Review: Panda 2 is lovely but lacks fresh kick

citizen |

by Christy Lemire

LOS ANGELES, California (AP) - The roly-poly Po is back in Kung Fu Panda 2, with high energy, some lovely visuals and peppy, playful voice work, as always, from star Jack Black.

But the freshness and novelty that made the original film such a kick back in 2008 has been, well, kicked to bits. And the story line of this sequel feels overstuffed with plot lines and characters, none of which gets its due individually. Parents also should be aware of some violent, frightening imagery that may be too much for the littlest kids (we're talking around age 4).

Everyone else, though, will probably delight in the animated spectacle from director Jennifer Yuh Nelson, which is bright and tactile, bold and subtle. The most beautiful parts come from visual styles that are worked in, including a delicate segment that features paper-style animation.

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