Phil sees KUNG FU PANDA 2 in 3-D at the Camera 7 Pruneyard-May 25, 2011

For those who may not know me too well, I'm a big kid at heart. I love watching the old Saturday Morning Cartoons of my youth, as well as the kids movies I use to see at the theaters and drive-ins. However I've noticed that recent children films have been a hit or a miss lately. It makes me feel like the kids today are getting cheated out of seeing a good film that really sparks their young imagination while entertaining them simultaneously. Today's film fulfills both requirements, while bringing out the kid in you. Dreamworks' film KUNG FU PANDA 2 is a worthy entry to the series, and gives families something to enjoy together.

 Jack Black returns to voice the Dragon Warrior Po, who is now leader of The Furious Five: Tigress (Angeline Jolie), Mantis (Seth Rogen), Monkey (Jackie Chan), Crane (David Cross), and Viper (Lucy Liu). When their master Shifu (Dustin Hoffman) informs them that the evil Lord Shen (Gary Oldman) has invented a secret and destructive weapon that he plans to use to conquer China and eradicate Kung Fu, Po and the Five spring into action. To help them on their quest, the team is joined by two new characters: Master Oxen (Dennis Haysbert) and Master Croc (Jean-Claude Van Damme). Along the way, Po befriends a seerer named Soothsayer (Michelle Yeoh), who holds the secrets of Po's origin and of his long lost parents.

 It was great to see that the filmmakers were able to reunite the original cast again, while introducing some new ones to the mix. Black once again gives his all as Po, our wonderful, funny, energetic, and always hungry star. However Oldman's Lord Shen is equally impressive, bringing both drama with a dash of humor to the character as well as dignity and just pure evil. We the audience are supposed to dislike Lord Shen, and Oldman makes sure that we boo the villain and cheer for our furry heroes.

What also makes this film a worthy sequel is that we learn more about our main character, which is something that most sequels fail to do. Not only do we get kung fu action up the wazoo, but we get to travel along with Po on his road of self-discovery, by learning who he is and where does he come from. This alone is a plus for the film. Of course, the story is solid, and while new characters are introduced, it doesn't feel forced. All the characters have their moment in the spotlight, which is a good thing to have, since everyone has their favorite character they like to root for. Also the 3-D effects were fantastic, which will get the audiences even more fired up.

KUNG FU PANDA 2 just reeks of awesomeness, and it's the perfect family summer film. While you're busy with BBQing, family trips, ball games, and hanging out by the pool, remember to take your family to see this film. Your kids will think your just the most awesomeness parent in the world.

KUNG FU PANDA 2 in now playing in theaters nationwide, including at the Camera Cinemas in San Jose. To view showtimes, visit their website at http://www.cameracinemas.com/

Thanks for reading, and enjoy the show!