Po joins forces with a group of new kung-fu masters to take on an old enemy with a deadly new weapon.
Bigger and better than the original, Panda 2 skilfully avoids the curse of the sequel with wit, flair and a 3D paw to the face. Hii-yah!
A richer plot, life lessons and loving Chinese cultural references rendered by turns sweet, scary and charming, with yet more fantastical kung fu, make this an engaging winner. Stunning visuals make it real art as well.
Kung Fu Panda 2 lacks the original's freshness and sense of discovery but it does offer some visual feasts, from the nuances of fur and feathers to its delicate Eastern landscapes and shadow puppet effects, directed by Jennifer Yuh Nelson, who oversaw the elegant opening sequences from the first film.
Great at the time but little long-lasting substance.
The whole film deserves close attention and repeat viewings.
Beautifully designed, but much lighter on laughs.
This second KFP is an enjoyable movie, though I am not sure I can join in with the excitable critical plaudits given to the original and this followup: it's a great-looking animation and a nice entertainment, though targeted at a younger audience, without the extra level of adult sophistication.
Much more than the bare necessities.
It’s hard to imagine how they might improve upon the animation but let’s hope they can devise a slightly more original storyline for the inevitable Kung Fu Panda 3.
It drops points for a narrative that overstretches by at least 20 minutes. Kids will love it, though, and parents won't be savagely bored.
Prepare for awesomeness on a grand scale.
A film called Kung Fu Panda demands a certain level of silliness and amusement and this sequel is a tad, well, Po-faced, while the plotting is sluggish in places and rather predictable. Nevertheless, it is made with consummate craft, contains some exciting set-pieces and the voice work is top-notch.
Offers more of the same, even though it tries to convince us it doesn't.
The film is lit up by Po's wide-eyed, boyish glee about being a martial arts ace – a glee which the audience should share.
General release. Check local listings for show times.
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