Kungfu Panda 2

Mid morning, and Daughter suddenly called out and rattled off the movie schedule for the day. She had set her mind on Kungfu Panda 2 and weaved a subtle ambush into Other Half's mind. And so, the afternoon itinerary set, we got ourselves to Big Cinema at Alor Setar Mall. It, being the first holiday weekend, the place was filling up by the time we got there. We got into the line and by the time it got to Other Half's turn, they were down to 5 seats. Beggars can't be choosers and we took what was available; which meant separate seating. The other option was to wait for another time... which I wasn't keen.

I am not one of those animated movie fans but I notice that each time I go in for a Dreamworks movie, I am usually entertained and would watch through the whole show even though I had told myself that I'd read a book if I get bored with the movie. The movie started with a wayang kulit flashback of Lord Shen - the bad guy or peacock of the show. Yup! The bad guy is a peacock and his honchos are the big bad wolves. Then there are the rakyat, portrayed by the docile kambing and pigs. Atypical characterization based on good ole fairy tales. It never ceases to amaze me how the movie makers can make Panda annoying yet so adorable. If it had been a local flick, you'd be annoyed to no end, by the bodoh-ness of a character cos they always go overboard in doing it. It didn't take me too long to figure out why Panda had to master the 'inner peace' for himself but the story line and lessons behind the movie are nice touches. Elegance in simplicity. Easy lessons to digest.

Our animated movie industry here has a long way to go to catch up with such kind of productions. Anyway, how to with our brain drain. I won't be surprised if some of the people involved in its production are Malaysians - those who got were drained out by our lopsided system here. As usual, in the hands of the real pros, the way they are able to bring life into the animation, the addition of little details all make the audience connect quite easily with the characters.

There's going to be a sequel, that's almost certain. Too good of an opportunity to let go, all the money that can be spun off from more spin offs.

Been a long while since my last movie. I always thought that movie theaters will go the way of the dinosaurs but looking at the way families, young people and people generally crowded (and paid) at Big Cinema to watch the movies, looks like it'll still be around for some time. It's good for families to be able to lepak together and do something enjoyable.