The number of movie sequels that are superior the original film can probably be counted on two hands. I can think of only “The Godfather Part II,” “The Empire Strikes Back,” “Terminator 2,” “The Dark Knight,” “Aliens,” “Star Trek II: The Wrath of Khan,” and “Spider-Man 2.” All of these films proved a “Part II” could be more than a cash-in on a successful movie, but could take established stories and characters in compelling new directions.
The rule of thumb, however, is that most movie sequels lose the creative momentum that made the original a success. So, when I buy a ticket to see a follow-up to a film I love, I always find myself hoping it won’t be another “Godfather III,” “Phantom Menace,” or “Jaws: The Revenge.”
That was my concern as I sat down to watch “Kung Fu Panda 2,” as I adore the original movie. Released in 2008, “Kung Fu Panda” is well written, funny, and beautifully animated. And even though it features energetic and original action, the characters and storyline take center stage. From top to bottom, “Kung Fu Panda” is terrific.
But as much as I admire the original, I believe “Panda 2” tops it in every way.
The new movie opens with a back-story that explains why Po was the only panda bear around in part one. About 20 years before “Panda 2” is set, Lord Shen, the heir of the peacock clan, began to harness the power of fireworks in order to create a weapon that would allow him to rule China. When he learns from a soothsayer that “a warrior of black and white” will defeat him, Shen assumes she’s referring to the pandas, and exterminates the peaceful bears in order to stop the prophecy from happening. Horrified, Shen’s parents exile him, and Shen swears revenge.
Two decades later, Po is enjoying life as the Dragon Warrior, protecting the Valley of Peace along with his kung fu friends, the Furious Five. However, Master Shifu tells him he has one more thing to learn: inner peace. During Po’s lesson, Shen’s wolves attack the valley in order to steal metal for the weapon. During the battle, Po sees a symbol on the armor of a wolf that triggers a memory of his mother. Distracted, he loses his concentration as well as the fight, and the wolves escape with their bounty.
Later, Po asks his goose father, Mr. Ping, where he came from. Ping reluctantly tells Po he “might have kind of been adopted,” and relates the story about the day he found him in a vegetable crate in the alley behind his restaurant.
When Shen uses his weapon, a cannon, to retake the city in which he grew up, Shifu sends Po and the Furious Five to bring him down. Determined to learn about his past, Po also embarks on a quest of self-discovery.
While the storytelling in “Panda 2” is first-rate, even more impressive is how skillfully the creators of the movie weave story and theme into a single tapestry. Po’s search for truth has a Campbellian quality to it, and takes the hero of these charming movies through an emotional gauntlet. From curiosity and longing, to hopelessness and anger, to heroic determination, Po’s journey draws from classic literary sources, and has the poignancy of
Luke Skywalker’s coming of age tale in “Star Wars.”
What’s more, Shen is a cleverly devised villain. On the surface, he’s a fragile bird, but he draws considerable strength from the evil in his heart. The heavy in the first “Kung Fu Panda” was all muscle, teeth and claws; the malevolence in Shen’s heart is more disturbing, and drapes “Panda 2” in darker textures and colors.
While “Panda 2” is thematically and emotionally ambitious, it’s also viable summer entertainment. There’s more than enough action to satisfy viewers of all ages, and once again, the animation and choreography are outstanding. The movie also earns a lot of laughs without stooping to potty humor or trying too hard. Rather, the humor is a natural extension of the situations and characters. A scene in which Po operates in stealth mode had me in stitches, and my wife said I laughed too loudly when Po shouts a hero’s warning to Shen from the distance, but is too far away to be heard.
Praise for “Panda 2” has been almost unanimous. Frank Lovece of Film Journal International describes the movie as “truly beautiful to behold” and writes that it “works on both aesthetic and emotional levels.” Betsy Sharkey of the Los Angeles Times writes “Panda 2” is “not just wall-to-wall animation, it is artistry of the highest order.” I agree with both critics, and hope you will see this extraordinary movie in theaters.
Rated PG for scenes of martial arts action and mild violence. Four stars out of four. Email David Laprad at dlaprad@hamiltoncountyherald.com.