Review of Kung-Fu Panda

I watched "Kung Fu Panda" the other day. It's a kids' movie, but I had heard a good deal about it from friends of mine, such as "It's good," "It's so funny," and "It's really cute!" Unfortunately, I don't have such a rave review about it.
Overall, it wasn't bad. I'd say I'm rather knowledgable about recent animated kids' movies; my dad has quite a penchant for them, so I watch the majority of them with him. So, Kund Fu Panda had to stand up to the likes of "Madagascar", "Wall-E", and "The Incredibles", which is a tall order, to say the least. Unfortunately for "Kung Fu Panda", it did not measure up very well.
Again, it wasn't bad, but it sure wasn't good. I don't have a ton to say about it, so I'll keep this short. For one, it was more violent than a Tom & Jerry cartoon, which I thought was nigh impossible. Not at all. At least we were spared any sappy love stories that most movies have or the blatant sexuality that was "Happy Feet".
There were some very funny scenes and moments. However, that is also the case with "Hamlet 2" (which, of course, isn't a kids' movie, but what I'm saying is that even a terrible movie is still bound to have some funny parts). Again, unfortunately for "Kung Fu Panda", I can't recall any of them offhand, and it's only been a few days (which, you must understand, is a long time for me).
Also, I have a huge problem with the entire premise of the story. The idea that an idiot, no matter how much he is needed or relied upon or trusted in or believed in by himself or anyone else, can defeat a master with years of training is absurdly and grossly preposterous. Even dumb luck can only carry you so far.
While what Poe's dad said about the special soup ("You can make anything special if you believe it is special.") is true to an extent, you can't believe or hope in that aluminum foil so much that it will become gold. That's like believing that I can make dawn come at midnight or noon if I wish it to hard enough. That's just silly.
The whole "There is no secret ingredient" idea is somewhat true. Anyone can be at least above average in something if they try hard enough and put in enough time and effort. However, somebody without a brain isn't going to be the next Einstein even if they try their whole lives.
I'm sorry, there are "secret ingredients". Some people just have natural talent and are gifted in certain things. Failing that, there are just great people. To say that "there is no secret ingredient" is to deny the fact that one person did the deed that saved the valley. Poe was the "secret ingredient" even if his gifts were as noticeable as those of Sheefu or Tigress. He still had a gift (though I think it was just dumb luck, honestly).
Failing that, "Kung Fu Panda" is a preaching on the power of fate, which is also ridiculous. The notion that Poe was the only one who could defeat Tai Lung solely because some turtle said so is outlandish. Prophecy does not make something happen.
However, I cannot end this without saying that I was very pleased with the say they did the backstories, the histories of the characters, with such brevity. We see Tai Lung and Shefu's entire lives and learn a ton about them in under a minute, and we also learn a good deal about Tigress as well when she tells the story. Her eyes say everything during her flashback. A deeper plot was something that was missing even from movies like "Madagascar" and "The Incredibles". I must commend "Kung Fu Panda" for that.
And the animation. That was very good and colorful. No complaints there, or with the soundtrack or voicing. I had no idea about the stars that did the voices until the credits. Too bad I don't even like Jack Black (I knew he did Poe's voice, though; I'm not that dense).
There were a couple of good quotes, but the only one I can still remember was Oolong's saying about time. "The past is history and the future is a mystery, but today is a gift. That is why it is called the present." Not bad; pretty darn hokey, as most pithy quotes are, but not bad.
So, overall, I suppose I'd give "Kung Fu Panda" a "C", maybe a "C-". Not the best in recent years. It wasn't even as good as "Shark Tale". Geez.