Michael Dwyerand Donald Clarkereview the latest releases
KUNG FU PANDA ****
Directed by John Stevenson, Mark Osborne. Voices of Jack Black, Dustin Hoffman, Angelina Jolie, Ian McShane, Jackie Chan PG cert
Set in ancient China, this attractively designed animated feature from DreamWorks tells the story of Po (voiced by Black), an obese panda who unexpectedly gets to fulfill his dreams of becoming a kung fu virtuoso. The exuberant comedy proceeds at an energetic pace, with an evident respect and affection for kung fu movies. MD
THE CHRONICLES OF NARNIA: PRINCE CASPIAN ****
Directed by Andrew Adamson. Starring Georgie Henley, Skandar Keynes, William Moseley, Anna Popplewell, Ben Barnes PG cert
Mediterranean villains have taken over Narnia and the Pevensie kids must restore order. The second film in the series did not set the box-office alight, but it is, actually, livelier than its predecessor. The Christian allegories have been dampened down and the violence is noisier, sweatier and more prevalent.
Perhaps it's a Narnia film for people who don't much like Narnia. DC
BABY MAMA ***
Directed by Michael McCullers. Starring Tina Fey, Amy Poehler, Greg Kinnear, Steve Martin, Sigourney Weaver 12 cert
Before Fey achieved fame playing a winking Arctic demagogue, she starred in this passable comedy concerning a thrusting executive who hires a wastrel (Poehler) to carry a baby on her behalf.
The distaff version of The Odd Coupleprofits from the excellent chemistry between uptight Tina and sloppy Amy, but the film's attitude to the working classes - shiftless, dumb - is a tad suspect. DC
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