[Movie Review] Kung Fu Panda 2

So, on this hot Tuesday, I ventured forth to the movie theater and grabbed an early showing of Kung Fu Panda 2 and had the entire theater to myself.
The first movie I found enjoyable and thought the designs of the characters were great, the Art Book is really something to grab if you’re into seeing character sketches.
But, #2, what happened with #2?
Nothing a good villain couldn’t have cured. Don’t get me wrong, Gary Oldman was a great quiet villain. But, a Peacock? Really? Psychologically he was a great, Ian McShane came off as greater threat in the first movie.
#1 was small movie w/ big characters. #2 was big movie, small characters and I think when the Furious Five are still not really fleshed out is a problem.
The bits and pieces of the movie that were hand drawn animation was enjoyable. And, the fact that Po is the only Panda in the last two movies was answered quite well I thought.
But, the movie was a little too dark for it’s own good.
I don’t mean Empire Strikes Back dark, the plot line regarding Po, his real parents and Oldman’s character is dark enough. It’s the fact that the last half of the movie is at night and parts of the action in 2D were hard to follow.
Overall, it’s a good movie but lacked what made #1 so fun and bright.