My big kids (6 and 5 years old) saw two movies this holiday weekend. One of them - Kung Fu Panda - has been out for almost a month now. The other - WALL-E - is a new release.

Kung Fu Panda, by the DreamWorks studios, is about Po (not the Teletubby, this one’s a fat panda) who is unexpectedly chosen as the Dragon Warrior who shall protect the land from evil. The “evil” is Tai Lung, an imprisoned snow leopard. Po must then complete kung fu training at the feet of “the Master”, alongside a menagerie of other kung fu fighting animals. The voices are supplied by Jack Black, Dustin Hoffman, Angelina Jolie, Jackie Chan, Seth Rogen and other notables.

This was a beautifully-animated movie and entertaining all-around. The kids, as expected, loved it. I don’t think we were out of the parking lot before the six year old said to the five year old, “When we get home, let’s play Kung Fu Panda. I’ll be Tai Lung. You be Po.” Kids and adults alike laughed out loud at several places in the film. There was one scene in which my five year old climbed into my lap because she was a little scared (it was during an ominous scene in which Tai Lung breaks out of prison). All in all, this one was really good. We’ll definitely buy it when it comes out on DVD. (Rated G)

The second movie we saw - WALL-E - was a Disney/Pixar flick. Again, beautifully animated. What would you expect from Pixar though? The film was the story of two robots and an ecologically decimated Earth from which all humans have been evacuated. The humans have been adrift in space for 700 years, waiting for Earth to be cleaned by robots. Most of the film focuses on the friendship of the two robots - who speak only about four words throughout the entire movie. A lot of cooing, beeping and whirring.

The underlying stories about emotional companionship and human excess flew WAY over my kids’ heads. I was a bit bored. My kids, again, loved it. So, maybe that means that the movie works for adults and kids - the adults get the “message” and the kids get entertained. I got the message but wasn’t too entertained. (Rated G)

Kiran? What did you think?

We went to see WALL-E over the holiday weekend as well.  I have to say, my sentiments echo Kate’s…I wasn’t impressed.  It was probably my least favorite Pixar film to date.  The animation was great and seemed to channel old sci-fi, space movies from the 50’s and 60’s.  My son was crazy about the robot, WALL-E, but that’s about it.  I’d add to Kate’s list the theme of “save the Earth and the environment” in addition to those of human excess and companionship.  Too heavy for the 6-year-old set!  I would, however, suggest that you go and see WALL-E (don’t be late!) for the FANTASTIC animated short before the actual movie begins.  Remember those “Roger Rabbit” shorts before movies?  This one is similar to those…maybe 5 minutes in length but beautifully animated and really funny!  In my opinion, this is the place where Pixar shined.