Directed by Mark Osborne and John Stevenson, Kung Fu Panda raises the bar for CGI animated movies. Since CGI ushered out cartoon animation in the late 90's, it has become the gold standard for family entertainment. However what Kung Fu Panda does brilliantly is that one does not get the feeling at all that they are watching a children's movie. Rather it is packed with witty humor and proverbial adages that keeps the older audience engaged. Although the Panda (Jack Black) is the protagonist of the story, there are a host of other celebrity voices including Angelina Jolie, Lucy Liu, Dustin Hoffman, Jackie Chan, and Seth Rogan that really help solidify this film as not only one of the best CGI movies of the year, but one of the best CGI movies of all time.

Kung Fu Panda is about a rotund, refrigerator ravaging panda that would rather become the next great kung fu warrior than follow in his father's footsteps and carry on the family business as a noodle peddler. During the initiation of the millennium, we find out that there are no such things as accidents when the panda finds himself face to face with destiny and the fate of the village on his shoulders.  Throughout the movie we see the panda, his masters, and his friends help him along the way to realize his true potential as a warrior and become a legend of the village.

Although the graphics are stunning and often life like at times, the prize of "Panda" lies in it's intricately wound story. Do not expect this to be another movie that you take the kids to and you spend more time looking at your watch than at the screen. Even though everything is digital, this flick is packed with action, loveable characters, and inspirational sayings that will leave you thinking I didn't know an animated movie could be so profound. Bottom line the images may be simulated but the emotions that Kung Fu Panda taps into is certainly anything but. This movie should not be overlooked and don't be surprised if you feel like a kid again upon watching.