Carlos Alonzo

When thinking about movies that must be seen on the big screen, a few notable movies may come to mind. Avengers: Endgame, Spider-Man: No Way Home, Star Wars, and Jurassic World are some notable mentions when discussing movies that should be experienced in a theater, however, the greatest movie of them all is largely never discussed. Though this movie hit nowhere near the level of success the previously mentioned movies did, it is still one that deserves to be seen on the big screen. The movie being referenced is of course Dreamworks Animation's Kung Fu Panda. Kung Fu Panda was released in 2008 and since then has already been seen by many in their homes through their electronic devices. Dreamworks' Kung Fu Panda however, is a movie that deserves to be seen on the big screen due to its remarkable visuals and soundtrack, the amazing shared audience reactions, and its many opportunities for greater bonding moments.

Euphoric is one of the few ways to describe the dimly lit theater when the composition titled, "Oogway Ascends", by Hans Zimmer and John Powell first began playing. In fact, all of the music created for Kung Fu Panda is melodic and lifting. This is a soundtrack that earns the right to be experienced in a movie theater. Listening to this movie's soundtrack at home is still amazing of course, but it will never compare to hearing it in a theater filled with fascinated people. Because that is what this music inspired, curiosity, which could only be felt and witnessed in a theater filled with people. This goes hand in hand with the movie's beautifully animated visuals. Being able to experience the movie's minor details such as the whiskers on Po's father's face or even the training sequences through a large screen is wonderful. The colors of this movie should not be confined to the quality of an iPhone or even a TV at home.

Although enhanced visuals and audio quality are a good reason for visiting the movie theater, not much compares to the opportunity to come together as a collective and have shared reactions. There's a sense of community when sitting with strangers in an auditorium laughing, fearing, even crying during the same scenes. Kung Fu Panda gives the audience an emotional story full of many highs and lows. The scene where Tai Lung (the film's antagonist) is finally confronted by Po (the film's protagonist) is so thrilling, and it's amazing to look at your sides and see people experiencing those same emotions. Kung Fu Panda doesn't just have one eventful scene either, it's filled with them. Tai Lung's prison escape, Master Oogway's death, Po's training montage, even the simple scenes with Po and his father at their restaurant are filled with sentiment; Sentiment that is felt by everyone in the auditorium. Being at the movies not only enhances the details and the sound of the film, but also the spirit; it's an amazing feeling when one realizes that they are not the only ones crying during Oogway's farewell.

Arguably, the best reason for watching Kung Fu Panda on the big screen is for its many opportunities for bonding moments. This factor of course goes hand in hand with having shared audience reactions, but nothing beats sharing a smile with friends and family on a night out. Watching any movie from home is fine, but there are so many distractions available for a person to disconnect their attention from the movie. This is something that would change if someone were to see the movie in a theater rather than at home. It allows for families to bond while watching Po overcome the judgment of himself and others. If there is any movie that deserves our full attention then it is definitely Kung Fu Panda. This movie provides something for everybody, and there is no greater feeling than watching a kid glance at his father during the Po and Mr. Ping (Po's father) scenes.

All in all, Kung Fu Panda is a movie that earns its right to be watched on the big screen because of its beautiful cinematography and orchestration, it's opportunity to share emotions as a community, and it's scenes which allow for bonding amongst friends and family. This is a movie that deserves all the praise for not only its great cinematography but what it inspires. Kung Fu Panda is a movie about self acceptance and it's a movie that should be appreciated for all its glory on a big screen. This movie has a great message, and it's a movie that should be experienced with others whether family or strangers.

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What movie has provided you a life lesson that you use today? What was the lesson and how have you applied it?

 

Carlos Alonzo
Regal
Regal Edwards Santa Maria
Stadium 14 & RPX
San Jose State University
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Chloe Anzaldo
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Pacific Northwest College
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Marycruz Arellano
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Regal San Jacinto Metro 12
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Matthew Baluyot
AMC Theatres
AMC Del Amo 18
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Aaron Bravo
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Caleb Carroll
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Regal Edwards
Metro Point Stadium 12
Vanguard University of
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Ashley Chau
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Airport Stadium 12
California State University
Fullerton

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Luis Cruz
Brenden Theatres
Concord 14 Theatre
Sacramento State University
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Daniel Dominguez
AMC Theatres
AMC Rolling Hills 20
El Camino College
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Hailey Dominguez
AMC Theatres, Dependent
AMC Palm Promenade 14
/ Otay Ranch 12
University of San Diego
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Katie Duquette
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Angels Theatre
Arizona State University
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Johannes Freydl
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Roxy Stadium 11
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Channel Islands

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Daisy Gutierrez
Regal
Regal Mission Marketplace
11 & RPX
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San Marcos

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Morgan Harrington
Central Coast Cinemas
Park Cinemas 9
Savannah College of
Art and Design

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Samantha Iraheta
Regal
Regal Natomas Marketplace
16 & RPX
University of California Davis
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Luke Kimes
Regal
Regal La Habra 16
Fullerton College
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Mia Lewis
AMC Theatres
AMC Del Amo 18
Duke University
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Harrison Macagno
Regal
Regal Marketplace
@ El Paseo RPX
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Fresno

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Madison McGregor
Regal
Regal Boulder Station 11
College of Southern Nevada
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Reagan McGregor
Regal
Regal Boulder Station 11
College of Southern Nevada
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Simran Nahal
Regal
Regal Fresno Stadium 22 & IMAX
Clovis Community College
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Amanda Nigro
Regal
Regal Edwards Big Newport
and RPX
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Long Beach

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Maya Orantes
Brenden Theatres
Concord 14 Theatre
Diablo Valley College
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Laurel Osegueda
Cinema West
Country Club Cinema
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Chico

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Jeff Park
Regal
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Cosumnes River College
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Madeline Phelps
AMC Theatres, Dependent
AMC Mission Valley 20
University of California
San Diego

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Aisha Ponce
CineLux Theatres
CineLux Plaza Theatre
San Jose State University
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Lauren Potts
Regal
Regal UA Clovis 8 Movies
Fresno State University
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Jennifer Quintero
Regency Theatres
Regency Agoura Hills Stadium 8
California Lutheran University
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Corina Recinos
Regal
Regal UA La Canada
California State University
Northridge

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Stephanie Rivera
AMC Theatres
AMC Tustin 14
University of California
Irvine

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Hana Rudoff
Regal
Regal Stonestown Galleria
University of California
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Marisa Ruiz
Brenden Theatres
Brenden Vacaville 16
Solano Community College
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Aubrey Smith
Santa Rosa Cinemas
Roxy Stadium 14
Santa Rosa Junior College
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Samantha Walker
AMC Theatres
AMC Santa Monica 7
DePaul University
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Selena Ybarra
Galaxy Theatres
Tulare 10
University of California
San Diego

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Annie Zhang
AMC Theatres
AMC Tustin 14
University of California
Irvine

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