Kung Fu Panda 2: Critic Reviews

Go for a beer in the middle forty minutes; come back refreshed for the ... [final] extraordinary battle sequence.

THERE'S an old Chinese proverb (that I just made up) that goes: what is the point in making something pretty to look at if no one can see it?

The massive amount of artistry that has gone into the cinematography, lighting and design makes this as sumptuous and pleasing a film to behold as Tangled.

It focuses too heavily on flashy action sequences and lacks the amusing banter that I remember fondly from the original.

The first film was a lot of fun; this sequel is even more fun but also something quite special.

The upgrade to 3D is worth while, the story is a solid refinement of the best bits from before and the balance between light humour and darker drama is quite well maintained.

It doesn't soar like the best of animation these days but it's an entertainment, particularly for the younger set.

While the animation is incredible, this also has heart and humour in spades, and proves just as engaging as its predecessor.

Not as great as the first, but still worth your skadoosh!

Cuter and more enjoyable than the first film, this high energy 3D animation from Dreamworks is packed with kung-fu spectacle, exotic Eastern settings, a fuzzy heart and plenty of chuckles

A visually engrossing, technical triumph, Kung Fu Panda 2 is worth seeing on the big screen for the sheer eye popping nature of its realisation. But dramatically, it's not packing a punch.

Offers more of the same, even though it tries to convince us it doesn't.

It is made with consummate craft, contains some exciting set-pieces and the voice work is top-notch.

The animation is five-star all the way but the plot has a good deal less "awesomeness" than the original.

Director Jennifer Yuh Nelson has done her best to ensure a child-friendly movie that parents can sit through too.

It drops points for a narrative that overstretches by at least 20 minutes.

With an all-star voice cast, gorgeous animation and a story that both thrills and tugs the heartstrings, it's as good a 'toon as we're likely to see all year.

Another knockout combination of vibrant animation, energetic action and nifty jokes.

A solid entry in the modern world of computer-generated animations and a promising start for debut director Jennifer Yuh Nelson.

Might be just another instalment in another big dumb multiplex franchise, but it's a beautifully designed and crafted one with much to admire, drawn from the joyful karma of animation ninjas rather than sucked from soulless executive spreadsheets.

The tagline doesn't lie - it really is twice the awesomeness.

The whole film deserves close attention and repeat viewings.

A knowing script, beautifully bright animation and a truly towering effort from Black combine to create a cracker of a family film.

The movie is as busy and crisply detailed as ever, and the action sequences involving rickshaw chases, martial arts dust-ups and cannonball juggling score high.

This is an enjoyable sequel with impressive animation and lively fight sequences but it's neither as funny nor as emotionally engaging as the first film and it largely side-lines its previously fabulous supporting cast.