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"Panda"-Money-um

The second film in a franchise is the tricky one. That's where you know whether the concept - and the characters - have staying power. It's where you can transition from one-hit wonder to continuing saga, from curiosity to cash cow. It's also where all hope can be lost and the dreams of story-tellers, film-makers and studio executives alike can be cast asunder. After seeing "Kung Fu Panda 2," I think Dreamworks Animation has another hit series on its hands.

The sequel begins shortly after the first film left off. Po, the Panda and unlikely Dragon Warrior (Jack Black), has teamed up with his former idols, the Furious Five: legendary Kung Fu masters sworn to protect the valley of Peace. Although the Five, particularly the fierce warrior Tigress (Angelina Jolie), were initially resentful of Po's seemingly haphazard entry onto the Kung Fu scene, they have since come to accept the panda as one of their own. While he may lack the ferocity of Tigress, the agility of Monkey (Jackie Chan), or the speed of Mantis (Seth Rogen), Po makes up for it with pure heart and a growing repertoire of mad Kung Fu skills.

A new menace arises in Lord Shen (Gary Oldman), a fierce peacock with a grudge, hell-bent on re-capturing his throne, destroying Kung Fu and dominating all of China with the help of a terrible new weapon. A raid by Shen's wolf troops on a village re-kindles a memory buried deep in Po's brain with visions of his panda parents. Could it be that the goose who raised him as heir to the family noodle business is not Po's "real" dad? And what is Shen's part in all this? Why are the peacock and his red and black sun family crest such a strong image in Po's visions? The story evolves as Po's quest for identity threatens to derail the Furious Five's ability to defeat this dark menace and save China from technological enslavement. Can Po find inner peace and accept his own dark past in time to help ward off Shen's attack?

"Kung Fu Panda 2" continues in the tradition of the first film in presenting spectacular animated fight sequences, choreographed with as much care and attention to detail as a live action Kung Fu film. The film's many battles are extremely fun to watch. These films take many years to craft and render and this time and effort has paid off here with a gorgeous visual and auditory presentation. Although some may find the fight sequences a bit violent, there is little blood and nothing here should prove too scary for the younger crowd, the film's primary intended audience. Kids will love the sight gags and exciting action, while adults will appreciate the finer points of the story, as Po struggles with real issues of identity and acceptance. The dialog is at times clever, at times trite, but at times moving. The interactions between Po and his friends and family feel as real as those you'd find in any well made live action film.

Having seen the film twice, once at the Dreamworks campus Dolby 3D-equipped theater in Los Angeles and again at the Regal e-Walk's RPX (Regal Premium Experience) theater in Manhattan - both fully digital 3D theaters - I will say that it's important to seek out a high quality digital theater so you can get the most enjoyment out of the film's masterful 3D animation and full 7.1-channel Dolby surround sound. Subtle details such as Po's rippling fur, the facial expressions of the various animal villains and heros, and the immersive sound effects that envelope the audience during the battle and chase sequences may be lost in a lesser quality theater.

The 3D effect is used here judiciously and effectively. Much care was taken by the animators to ensure seamless transitions from scene to scene. You won't find jarring mismatches in depth between cuts and you won't find a lot of gimmicky in-your-face 3D effects. Wide panoramic vistas of the Chinese countryside are presented with great depth; snow flakes float down around you in a forest scene and villainous wolves' faces jut out at you where appropriate. In short, 3D is used as just another element in the film-maker's palate to draw you into the action and into the story.

The film culminates in a satisfying battle sequence and while the final words between Po and Shen may verge on melodramatic, it's not enough to be cringe-worthy. The film finishes with an epilogue that clearly sets the stage for more, and I have to say I'm looking forward to seeing where they go with the third film.