 | ON: Content is age-appropriate for kids this age. |
 | PAUSE: Know your child; some content may not be right for some kids. |
 | OFF: Not age-appropriate for kids this age. |
 | NOT FOR KIDS: Not appropriate for kids any age. |
Kung Fu Panda
- Review Date: June 2, 2008
- PG
- Genre: Family and Kids
- 2008
Common Sense Media says
Appealing kid-friendly comedy; some scary scenes.
Parents say
QUALITY
Kids say
QUALITY
What parents need to know
Parents need to know that kids will definitely want to see this heavily promoted (including McDonald's Happy Meals) animated film -- which stars kid fave Jack Black as the voice of the main character, Po. And its humor and heartwarming story will appeal to grown-ups, too. The movie boasts positive messages about being who you are and believing in yourself, but it is martial arts-themed, so expect plenty of fast-paced battle scenes with kicks, punches, falls, and more. Even though they're animated, some sequences -- especially the one in which intimidating villain Tai Lung escapes from prison -- may be a little too scary for kindergartners and younger. Families who buy this on DVD as the "Pandamonium Double Pack" are also getting a cartoon short called Secrets of the Furious Five. See our review.
What's the story?
Can you achieve greatness if you're not destined for it? Of all the possible kung fu masters-to-be, Po (Jack Black) -- a lumbering, lovable panda -- seems the least likely candidate. Besides, his family's in the noodle business, and that's where his father (improbably, a goose) expects him to make his mark. But a snafu at the Jade Palace leaves Po as the top pick for the legendary Dragon Warrior. The position comes with a huge responsibility: The Dragon Warrior is charged with protecting the town from Tai Lung (Ian McShane), a brilliant kung fu master who crossed over to the dark side. He's been locked up for years, but now he's on his way to defeat Master Shifu (Dustin Hoffman) and his elite Furious Five. Can unlikely hero Po stand his ground and save the day?
Is it any good?
KUNG FU PANDA is a pleasure, and Po is the ideal animated incarnation of the engaging, electric Black. He's wonderful here, giving Po the perfect mix of irreverence and sincerity. When he meets his idols, the Furious Five -- Ferocious Tigress (Angelina Jolie), Crane (David Cross), Mantis (Seth Rogen), Viper (Lucy Liu), and Monkey (Jackie Chan) -- he's charmingly awestruck. To watch him metamorphose from clumsy kung fu fan to master is a delight. And the message -- there's no secret to greatness besides faith in yourself -- is admirable.
The movie's story may not be as inventive as, say, Finding Nemo, but it's undeniably charming. And there are definitely moments of brilliance: A training battle between Shifu and Po involving chopsticks and a lone dumpling will go down as one of the best in cartoon -- and maybe even kung fu -- history.
What families can talk about
Families can talk about Po's decision to follow his dreams and pursue martial arts greatness. Was he right? What makes Po different from the other heroes in the movie? What do they learn from him? And what does Po's ease with himself teach young viewers? What makes him such a great kung fu warrior?
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AGE
jack black you are awesome
The good stuff
*
Messages:
Po discovers that there's no secret ingredient to greatness -- you just have to be yourself. This positive theme resonates throughout the film. Po also has a good attitude in general, taking the Furious Five's initial chilliness in stride and ultimately giving his all to his training. The issue of eating as a coping mechanism is raised (Po has to unlearn that habit). Bad guy Tai Lung is a total bully -- but flashbacks soften his character slightly.
What to watch out for
*
Violence & scariness:
Not surprisingly, there's lots of martial arts action -- expect tons of high-flying clashes that include punches, kicks, falls, and more. That said, the fights are generally more thrilling than frightening, though they could upset kids 5 and under -- particularly the sequence in which villain Tai Lung breaks out of a maximum security prison.
*
Sexy stuff:
Not an issue.
*
Language:
Fairly clean, though the word "suck" is used prominently, and insults are hurled at Po by nearly everyone.
Consumerism:
Lots of mentions of the fictional martial arts movies that the Furious Five and other kung fu masters were in. The movie also has many promotional tie-ins.
*
Drinking, drugs, & smoking:
Not an issue.
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Kid, 8 years old
May 1, 2011
AGE
First I hate it then I love it.
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AGE
My review on Kung Fu Panda
One of the better more interesting to watch animated movies, Kung Fu Panda is hysterical, and adorable. Po the loving, somewhat overweight panda dreams of being a kung fu master, suddenly his dreams come true when Ohway the old wise tortoise says he is the dragon warrior. Po is called fat,useless,and an embarrasment he is made fun of alot in the movie especially by Tigress (my favorite character), and Shifu. There is only one swear word used, but the violence although cartonnish is somewhat can be frightening for kids under 7 or 6. Tai Lung escapes from prison that scene is guranteed to scare sensitive kids. And Po is beaten alot not just by marcial arts, but by insults too.
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AGE
Action-packed flick for kids
This was a good movie. Not as good as Shrek, but good. There is some violence, which is expected, but there isn't that much; just some cartoonish style violence. This is probably okay for younger kids 6+
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Kid, 12 years old
April 20, 2011
AGE
Awesome Movie
This is a great movie and it is one of my favorites! It is great for all ages, but I think kids ages 7-14 would enjoy it the most. Also, it is hilarious!
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AGE
Not for babies, but very fun.
The violence in this movie is prominent, however it is done in a humurous way, and in a way that does not impact the story. We felt some of the violence was unecessary. The idea to not kill your opponent but rather neutralize, is at best a teen ideal, or martial artist theme. Expect your kids to repeat the fighting scenes soon after the movie. Explain what martial arts are and how glamourizing violence isn't what martial arts does. This movie is fun for the whole family, but may send mixed messages about how, when, and why to use violence.
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AGE
Great but Kinda Violent
I love this movie to death, but there's a bit of violence in it. There's lots of punching and kicking and, though comical, is kind of intense. Take some precautions before taking young children because I'm 12 and even I was shocked when I first saw how violent it was. Still - Seth Rogen and Jack Black are my main men! HILARIOUS!!!!!!
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AGE
Excessively violent for the style and sophistication of the story line
As a film professional, I went to the world première of Kung Fu Panda, but was concerned that the makers have not thought enough about children imitating the violence.
Although the violence is between non-humans, you need to consider whether children personify speaking animals and whether they will imitate specific actions.
I was particularly concerned about blows to the head being portrayed as acceptable, as it is known that some children have weak skulls and can suffer serious injury or even death from a blow that another child might inflict without serious malicious intent.
Film makers should know about this, as some national ratings boards discourage depictions of blows to the head (along with knife throwing and hanging that does not result in death) as the most dangerous violence to portray to children.
At a minimum, parents should discuss with children the risks of blows to the head and the idea that violence is a solution to problems.
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AGE
funny movie with a really positive message
I have a very sensitive 5 yo, but she was fine with the Tai Lung "scary" scene. So much fun and enjoyable for our whole family (mom, dad, 5 yo, 2 yo).
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| Topics: | sports and martial arts, misfits and underdogs, wild animals |
| Studio: | Paramount Pictures |
| Director: | Mark Osborne |
| Cast: | Angelina Jolie, Dustin Hoffman, Jack Black |
| Genre: | Family and Kids |
| Run time: | 88 minutes |
| Theatrical release date: | June 6, 2008 |
| DVD release date: | November 9, 2008 |
| MPAA rating: | PG |
| MPAA explanation: | sequences of martial arts action. |
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