Kung Fu Panda 2 (MPAA rating: PG)Voice Cast: Jack Black, Angelina Jolie, Dustin Hoffman, Gary Oldman, Jackie Chan, Seth Rogen, Lucy Liu, David Cross, James Hong, Michelle Yeoh Directed by: Jennifer Yuh
The 2nd Panda movie answers the burning question that kept us awake at night after Kung Fu Panda – why was a goose raising a panda in a noodle shop?
If you just perked up giggling with anticipation, then by all means, go see this. But if you are like me, then you may feel this story had basically run it’s course and anything else would have been overkill. And yes, it was.
The movie continues on with its basic story plots – the promised savior, the unlikely hero, and a band of supporting characters helping him on his quest. Add to this a bunch of fat jokes and a villain with an English accent (don’t they all, Hollywood?), and you basically know how this movie will end in the first two minutes. The problem is you have to sit there for the next two hours to get there.
In those two hours you will see great animation, beautiful scenery, and chuckle a few times at Jack Black’s delivery. But I was starting to wish I was watching the actual Black running around instead of his black and white avatar. In fact, I felt this movie had a LOT of talent that was wasted behind the microphone. Angelina Jolie? Gary Oldman? Jackie Chan? Seth Rogen? James Hong? Michelle Yeoh? Jean Claude Van Damme? Man, what an awesome LIVE action Kung Fu movie this would have made.
But the suits of Hollywood needed to make the money, so they stuffed these talents into digital animal suits for the entertainment of the kiddies. Too bad it’s the parents that have to shell out the bucks.
If your kids get sucked into the hype, try to send them with their friends or draw straws on which of the parents has to sit with them, while the other gets to see something of the R-rated variety. Otherwise, wait for DVD. And do NOT pay extra for 3D. 
Your Daddy Time: Wasted or Worth it? Wasted! 2.5/5 Stars
The Worth It/Wasted Rating System is for dads who need to know one thing- Is this movie WORTH IT to:
* Pack up the kids, bags, etc and trek to the theater – or
* Find a babysitter so Dad can have a date night – or
* Cash in brownie points with the Mrs. so he can go with his buddies
If it doesn’t fit these simple criteria, the movie gets the WASTED rating, which means – don’t waste the precious time you have, wait for video/cable when you can squeeze it between chores, work and sleep.
Miguel Guadalupe is a Director at Gartner Inc, a technology research company. Miguel (he’s the one in the middle) grew up in New York City and currently resides in New Jersey. A graduate of Wesleyan University, he currently volunteers for various alumni and community organizations, and is the proud father of a two beautiful girls.