The big animation Dreamworks feature this year arrives in the form of an equally sized Panda by the name of Po (Jack Black).  Dubbed Dragon Warrior by the great Oogway (Randall Duk Kim), Kung Fu Master ShiFu (Dustin Hoffmasn) is forced to train the new unlikely hero to save the village from the evil Tai Lung (Ian McShane).

As in the other Dreamworks animated features (SHREK, FLUSHED AWAY), the animation is impressive, especially when watching it on the 5-storey screen IMAX.  With the digital sound system, one can hardly complain even when the film sucks.

Thankfully, this film does not.  KUNG FU PANDA’s story suits the giant screen the film was made for.  From the countless steps Panda Po falls from the temple where he trains to the acrobatic fight sequences, the full use of CGI and the digital effects is effectively observed.

Writers Jonathan Aibel and Glenn Berger have done their homework for the script.  Po’s training, the fight sequences and wise sayings follow true to the martial-arts genre.  Those in the know will be pleased with character names like Oogway (Chinese for tortoise) and ShiFu (this one everyone knows means master).  Though the film contains a neat twist in what is contained in the dragon scroll and a universal message, the narrative is basically the same old story of underdog discovering his powers and saving the day.

Surprisingly, the usually annoying Jack Black captures the innocence, vibrancy, and adorability of Panda Po.  To their credit, the filmmakers have assembled quite the cast (Angelina Jolie, Jackie Chan, Lucy Liu, David Cross and Seth Rogen) to voice The Furious Five.  But these voices are barely recognizable and the five characters are not given anything worthy to say.

KUNG FU PANDA is still funny, thanks to Jack Black and some genuine original humour from the scriptwriters.  The part with ShiFu finally giving Po the Dragon Scroll and Po unable to open it is particularly amusing.  In the end, Panda Po saves the day and the audience is left with the feeling that a sequel or two is in the making.