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Kung Fu Panda

  • Is it age appropriate?

    About our ratings

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    Not age appropriate for kids under 4, age appropriate for kids over 6; suggested age 6.
  • Is it any good?

    3.0
  • Common Sense says

    Jack Black stars in appealing kid-friendly comedy.

updated 11.09.08

Why We Rated This on for Ages 6 and Up

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.
 

What Parents Need to Know

About Kung Fu Panda

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. Also, 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.

Did this review help you decide?

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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Our Members Say

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  • What did you think about Kung Fu Panda?
  •  I think this movie is

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See all 77 member reviews

Most Recent Reviews

  1. Adult Reviewer
    Lives in
    I rate this title on for age 7 and give it 3.0

    Kung Fu Fighting...

    This was such a funny movie! Very young kids may become a little frightened from the fight scenes. But is was very clean.

  2. Teen Reviewer
    Age 13
    Lives in Virginia
    I rate this title iffy for age 8 and give it 4.0
    My concerns are:
    • Excessive violence

    Familiar but cute

    Hey I'm 13 and I enjoyed this movie alot, though its underdog theme was overused. But the action I must say was sick and better than any crappy "action" movie that's out nowadays, where things are blown up, etc. Very original plot-wise, and very vivid animation. Bravo, Jack Black.

  3. Parent Reviewer
    Lives in Texas
    Kids ages: 3
    I rate this title on for age 10 and give it 3.0
    My concerns are:
    • Excessive violence

    cute, but too violent for younger children.

  4. Teen Reviewer
    Age 13
    Lives in New York
    I rate this title on for age 7 and give it 5.0
    My concerns are:
    • Excessive violence

    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.

  5. Adult Reviewer
    Lives in Washington
    I rate this title on for age 5 and give it 4.0

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