Parent Movie Guide, Parental Site.com

	Film Title: Kung-Fu Panda		Best for ages: 6 and up.

	Movie Website: Click Here	Year Released: 2008	Rated: PG (US)

SYNOPSIS
A noodle eating, noodle deliver panda named Po, is about to become the next dragon warrior. The problem is however is that he is not a very good martial artist. But before he becomes the next Dragon Warrior he must first learn the secrets of the dragon scrolls, lose some weight, learn some self control and more, all while learning the craft of Kung-Fu. But his true test will come when he must face the villain of the story Tai Lung, a Tiger who was once trained by master Shifu who wants to be the dragon warrior, but fell short due to his greed and destruction. Po is scared when he learns that his density is to defend Tai Lung and defend the temple and village. But with the help of the furious five and master Shifu they will train Po to help become the dragon warrior.
VIOLENCE/GRAPHIC CONTENT/language
Violence It's obvious that a movie with Kung-Fu in the title is obvious going to have a lot of martial arts fighting and training. So while some of the fights and training scenes are cartoony, there are also some scenes which include very harsh fighting between some of the films more experienced characters. There is one character in the film who does die, so yes there is a bit of death in this film, but he is not killed. As far as the majority of the violence in this film goes it's a lot of Kung fu fighting and there are even a few weapons thrown in to some of the fights as well. Graphic Content One thing that stood out at me right away was when Po was eating food from two bowls and them put them over his chest and wore them as a bikini top. It's nothing that is of dire concern but it's something I feel I should point out. Po does do some odd and dumb things one of which is strapping a bunch of fireworks and himself to a chair, lighting the fuse and blasting himself into the sky only to fall back down to earth to become the next dragon warrior.. There are also some scenes where some of the characters in the movie are hurt while fighting, one of them is knocked unconscious, while others have their own weapons used against them. There are plenty of other comedic fight scenes that involve such big explosions with bodies falling all over the place and building falling. There is also an acupuncture scene where Po is being struck with pins by Mantis and scream with each pinch. Language Words like "Jerk" are thrown around and there are a few lines such as Po saying "I sucked more than anyone in the history of sucking" referring to himself and his martial arts. He is also insulted when one of the furious five say he has a fat butt and other fat body parts Po also gets hit in the groin area and refers to them as his "tenders" and also in one scene where he was being hit in the belly says he has to pee. Other than that, there is not anything else in terms of crude language or insults.
OVERALL VIEWS
Kung-Fu Panda is a cute little film that despite it's kung-fu fighting and the likes, it's a film that's message is about self confidence and learning to do and take on the impossible. It's a movie where the main character, Po; despite all his disadvantages tries his best to learn every possible thing that is taught to him by his master and the furious five. But when it comes down to the final act in the movie, Po realizes that although he may be the underdog when it comes to defending the village from Tai Lung, that it's not how well he fights that will lead him to success, but how skillful his mind is and being himself that will lead him down the right path. So despite all the fighting and other negative elements in the movie Kung-Fu Panda has more positive aspects that do out weigh any negative elements. The movie has an all star cast voicing the characters which includes Jack Black as Po, Dustin Hoffman as Grand Master Shifu, Angelina Jolie as Tigress, Ian McShane as Tai Lung, Jackie Chan as Monkey, Seth Rogan as Mantis, Lucy Lu as Viper and David Cross as Crane. There are also cameo voices by Michael Clarke Duncan and James Hong. The acting is very good and the overall production value and animation looks great. Looking at the movie as whole it's an overall very well put together animated classic. The Kung Fu Panda DVD comes as a two pack not only do you get the DVD packed with plenty of extras, but it also comes with the Secrets of the Furious Five DVD. The DVD features include, Dragon Warrior Training Academy, A Food Network Exclusive with Alton Brown visiting Mr. Pings Noodle House, a help save the Wild Pandas feature, How to use Chopsticks, "Kung-Fu Fighting" Music Video, and plenty of other features and activities and behind the scenes stuff. Its a great DVD packed with plenty of good stuff, the movie is also a very good one and although there is a lot of martial arts fighting and the likes; it's a movie that still has a very positive message. I think that this film would appeal more to children over the age of six who can handle the action and excitement. If you feel that your child tends to act more aggressive after watching animation where fighting is involved then I say wait on this one, but if your young child can handle it then I'm sure they'll enjoy it.
BUY THIS MOVIE.