Originally published on metropolis.co.jp on August 2011

The sequel is more of an energetic, slightly darker continuation of the wonderful first movie than an attempt to replicate it. And if it lacks the pure wonder of the original, it retains the colorful, elegant animation, the humor and the voice talent (Jack Black, Angelina Jolie, Jackie Chan, Seth Rogen, Lucy Liu, Dustin Hoffman). And Gary Oldman comes on board to voice the villain (a megalomaniacal peacock). Plot has to do with defeating this new villain, and with the title Panda’s identity crisis when he learns that the ramen-shop goose is not his real father. I had fun. A worthy sequel.