Kung Fu Panda is an animated DreamWorks film, directed in 2008 by Mark Osborne and John Stevenson. It tells the story of a panda that, while helping his father in the noodle shop, dreams of becoming a martial arts master. When, one day, by chance, it sees himself thrown into the world of the Jade Palace to be educated, it is considered a hopeless case because of its physical form. Fortunately it manages to surprise everybody when the ferocious Tai Lung decides to return to destroy the valley.
The cartoon is a nice tribute to the world of martial arts and a great motivator for the children that can reflect themselves in the main character, Po. In fact, first of all, it is able to pick itself up in a bullying situation and to gain the respect of his “enemies” and, secondly, it shows how if you really want something and work to get it in a merry way, you may realize your dreams. Not to mention the fact that Po is an atypical hero, fat and  with food problems – a very common thing in children today, but little shown in movies and on television – who uses his strengths to improve itself. The secondary characters are very nice, especially master Shifu that reminds me of Yoda from Star Wars, and the five cyclones that refer to the five styles of imitative kung fu: Tiger, Snake, Crane, Mantis and Monkey.

Wow, what a surprise this was! It looked like the stupidest movie ever by the trailers. Bit then when you actually sit down and watch it, it's not only one if the funniest, but also one of the most mature, profound, intense, action packed films you'll ever see! The perfect example of a "Don't Judge A Book By Its Cover" movie.

**Total Score: 9.5/10**

So the rather clumsy and inept "Po" has dreams of saving the world! His real job is working in a noodle bar where one day, maybe, he will learn the secret ingredient that gives their dishes that special flavour. Meantime, the ageing "Oogway", the most learned of creatures, has informed his stalwart lieutenant "Shifu" that he will soon have to defend their "Valley of Peace" from the vengeful "Tai Lung" who, though currently incarcerated in a seemingly impregnable prison, is set to come and wreak some havoc. "Po" is determined to attend the selection ceremony and, well yes - you've guessed. He ends up selected by the old wise turtle, much to the chagrin and general disbelief of just about everyone else. Hopeless, hapless and helpless - but can "Po" prove his mettle and save the day? It's really quite good fun this. The characterisations are well developed and it has humour and style to it too. The animations are lively, vivid and the directors avoid the temptation to allow the combat and action scenes to descend into the all-too-often realms of repetitiveness. There is a moral - the values of teamwork and trust, honesty, integrity yada yada, but the story delivers them in a gentle and demonstrable manner via the plot and the characters rather than pontificating. All in all, this is great family fun that shows the (not so) little guy doing his best... Can he save the day?