kung_fu_panda_211Our entire family has a history of martial arts.  Since that is a part of our family DNA  it is easy to understand that a martial arts movie is to our liking.  This time it was a DVD animation.

During the Thanksgiving holidays our whole family sat down to watch the movie Kung Fu Panda.  The title was goofy enough for us to be curious.  At the same time “Kung Fu” had us hooked.

Of all things it is a movie of an overweight panda bear who dreams of being an awesome martial arts practicioner.  He not only defeated all challengers, he also thwarted the collective onslaughts of assassins who attacked him in waves.  Of course after the latest victory, he woke up from his dream.

Now, immersed into reality he was a noodle fast food server.  The glamour of his martial arts dreams couldn’t have been further from the truth.  But, his desire to move like lightening, bravely fight evil and rescue the masses who are in danger remained resolute. 

Through a comical set of circumstances laid alongside the threat of an evil martial artist, Po, the hero panda is trained by the leading Kung Fu Master.  Motivated by food, Po learns to powerful skills adapted to his own lifestyle and humorous personality.

According to this story there is no “real” secret to being a hero in martial arts.  Po’s father teaches him that the only real secret to anything whether a noodle recipe or martial arts skill is to believe in yourself.  Once that special perspective is embraced, anyone can realize their greatest potential.

I first saw this movie in the theater with my whole family.  We laughed hysterically.  Then, at moments of reflection we thought about the message of the movie.  We all commented on the quality of this film.

Our DVD viewing was our second time around.  That says a lot about our family.  If we watch a movie for a second helping it usually means that there is consensus that the show was very good.

This movie is worth a look.  It encourages all of us to never let our limitations stand in the way of personal achievement.  Whatever we do, if we persevere we can accomplish many things.  Never let the doubts of others prevent us from believing.  Take stock of what is special about us, who God made us to be and life will never be better.  Not a bad message for a creative cartoon.

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