Neal Vitale Reviews: Kung Fu Panda

4 stars out of 5

I normally wouldn't pile on, with a second review of a film that Paul has already covered (June 8 column) and one which I give the same rating (4 stars), but I get to that evaluation a little differently than Paul. Kung Fu Panda is funny and endearing, with strong voiceover performances by Jack Black, Dustin Hoffman, and the rest of an eclectic cast that includes Lucy Liu, Ian McShane, Angelina Jolie, Jackie Chan, and Seth Rogen, but it does drag at times and the plot is telegraphed and predictable. But, for me, the film is award-worthy simply on the basis of the animation - it is beautifully done, with exquisite detail, echoing the loveliest of the Chinese martial arts genre (think Crouching Tiger, Hidden Dragon). As a visually stunning work, Kung Fu Panda is not to be missed.