Our list continues with the early parts of the top 25, movies that got a decent amount of support but not enough to vault up the rankings. Tomorrow: #24.
25) Kung Fu Panda (3 votes, 80 points)
Chris: I didn’t pay much attention to Kung Fu Panda while it was in theaters. Didn’t seem all that interesting to me at the time. I have a very hit-or-miss relationship with Jack Black — he’s great in some roles, and annoying in others — so I guess I didn’t give this the credit it deserved.
The movie’s a lot of fun, particularly thanks to Po, Shifu and Tai Lung. The twist behind the secrets of the Dragon Scroll are entertaining, and while I’m not really enamored with the rest of the Furious Five, they’re decent enough.
I’m also going to take a brief moment to point out that Dustin Hoffman is phenomenal, and maybe the most versatile actor who ever lived. Consider his work here, and then remember that he’s also the driving force behind Tootsie, Hook and Rain Man. My goodness.
Shaun: Maybe it’s because I don’t hate Jack Black as much as everyone else seems to, but I truly adore Kung Fu Panda. The plot is simple but sweet, the villain really ups the stakes with his imposing presence, and there are tons of laughs. It’s also one of the best acted animated films, for whatever that’s worth, with Dustin Hoffman’s Shifu stealing the show. Plus, let’s not discredit the fight choreography! It’s not just good, it’s amazing!
Kung Fu Panda is an exceptional action flick, and a damn fun ride. It’s a shame about that sequel though…
Michaela: A fun, action-packed film. Po undergoes a lot of character development in Kung Fu Panda, both physically (even if his belly doesn’t shrink at all) and emotionally. My favorite character is Master Shifu though. He perhaps has the most interesting, emotional story arc in the movie due to its connection to the main villain. Speaking of Tai Lung, he is a great villain. He is so power-hungry that he won’t hesitate to obliterate anyone who stands in his way, and it makes his inevitable confrontation with Po all the more exciting and climactic.
Cary: Jack Black was pretty okay as a panda…a kung fu panda, nonetheless. Honestly, if it hadn’t been for the supreme kick I got out of watching Black in Tropic Thunder (released the same year), I probably would have skipped this one altogether.
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