 | 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 Holiday Special
- NBC
- Genre: Kids' Animation
Common Sense Media says
Heartwarming seasonal tale celebrates family bonds.
Parents say
Kids say
QUALITY
What parents need to know
Parents need to know that there’s nothing in this TV special that will surprise existing fans of the original movie, although the show’s shortened length means that there are far fewer martial-arts scenes (only a couple that show contact, in fact). There's a brief storyline that involves a rabbit’s self-proclaimed desire to die to restore honor to his people, and astute viewers will see a handful of instances of him intentionally putting himself in harm’s way (hoping knives will fall on him or trying to boil himself, for instance). That said, it’s the heartwarming messages of holiday traditions and family bonds that will impress viewers of all ages more than anything else.
What's the story?
In KUNG FU PANDA HOLIDAY SPECIAL, Po (voiced by Jack Black) is preparing for a traditional Winter Festival with his dad when Shifu (Dustin Hoffman) reminds him that his duties as Dragon Warrior include hosting the formal Winter Feast for the kung fu masters. Po is torn between his responsibilities to his position and his desire to carry on his family traditions, but in his own unique way, he manages to strike a balance that gives everyone a happy holiday.
Is it any good?
Fans of the full-length Kung Fu Panda movie will find more to like in this sweet holiday tale that celebrates the bonds of family and friends. Po is a likable hero whose efforts to please everyone wind up making him unhappy. It’s only when he listens closely to his heart’s desires that he finds the peace and joy of the holiday, and, by association, makes everyone else happy as well.
This show’s 30-minute timeframe doesn’t allow for much in the way of martial arts, and the couple scenes that do center on it aren’t likely to frighten little kids. A side story that follows a rabbit’s apparent suicide attempts (positioning himself under falling knives, for instance) is cast in a humorous light and also won’t upset kids. Bottom line? Sure, there’s the obvious marketing tie-in at play here, but this feel-good tale is sure to please families and has great messages about finding the true meaning of the holidays.
What families can talk about
Families can talk about holiday traditions. What are some of your family’s favorite traditions? How do they reflect your family’s cultural or religious background? How do they help bring your family closer together? Are there any new ones that you'd like to start?
Kids: What lessons did Po learn? Why is it important to listen to your heart when you have a difficult decision to make? Which other characters learned lessons as well? Why is it important to be willing to compromise when you’re working with family and friends?
Po is an unusual hero, since he doesn’t look or act the part of a kung fu master. What defines a hero for you? What traits are important in a role model? Who are some of your heroes?
- Show:
- All members
- Parents
- Teens & kids
AGE
it sounds great so it should be cute for christmas & thanksgiving
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AGE
Kung Fu Christmas
It's is Totally Awesome!!!!!!!!!! and Christmas-y
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AGE
Warm and a little corny, just like Po
I would say that seeing the original movie is a prerequisite to seeing this special, otherwise many of the jokes and references will be lost on you.
It's nice that they got many of the same people to voice the characters, too - kids notice that.
Po is as self-deprecatingly likable as ever, and even though you see the storyline's end coming a mile away (as an adult), it is still satisfying and heartwarming. Teenagers might find it corny, but I'd bet if they watched it to the end they would find themselves with a smile on their face whether or not they wanted it there.
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Kid, 9 years old
January 10, 2011
AGE
O.K.
OK, but for old KIDS.
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Kid, 12 years old
April 22, 2011
AGE
Violence is a concern but pretty educational
It teaches kids what christmas is like in china and what they do for kung fu on christmas day but seems pretty violent.
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| Topics: | sports and martial arts |
| TV rating: | NR |
| Network: | NBC |
| Cast: | Dustin Hoffman, Jack Black, James Hong |
| Genre: | Kids' Animation |
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