finds the film enjoyable but too familiar and underdeveloped to match Pixar’s best. It praises the colourful scenery and punchy action, while criticising the thin supporting characters and broad comedy.