'Kung Fu Panda' is another delightfully entertaining flick to come out this summer. Osbourne and Stevenson do a fine job in directing. What I really liked about the film is the sincere effort behind it and its lack of pretension and use of clichés. The directors stay focused on the main story which is Po's struggle. I could really relate to Po's dream and love for Kung Fu and his disappointment and lack of faith in failing to be successful in doing what he loves. The stellar voice cast that includes names like Jack Black, Dustin Hoffman, Angelina Jolie, Ian McShane, Jackie Chan, Lucy Liu, David Cross and Randall Duk Kim is impressive but it is Jack Black's show all the way, followed by Dustin Hoffman. Black's comic timing is wonderful as he provides some of the very memorable laugh-out-loud moments and he brilliantly succeeds in making Po both endearing and funny.
A grumpy ogre who lives alone in his swamp finds out that a mean lord has exiled dozens of fairytale creatures to his swamp. In order to get them out of there, he must make a deal with the lord to rescue a princess in the highest room of the tallest tower guarded by a fire breathing dragon. Aided by a fast-talking donkey, the two set off on a quest and get his swamp back in time.
I remember seeing this movie when it was on video and I enjoyed every moment of it. The characters are likeable especially Shrek, Donkey, and Fiona, while Lord Farquaad makes for a very good villain. Yes, the story does have the misunderstanding cliche, but it does something unique by giving some depth to Fiona and the reason to her ugly form. Shrek also gets some character depth as the film explains the reason why the ogre is feared by many people.
"Madagascar 3: Europe's Most Wanted" is a fun-filled animated movie that takes audiences on a wild adventure through the streets of Europe. The film stars familiar characters from the previous "Madagascar" movies, including Alex the Lion, Marty the Zebra, and Gloria the Hippo, who find themselves on the run from a determined animal control officer.
First and foremost, the animation in this film is top-notch, with vibrant colors and detailed characters that bring the story to life. Secondly, the humor in "Madagascar 3" is just as sharp as in previous films, with plenty of clever gags and physical comedy that will have audiences laughing out loud.
The voice cast also deserves recognition, with well-known actors such as Ben Stiller, Chris Rock, and Jada Pinkett Smith, who bring their unique energy to the characters they
"Puss in Boots: The Last Wish" is as spry and light on its feet as its titular feline. He's a dashing adventurer, a charmer with the ladies, feared and renowned throughout the land -- but he's also unbearably adorable as he laps up milk from a shot glass with his pinky, sandpapery tongue. "The Last Wish" expands the roster of ridiculously talented supporting players from the Oscar-nominated 2011 original "Puss in Boots." Joining Banderas and his longtime friend and co-star Salma Hayek Pinault are Florence Pugh, Olivia Colman, Ray Winstone, Da'Vine Joy Randolph, and John Mulaney, among many others. They bring a surprising amount of substance to what might have been a purely playful endeavor. But of course, the fast-paced humor and elaborate visuals are the main draws of director Joel Crawford and co-director Januel Mercado's film.