Entertainment : In Depth - Kung Fu Panda 2 and Bridesmaids

The stack is back!

And, ladies, you can thank one of our favorite Palace volunteers, Rhonda Barron, who left me a note asking for “Bridesmaids.” I passed that request on to Frank the Booker who makes it all happen.

But first – for the kids – “Kung Fu Panda 2,” in fabulous RealD 3D, shows in our Main Feature slot, Friday, July 1 through Thursday, July 7 at 7 p.m. every night, with added matinees at 2 p.m. on Saturday, July 2, Monday, July 4 and Wednesday, July 6.

According to rottentomatoes.com, in a rare instance of solidarity, both critics and viewers give Po, the Kung Fu Panda, high ratings.

~The animation is elegant, the story is much more involving than in the original, and there's boundless energy.

~The first film was a lot of fun; this sequel is even more fun but also something quite special.

~With an all-star voice cast (Jack Black, Angelina Jolie, Gary Oldham, Seth Rogan, David Cross, Dustin Homan), gorgeous animation and a story that both thrills and tugs the heartstrings, it's as good a 'toon as we're likely to see all year.

~The massive amount of artistry that has gone into the cinematography, lighting and design makes this as sumptuous and pleasing a film to behold as Tangled.

Po is now living his dream as The Dragon Warrior, protecting the Valley of Peace alongside his friends and fellow kung fu masters, The Furious Five. But Po's new life of awesomeness is threatened by the emergence of a formidable villain, who plans to use a secret, unstoppable weapon to conquer China and destroy kung fu.

This PG-rated animated adventure runs 90 minutes – perfect for even our youngest patrons.

“Kung Fu Panda 2” will be especially perfect for our WINNING TUG O’ WAR TEAM – THE FIFTH GRADERS! The special prize private showing for all fifth graders who participated on Saturday at Party in the Park is at 10 am this Saturday morning, July 2. Each fifth grader who participated is invited to attend, and may bring two friends. Admission and popcorn are free! Call me, Marcy Horst, 472-5518, with questions.

Thanks, also, to the other tug o’ war contestants – Kettlebell Advantage, VPRD Lifeguards, and those dirty rotten cheating Kiwanis Club members. Remember, kids – cheaters never prosper!

STACKED FOR THE WEEKEND

“Bridesmaids,” rated R for strong sexuality and filthy language, is not for the faint of heart. Both national critics and local friends who’ve seen this flick call it the female version of “The Hangover.” I haven’t seen “The Hangover” movies, but I did see “Knocked Up,” another Judd Apatow movie. I laughed – a lot – and felt very guilty doing so.

So – expect this girl buddy film about a bride and her bridesmaids to be hilariously hilarious, in an outright crude manner. Yes, girls can tell dirty jokes, too.

For those who want to catch it under the cover of darkness, “Bridesmaids” plays Friday and Saturday, July 1 and 2 at 9 p.m. Those of you who can’t be shamed (or stay up past 9 p.m.) may enjoy the funny ladies on Sunday, July 3 at 2 p.m.

See you at both movies! I promise not to tell!