Ever hear the joke: “Why do pandas like old movies?” (Answer: They’re in black and white). While this might be un-bear-ably punny, we’re sure that Netflix’s latest offering will prove even more irresistible to both pandas (and kids) alike!
Over the weekend, makchic was invited for an exclusive screening of the first two episodes of Kung Fu Panda: The Dragon Knight animated series as part of Netflix’s three-day “See What’s Next Jr: Southeast Asia” event. Together with my family, we got kitted out in our comfiest PJs and settled into our beanbags for a fun-filled night of entertainment!
Kung Fu Panda: The Dragon Knight
Netflix’s official synopsis reads as follows:
“Jack Black returns to Kung Fu Panda in the new series Kung Fu Panda: The Dragon Knight. When a mysterious pair of weasels set their sights on a collection of four powerful weapons, Po must leave the comfort of Panda Village on a globe-trotting quest for redemption and justice that finds him partnered up with a no-nonsense English Knight named Wandering Blade. Together, these two mismatched warriors will set out to stop the magical weapons from ever being used.”
Check out the trailer below to learn more:
Our review:
Oh, Po. Where do we even begin?
Episode 1 of the series (A Cause for the Paws) finds our hapless hero attempting to dust himself off, after taking a rather sharp fall from grace. Fuelled by a desperate desire for some dumplings (relatable), everyone’s favourite panda (a role reprised by the inimitable Jack Black) finds himself caught up in a series of unfortunate events involving the series’ new antagonists, Klaus and Veruca Dumont (a weaselly brother and sister duo, voiced with Sid-and-Nancy-esque snarkiness by Chris Geere and Della Saba), one stolen magical gauntlet – and a decimated village, following a disastrous rescue attempt.
The highly respected Dragon Master of the beloved Kung Fu Panda movie franchise (and its subsequent animated spin-offs) is no more. Stripped of his title by the Emperor himself after Dumpling-gate (yes, I’m calling it that), poor Po has certainly seen better days. After slinking back home to his feathered father, Mr Ping (James Hong), what plays out next is a classic hero’s quest for redemption – and retribution.
And although the Furious Five are regrettably absent from this animated series, Po is not alone on his journey.
Enter Wandering Blade – Po’s (far more adept) partner-in-crime; an austere female English knight with an impossibly long title, and an even longer resume. Her skills are legendary. Her tolerance for Po is…short. Rita Ora (in her first voice acting role) brings Wandering Blade’s no-nonsense sensibility to life, as our two heroes learn to work together, with Po in training as her eager page.
Slowly, this odd couple bring out the best in both East and West – kung fu and knighthood – as they team up to save the world. Episode 2 (The Knight’s Code) shows Po gradually earning Wandering Blade’s begrudging respect, and more importantly, reconnecting to the parts of himself he might have forgotten. Somewhere in that cuddly, clumsy exterior still lies the heart of a warrior – and this 11-part series seeks to remind Po (and the audience) of this.
Our takeaway:
Viewers will enjoy following Po and Wandering Blade on their journey, as they learn important values about setting aside prejudices, perseverance, and recognising the value of self-worth. And although the original Kung Fu Panda movie trilogy still reigns superior, this family-friendly adventure, with its slick action sequences, great cinematography, and loveable characters, both familiar and new, will likely prove a hit with younger viewers, in particular.
I’m looking forward to seeing how Season 1 of this animated series plays out – and will be here for all the panda-monium that will ensue (last one – sorry, couldn’t help myself!) 😉
By Kimberly Lee
Kung Fu Panda: The Dragon Knight animated series lands with a ‘Skadoosh’ on 14th July 2022! Catch the premiere on Netflix, the world’s leading streaming entertainment service.