ALBONE

One of my favourite sequels tbh. So in my last post (which you can check out if you haven’t already) I reviewed Kung Fu Panda. I rewatched the sequel with my friends the other day, and it’s even better than the first one.     [OBLIGATORY SPOILER WARNING] Like any good sequel, Kung Fu Panda 2 builds on its predecessor’s story. We learn that Po is adopted (which resolves questions kid-me had when I saw the first one), and journey with him as he slowly learns that harrowing truth about what happened to the panda village. One of the best things about this movie is how it handles mature themes like genocide and trauma. Through distinctive animation and a striking sound track (Hans Zimmer at it again), we learn how and why Lord Shen purged all the pandas, and how Po survived. The scene in the rain where Po finally comes to terms with his loss; letting go of the past and embracing the present is one of my favourite scenes in film. Jack Black is back and better than ever. Along with t...

 Eastern culture meets Western storytelling tropes in this animated action-comedy. I rewatched Kung Fu Panda with some friends of mine a couple of days ago and had a lot of fun revisiting a childhood favourite. [OBLIGATORY SPOILER WARNING]  Kung Fu Panda has a cast of kooky characters, from the wise Master Oogway (literally everything this tortoise says is quotable) to the stoic Master Shifu. But the MC Po steals the show. Other than Kevin Conroy's Batman, I'm hard pressed to think of a voice actor who defines their character the way Jack Black does with Po. Po is a kung fu nerd with a big stomach and an even bigger resolve. Despite his shortcomings, I truly admire Po's 'never-quit' attitude as he's put to the test training under Master Shifu. Po has a vibrant personality that endures in the next 3 movies (I haven't seen 4 yet), which is great.  The jokes are hit-or-miss, there are a few duds, but I did laugh at some. My personal favourites are the 'invi...

Recognizing some of the cornerstone members of our society. Since it's May, I thought it would be appropriate to reflect on the nature of motherhood as Mother's Day (the US version anyway) is celebrated on the second Sunday of May each year. May is also dedicated to Mary, the Mother of Christ and the Church.  Over the past 50-60 years or so, there has been a surge in the number of women in the workforce. Which is a good thing. However, there's an unfortunate mindset that has sprung up as a result: the idea that for a lady to be successful, she must join the workforce. Being a man, there's an aspect to this conundrum that I won't fully be able to understand or relate to. But I just feel as if there's been a neglect of the importance of motherhood in our society. Terms such as 'housewife' or 'stay-at-home mom' are now perceived as somewhat derogatory terms, as if dedicating one's life to domestic affairs is a waste of one's potential. Thi...