Well, I was quite disappointed beforehand.  I'd wanted to go see Journey to the centre of the Earth in 3D but that had been vetoed as "granny and grandpa will be taking them to see that".  The price of summer childcare.  The kids seemed quite excited, even the 10 year old, but how was a Kung Fu Panda movie going to be as good as a 3D movie? 

So, after an afternoon of threats of no sweets and almost a complete call off due to bad behaviour we, eventually, headed off for the evening's showing.  We'd timed it so that when we got back the two youngest could be thrown straight in bed.  Anyway, after the pain of extortionate popcorn and sweets purchase (I'd forgotten to stuff the backpack full of the lot we had in the kitchen cupboard) we found good seats and settled for the film.  The reviews of future films was quite appealing, quite a few good films this summer I reckon.

I'd not read anything about the film beforehand so it took a while to work out what voice was behind each character.  Jack Black fans will enjoy the Panda's one liners and it doesn't take long to spot Dustin Hoffman or Jackie Chan.  Angelina Jolie and Lucy Liu were a surprise when I spotted their names at the end, but that's probably just me.

It's quite a basic storyline, which I think makes it superb film on a par with The Incredibles or Shrek.  Loads of action and funny bits, although I'm not sure it was as funny as the woman in front of me thought it was.  She seemed to laugh at every single scene.  I suspect she was either stoned or a bit stupid.  There are some great one-liners though plus I particularly liked the bit with 'The Legendary Urn of Whispering Warriors'. 

All in all, it's a great film and a must-see with the kids this summer.  Go see it, it's legendary!