OK for kids 6+
Panda hero saves the day in surprisingly deep family film.
What Parents Need to Know
Parents need to know that this sequel to 2008's hit animated film about an unlikely martial arts hero returns to China, where Po (again voiced by Jack Black) and the rest of his kung fu clan must defeat a new villain who's armed with gunpowder and cannons. The movie's surprisingly poignant, sometimes serious story addresses the conflict between tradition and modernization, as well as Po's discovery of a long-hidden tragedy and his journey to accept an unusual upbringing. Not surprisingly, there's plenty of action -- including explosions, swordfights, and lots of kung fu fisticuffs. Scenes involving parent-child separation could also be upsetting for kids. Unlike the first film, this one is offered in 3-D, which can make some of the sequences feel more intense.
- Families can talk about family. What do you think about Po's relationship with his dad? Do you think a blood link is the most important factor in defining family?
- What does Po learn in this movie? How does that compare to what he learned in the first one?
- Do you think the film paints an unrealistic picture of ancient traditions? Is it possible to stand in the way of progress?
The good stuff
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Educational value: Offers positive lessons about friendship and teamwork.
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Messages: The main message is that family is important, but it's not always defined by blood: The people who love and nurture you are also part of your family. The film also focuses on the need to let go of ancient slights that can only drag you down and instead seek to achieve inner peace.
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Role models: Po is a great example of someone who must learn to accept -- and resolve -- complicated personal relationships. At first he refuses to acknowledge some hard truths, but eventually he's able to attain inner peace, and the results are powerful.
What to watch for
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Violence and scariness: Plenty of hand-to-hand combat. The fight scenes are fast and furious, but hardly anybody seems to get injured. An important theme here is modernization, as the martial arts warriors must face off against an opponent who's armed with gunpowder and cannons. Scenes involving a baby Po being separated from his parent (and the parent's implied death) may upset some kids.
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Sexy stuff: Not an issue
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Language: Not an issue
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Consumerism: No product placement within the film, but expect plenty of merchandise tie-ins.
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Drinking, drugs and smoking: Not an issue
Fan Reviews provided by
5
Kung Fu Panda 2 by lorijorn
My daughter and I loved the movie. Jack Black IS the Kung Fu Panda! He was a perfect choice for this role. The movie will have all of you laughing and at the same time it reinforces lessons about perserverance, true friendship, a parent's love, and finding inner peace. Go ahead and go! Have some fun!!
5
wow by theonore
I was not sure if iI would actualy like this movie or not when i sat down to watch it because i did not like the first kung fu panda all that mutch but when i watched it i loved it and so did the rest of my family it was a big treat for all of us to enjoy together as a family and the family time we got together just made it all the more of a good movie for us
4
Kung Fu panda 2 review by Bwr417
It was a great movie with a great story line. Interesting for adults with action for kids. My 6 year old loved it!
4
worth watching atleast once by smitty821
I would say a typical feel-good, cute sense of humor, spiritually inviting cartoon movie that most people need once in a while. It def is a perfect family movie, but I would also pass it for adults. Also unlike most cases, part 2 did live upto my expectations from part 1 and the continuation wasn't forced. All in all, a good one.
5
This is better than the first one!!!! by seanc2k
If you liked Kung Fu Panda, then you will love Kung Fu Panda 2. This is by far one of the best sequels that I have seen in a long time. Usually sequels fail in comparison to the first movie, but this movie had a great story, it hit you emotionally, and it was funny. Watching it you get a better background of the silly, goofy Kung Fu Panda, and actually feel sadness of the true origins of his life. This is a great movie, and it should be watched by kids, and parents together because it is quite frankly, wonderful.
5
Better than the first by Steel642
Even though me and my younger siblings love the first movie, we quickly decided we wanted to return to see the sequel the very next day. The story touching and allowed older viewers to gain an emotional attachment to Po. Meanwhile, the action and fast paced story saw young children remain glued to the screen. My 6 and 9-year-old siblings were extremely excited at the idea of a third movie in the series when Po's dad appeared in the final scene.
4
Like Father Like Son by guildheim
If you enjoyed the martial arts in the original then the second one won't disappoint you. The villian is a bit lacking but Dreamworks does a good job of building up the character. Unfortunately there's a lack of suspense as the scenes alternate between the villian and the heroes.
The story itself dwells a lot more on Po's past and tends to overshadow the action at times, wether or not this is a pro or a con depends on what you want out of the movie.
Another thing I'd like to point out is that Sifu acts like a completely different character, this is explained in the movie to some degree, but I still found it slightly unnerving.
4
Kungfu Panda 2 by WendyXS_FeiXiangFilms
One "cartoon" that drew a tear. Yes, it made me cry. - KungFu Panda 2 delivers the usual fun humor and gorgeous graphics around a consistent and thoroughly developed plot/story. However this time we break serious ground and find out who Po truly is. DreamWorks knows that just because it's not a real actors movie, does not mean it has to be a simplistic kids film without a purpose. - Perhaps DreamWorks should takeover all other future Hollywood productions...
4
Skadoosh for Dads! by hexylavache
This movie was better than the first Kung Fu Panda, and it would make a great Father's day visit to the movies. It was funny, and action packed. We have two boys (10 and almost 4) and they enjoyed it very much. The theme of the movie was nice and was portrayed well for all ages.