This is a Dreamworks' animated sequel to "Kung Fu Panda," a story about noodle-shop worker-turned Dragon Warrior Po Ping, a giant panda. He joins elite Kung-Fu group the legendary Furious Five -- Tigress, Crane, Mantis, Viper and Monkey -- in protecting his home and the Valley of Peace. However, Po and the Furious Five learn that the treacherous Lord Shen of Gongman City is threatening the valley with a new weapon that threatens to end Kung Fu. While battling memory flashbacks of Lord Shen, Po attempt to stop Shen and learn the truth about his past.

Like its prequel, the film has the action, tense and adventure of any martial arts-themed movie. The laugh-out-loud comedy and humor continue as well, mixed in with a memorable cast of characters provided by an all-star voice cast by Jack Black, Dustin Hoffman, Angelina Jolie, Jackie Chan, Seth Rogan, Lucy Liu, David Cross and James Hong. New to the cast are Gary Oldman, Michelle Yeoh, Dennis Haysbert, Jean-Claude Van Damme and Victor Garber. Oldman gave a menacing, dark and crafty voice performance for Lord Shen and Yeoh gave a motherly, yet wise and eloquent voice portrayal of Soothsayer.

Like its prequel, this movie's animation and visual effects capture the many beautiful characteristics of China including Shen's magnificent pagoda tower and the boat where the climactic battle takes place. Jennifer Yuh did a great job directing a movie with courage and power, but with darker tones than the previous film. The writing team of Jonathan Aibel and Glenn Berger provided another daring story with enough action and adventure to keep the movie exciting, but with a darker and suspenseful subplot that gives the film an intrigue twist. And, Composers John Powell and Hans Zimmer provided another brilliant music score, with beautiful Chinese-style music accompaniment.

Overall, I believe this is one of the best animated film sequels that stands well on its own - fun and terrific for the entire family.

Grade A