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Kung Fu Panda (PG, 2008)

common sense media says

Appealing kid-friendly comedy; some scary scenes.

parents & educators say
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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.

Positive messages: Po discovers that there's no secret ingredient to greatness -- you just have to be yourself. This positive theme resonates throughout the film. The issue of eating as a coping mechanism is raised (Po has to unlearn that habit).
Positive role models: 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. Bad guy Tai Lung is a total bully -- but flashbacks soften his character slightly.
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 applicable.
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 applicable.
Our ratings and reviews are informed by child development guidelines. Learn more.

More on Kung Fu Panda

What to talk about

Talk to your kids

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?

What's the story?

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?

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.

Movie themes & details

Movie Details
Studio: Paramount Pictures
Director: Mark Osborne
Cast: Angelina Jolie, Dustin Hoffman, Jack Black
Genre: Family and Kids
Run time: 88 minutes
Theatrical release: June 6, 2008
DVD release: November 9, 2008
MPAA Rating: PG
MPAA explanation: sequences of martial arts action.
Watch our review
This review was written by S. Jhoanna Robledo
 
 

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What parents & educators say

7

Most useful reviews by all members

TheSuperman765
teen, 16 years old
4
 
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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andreamstover
parent of 5 year old
10
 
cute, but too violent for younger children.
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rebma97
teen, 14 years old
6
 
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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Not the ...
parent of and 2 , 5 , 7 , 10 year old
6
 
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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shanno15
teen, 16 years old
7
 
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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moner345
kid, 12 years old
7
 
Kung-fu panda is great movie for kids
I love it because Ilike animals.
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digitiser
parent of 3 and 8 year old
10
 
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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TimStarz09
teen, 14 years old
5
 
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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Media9
kid, 8 years old
7
 
First I hate it then I love it.
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ilovecookiez
teen, 14 years old
6
 
Jack Black's voice is perfect for this family-friendly movie.
I love this movie. It's very funny. Can't wait for the sequel. Even though the prison was a little scary and even a little scarier when Tai Lung broke free. I say all ages!
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Miranda ...
kid, 11 years old
6
 
Good movie!
Very good but the word "idiot" is used in one scene.
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CraveTheMovie
kid, 12 years old
7
 
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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KinbJune
teen, 13 years old
8
 
Kung Fu Kicking Butt
This was a very funny movie that was a true underdog story. Beware of the intense violence though because there are some action sequences that involve death or injury.
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Jothe
parent of 4 and 7 year old
6
 
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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arthur16morgana
teen, 16 years old
8
 
i like this movie! its kinda funny.
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ThenewWelxhGirl09
kid, 10 years old
2
 
APPROPIATE FOR ALL AGES! ;)
This movie is great! All ages would love this action comedy! I like how there is good role models, and positive messages! GREAT MOVIE! I RECOMMEND IT FOR YOUR FAMILY IF YOU HAVEN'T SEEN IT:)!
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Dragonsrox1000
kid, 13 years old
12
 
A bad movie about an obese panda
A bad movie. Not much else. I hate it. It's about an extremely fat panda. Not very entertaining. I don't know why so many people like it.
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StepMomSterToo
parent
6
 
Tai Lung's character is too scary for my 3 year old. The scenes are dark, the music is scary. It's got a lot of violence for younger children. My older children liked the movie, and don't really view it in terms of violence, however, smaller children will find animals beating each other up not such a great situation. Also, all the characters make fun of the "big, fat panda" and this is a horrible message to send to children about self image, unless they understand the context. It's not a damaging movie, just one that doesn't have the best messages to take away from it.
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Chomper
parent of 10 year old
2
 
Awesome movie... GREAT for all ages
This movie is absolutely entertaining with a great story line, action, family values, etc. Don't miss this one!
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DisneyDreamwor ...
kid, 9 years old
2
 
Kung Fu Panda
It Is A Very Nice Movie.Much Better Than The Second.No Overfilled Scary Scenes.Even The Fight Against Tai Lung Is Hillarious.Also Charachters Are Very Nice.And I Absolutely Love Po!It Is Very Enjoyable.I Hope There Is A Kung Fu Panda 3
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