Kung Fu Panda 2

If you need an excellent family film to see this Memorial Day or any day, then Kung Fu Panda 2 is it.

Jack Black returns as Po, the lovable panda from the first film. This time, Po has been busy working alongside the Furious Five; Tigress, Monkey, Viper, Mantis and Crane keeping the valley safe from bandits and other evil.

Upon learning that Lord Shen has developed a weapon that can defeat Kung Fu, the Dragon Warrior and the Furious Five travel to a distant city to end Lord Shen’s quest for dominance over China and protect Kung Fu.

This will not be easy however, for along the way Po begins to question himself and his origins. Haunted by visions from a past he does not remember, Po becomes unfocused and more like the Panda he was. Not the Dragon Warrior he is.

In order to successfully stop Lord Shen, Po must come to terms with his past and find inner peace.

Kung Fu Panda 2 is as entertaining as the first film, however the story could have used a little more depth because it is difficult to truly empathize with Po and his lost memories. Still, the film provides many moments of laughter and excitement, which is really why most of us go to see it anyway.

Also returning to the film are: Angelina Jolie, Jackie Chan, Dustin Hoffman, Seth Rogen, Lucy Liu and David Cross in their roles as Master Shifu and the Furious Five. Michelle Yeoh, Jean–Claude Van Damme, Gary Oldman Dennis Haysbert, and Danny McBride lend their voices too.

Go see Kung Fu Panda 2. At the very least you’ll be entertained. At most, you find inspiration to gain inner peace.