I thoroughly enjoyed the first Kung Fu Panda films, and while not as good it still had much to like about it. The story while having some nice heart-warming moments is rather predictable and isn't very surprising, and while the dialogue and jokes certainly aren't bad I personally found most of them only amusing in alternative to laugh-out-loud hilarious(like Merry Madagascar, Shrek the Halls and especially Madagascar Penguins in a Christmas Caper). However the animation is simply spectacular with the colours so rich and the characters moving easily. The music is rousing, the characters are endearing especially Shifu though you do empathise with Po and the voice work from Jack Black, Dustin Hoffmann and Angelina Jolie is great. Overall, good holiday special, predictable and not always very funny but beautiful to watch. 7/10 Bethany Cox
18 Reviews
Very good holiday special and worth your time
vivifan14 July 2018
I love the kung fu panda franchise for it's great animation, characters, story's, music, acting and comedy/drama. The first movie was great, the second one was awesome, the third was good and the tv show was decent too( tho it has it's faults). This is one of the better holiday specials DreamWorks have put out imo. It's very heart-warming, well animated, has the same actors as the films and they do a good job here, good music and hilarious comedy, plus it's really enjoyable for any kung fu panda fan. Tho it's not perfect due to Bunny being a bit annoying and some jokes don't work well. The story isn't anything ground-breaking either, Overall it's worth watching if you are a Kung Fu Panda fan and it is entertaining.
The Meaning of a Holiday
pradhyoth28 November 2010
Warning: Spoilers
Winters coming and for the Winter festival, Po along with his father wants to celebrate it by cooking for together. But Master Shifu comes n reminds Po of his duties. As a Dragon Warrior he has to take care of the meeting of counsel for Masters. He asks his father to be the chef for the event but when he refuses Po is forced to take help of Furious Five n the chef whom he "rejects" to rise to the occasion. Then at the meeting Po leaves them saying that he wants to spend time with his father like every time. Furious Five, Shifu n few others visit Po's place.
Even though its not as good as the first movie, the plot isn't bad. But it doesn't have any funny or good moments like in the movie. Good thing is that Dreamworks did not try to make a movie out of this, else it would've been bit boring. Anyway if you did love the movie, you can watch this one
Even though its not as good as the first movie, the plot isn't bad. But it doesn't have any funny or good moments like in the movie. Good thing is that Dreamworks did not try to make a movie out of this, else it would've been bit boring. Anyway if you did love the movie, you can watch this one
Enjoyable
Gordon-118 April 2017
This animation tells the story of Po the Panda, who has to prepare for a family feast for the winter festival. However, he finds out he has to also prepare for a feast for masters as it is the responsibility as the Dragon Warrior. He tries hard to balance his familial duty and his duty as the Dragon Warrior.
"Kung Fu Panda Holiday" is quite a sweet animation film, because it is fun as usual. The jokes are funny, and I giggled quite a few times. The fact that they highlight the struggle two different duties is a good thing, because this might be unfamiliar to Western people, but all to familiar to people in the East. The festive theme makes the story light and fun. I enjoyed it.
"Kung Fu Panda Holiday" is quite a sweet animation film, because it is fun as usual. The jokes are funny, and I giggled quite a few times. The fact that they highlight the struggle two different duties is a good thing, because this might be unfamiliar to Western people, but all to familiar to people in the East. The festive theme makes the story light and fun. I enjoyed it.
Fun
jack_o_hasanov_imdb28 August 2021
functional family holiday
SnoopyStyle1 September 2016
Mr. Ping has nightmare of his son Po leaving him. Shifu asks Po to host the Winter Festival when the Kung Fu masters gather. Po decides to reject the best chefs of the land in favor of his father to spend more time with him. However, his father refuses to leave his customers behind. Wo Hop is rabbit looking to regain his honor by dying while fighting the Dragon Warrior. Po struggles to make the preparations and finds help from the Furious Five.
This is a functional family holiday fare. It's got the original cast and the familiar characters. Po learns another lesson and it all ends well. It's not particularly unusual.
This is a functional family holiday fare. It's got the original cast and the familiar characters. Po learns another lesson and it all ends well. It's not particularly unusual.
Good Enough for Theaters
ihazhart20 April 2012
I love, love, love this. The Kung Fu Panda holiday special is the only really good holiday special I've ever seen. I thought that it was extremely funny and extremely heart-warming. As always, great plot, great moral, great characters. Another perk was the rabbit chef who kept trying to fight Po to the death in order to reclaim his honor. I can't help but feel that without that rabbit the story would have sagged a bit. It's a truly beautiful short about how Po needs to choose between spending the Winter holiday with his Dad, and whether or not to fulfill his duties as the Dragon Warrior. Really touching. It may not be perfect, but it is nonetheless spectacular.
Awful, just awful
name99-92-54538926 July 2014
Holiday specials are very much hit or miss. Merry Madagascar is remarkably good, the Ice Age special is OK. But this is horrible, but no redeeming features.
The story is precisely the sort of crap you expect in the worst such specials --- Po learns a valuable lesson about the importance of family, blah blah --- with absolutely none of the surprise, subversion, or humor that one finds in the better such specials.
The animation is likewise derivative, generic, with none of the originality of the movie.
Saddest of all was the attempt to pretend that what we are watching is Christmas (as understood by East Coast America --- no snow in LA!) without ever actually saying the word; instead we get vague references to the "Winter Feast".
The story is precisely the sort of crap you expect in the worst such specials --- Po learns a valuable lesson about the importance of family, blah blah --- with absolutely none of the surprise, subversion, or humor that one finds in the better such specials.
The animation is likewise derivative, generic, with none of the originality of the movie.
Saddest of all was the attempt to pretend that what we are watching is Christmas (as understood by East Coast America --- no snow in LA!) without ever actually saying the word; instead we get vague references to the "Winter Feast".
A wonderful holiday special to a great franchise
gavin-thelordofthefu-48-46029729 December 2011
After Po was chosen to become the Dragon Warrior and defeated Tai Lung in the original KFP, he becomes appointed to host the Winter Feast at the Jade Palace for all 29 kung fu masters despite his needs to help his father Mr. Ping to prepare for the holidays. When he needed the Furious Five to help him prepare the annual at this time of year, he learns that spending time with a father is much more important than the annual feast and goes to his father which results in doing the right thing and the kung fu masters along with the Furious Five arrive for the holiday. Shifu goes there and is persuaded by Po to join him since he has a family.
Although, not as great as the original's plot, the plot in this holiday special wasn't that bad. The computer animation was beautiful with the same lovely visuals. The characters are once again likable and the voice acting was as perfect as the original's. Even the music from Hans Zimmer and John Powell (accompanied by Henry Jackman) was pretty good.
Kung Fu Panda Holiday Special would always be recommended to fans of the franchise as one of Dreamworks' wonderful holiday specials.
Rating: 9/10
Although, not as great as the original's plot, the plot in this holiday special wasn't that bad. The computer animation was beautiful with the same lovely visuals. The characters are once again likable and the voice acting was as perfect as the original's. Even the music from Hans Zimmer and John Powell (accompanied by Henry Jackman) was pretty good.
Kung Fu Panda Holiday Special would always be recommended to fans of the franchise as one of Dreamworks' wonderful holiday specials.
Rating: 9/10
Mediocre short film almost saved by the ending
Horst_In_Translation10 October 2013
Warning: Spoilers
"Kung Fu Panda Holiday" was released back in 2010 as the second short film to the Panda franchise between the first and second feature film. It's very similar to the original movie, so if you liked that one, chance is good you'll enjoy this one too. The main characters are mostly included and the action is similar too in the grand picture. Here and there some fighting, occasionally some wisdom from Dustin Hoffman and of course quality animation from start to finish.
Story-wise I was not really impressed though. The Christmas reference was basically limited to Panda asking himself whether to spend Christmas night with his fellow Kung Fu masters as he's obliged to or with his dear ones. The problem wasn't really that the outcome couldn't be more obvious (that's usually the case with holiday short films), but that the Christmas message got a bit lost in the action sequences and goofy fun parts. Although the ending was executed very nicely, it couldn't really make up for everything before. Maybe they should have limited it to 15 minutes max. It's an okay watch for the holidays and a fine way to reduce the waiting time till the third Kung Fu panda movie in 2015, but that's pretty much it.
Story-wise I was not really impressed though. The Christmas reference was basically limited to Panda asking himself whether to spend Christmas night with his fellow Kung Fu masters as he's obliged to or with his dear ones. The problem wasn't really that the outcome couldn't be more obvious (that's usually the case with holiday short films), but that the Christmas message got a bit lost in the action sequences and goofy fun parts. Although the ending was executed very nicely, it couldn't really make up for everything before. Maybe they should have limited it to 15 minutes max. It's an okay watch for the holidays and a fine way to reduce the waiting time till the third Kung Fu panda movie in 2015, but that's pretty much it.
A great winter short
MihaiSorinToma20 October 2017
The annual winter holiday feast is coming fast so Po, as the dragon warrior, must host it perfectly. Although he struggles a lot and does some typical mistakes (for him), everything goes according to plan, but something doesn't feel right. He omitted his dad, his family, and winter holidays are nothing without family. Right? Will he be able to please both parts and deliver a happy ending? What is there to say about this short movie, Kung Fu Panda at Christmas is all you want to see this time of the year, no doubt about that!
WinterFest
Prismark1017 December 2015
Kung Fu Panda Holiday was a television special and later a DVD special release.
It is a short cartoon with a positive message of listening to your heart might help you make the right decision.
The Winter festival is approaching. As always Po wants to celebrate it with his father by cooking a meal together.
Master Shifu tells Po it is his duty to host the annual winter feast as a Dragon Warrior and for all the other masters and it is a ritualised affair.
Po gets help from the Furious Five to prepare for the feast but Po realises that he should be with his father for the holidays.
As a Dreamworks short this is passable and the kids would enjoy this. I found the animation average and certainly would not past muster for cinema release. The plot is rather syrupy and moralising when it needed to be spiky.
It is a short cartoon with a positive message of listening to your heart might help you make the right decision.
The Winter festival is approaching. As always Po wants to celebrate it with his father by cooking a meal together.
Master Shifu tells Po it is his duty to host the annual winter feast as a Dragon Warrior and for all the other masters and it is a ritualised affair.
Po gets help from the Furious Five to prepare for the feast but Po realises that he should be with his father for the holidays.
As a Dreamworks short this is passable and the kids would enjoy this. I found the animation average and certainly would not past muster for cinema release. The plot is rather syrupy and moralising when it needed to be spiky.
Great Christmas show
GMGoodwrenchGirl9 December 2019
First let me say that the old Rankin-Bass Christmas specials and 'A Charlie Brown Christmas' are perfection to me. I find most new Christmas specials to be lacking in comparison. I gave this a 9 of 10, so that should tell you something.
Beautifully animated, extremely likeable characters and a very family-friendly Christmas story has earned this show a permanent place in my holiday must-watch lineup.
And Po is so adorable I can't stand it.
Beautifully animated, extremely likeable characters and a very family-friendly Christmas story has earned this show a permanent place in my holiday must-watch lineup.
And Po is so adorable I can't stand it.
So cute!!!!!!
robinhio84_3 July 2022
Heartwarming short that can relate to many.
sisubalan2 January 2023
Great to see tai lung again although it was only for a brief period. This is heavily focused on mr ping which was great (ping deserves the recognition too). Very sentimental, reminds me of my childhood. Family first!
Great voice castings. Great animation style as always, great colours and amazing plot with the bright jolly tone set up. Great sound scores (very chinese instrumentals esque) and songs/musics. Enough doses of actions, fantasy and comedy which balanced together perfectly. Good chinese culture and cuisines representation.
Just another homerun special from the dreamworks with relatable story that can relates with many. Suitable for audiences of all ages including adults. Highly recommended. Dont miss it.
Great voice castings. Great animation style as always, great colours and amazing plot with the bright jolly tone set up. Great sound scores (very chinese instrumentals esque) and songs/musics. Enough doses of actions, fantasy and comedy which balanced together perfectly. Good chinese culture and cuisines representation.
Just another homerun special from the dreamworks with relatable story that can relates with many. Suitable for audiences of all ages including adults. Highly recommended. Dont miss it.
The kung fu panda short
dangerfox-9011021 November 2023
Kung fu panda holiday (2010)
Kung fu panda holiday is a really great short with a heartfelt message that says you are a great person and you are a wonderful person overall and it gives a pretty cool vibe ,
Even though I do not belive in Christmas but overall it was a pretty cool short
Seeing the old cast come for this short really made it very good seeing Jack Black , Dustin Huffman and more
There are very good scenes while cooking and the transitions are VERY good and some scenes are very good edited and I really like how they made cooking that exiting
Overall such a pretty good short with solid animation with a really good story 9/10.
Kung fu panda holiday is a really great short with a heartfelt message that says you are a great person and you are a wonderful person overall and it gives a pretty cool vibe ,
Even though I do not belive in Christmas but overall it was a pretty cool short
Seeing the old cast come for this short really made it very good seeing Jack Black , Dustin Huffman and more
There are very good scenes while cooking and the transitions are VERY good and some scenes are very good edited and I really like how they made cooking that exiting
Overall such a pretty good short with solid animation with a really good story 9/10.
Between responsibility and family
Elvis-Del-Valle25 April 2024
After the success of Kung Fu Panda, Dreamworks decided to test if this new animated work could offer more before making the decision to turn it into a saga. Being a medium-length film, it obviously offers little in terms of length. Even so, the truth is that the characters automatically won the public's affection after the premiere of the first film. This medium-length film serves to see that Po has a good heart despite his ineptitude. What this Christmas special raises is something that people often face. It is the question about duty and responsibilities in conflict with love for family and loved ones. Po now has a responsibility as The Dragon Warrior, but that clashes when he has to decide between fulfilling that role or spending time with his father during the holidays. What this production proposes is something realistic because many times it happens that a person has to fulfill his responsibilities at work and try to balance that with the time he must spend with his family. It is something that has been seen in other films, but it is a very reflective message for adults who must carry the weight of a work responsibility or a family tradition at a time where they must choose between that and being with those they love. Kung Fu Panda Holiday manages to convey that message and it is a good thing for children who will grow up and have to deal with these types of situations. In that aspect, Kung Fu Panda Holiday manages to offer something else that made us want to know more about this universe through its subsequent installments. My final rating for this medium-length film is an 8/10.
Kung Fu Panda never lets us down
Maxyger7567 September 2023
The first movie was mainly about action and fighting but no action is present here. Its just about traditions and the family aspect which later the 2nd movie would be around but this short film was really wholesome.
It had a great animation style and it was absolutely colorful, arguably more beautiful than all the movies and the style looks like the 2nd but kind of like the 1st at the same time, everyone from the first movie is here and it still had laughs even if it was about only 20 minutes, The message absolutely made sense because Po might get distracted to his new fame and leave Ping behind which is pretty neat
Speaking of which I really liked the family aspect here since Po learns to appreciate his father and I really liked Shifu here. Instead of being the mean teacher he was in the first movie, this time around he's just a nice and chill dude and he did learn to have fun once and a while which is really wholesome. I really like the entire Kung Fu Panda saga, the only mediocre media is the dragon knight but that's an improving series
In conclusion, very relatable, visually stunning, wholesome short about family. Great job DreamWorks!
It had a great animation style and it was absolutely colorful, arguably more beautiful than all the movies and the style looks like the 2nd but kind of like the 1st at the same time, everyone from the first movie is here and it still had laughs even if it was about only 20 minutes, The message absolutely made sense because Po might get distracted to his new fame and leave Ping behind which is pretty neat
Speaking of which I really liked the family aspect here since Po learns to appreciate his father and I really liked Shifu here. Instead of being the mean teacher he was in the first movie, this time around he's just a nice and chill dude and he did learn to have fun once and a while which is really wholesome. I really like the entire Kung Fu Panda saga, the only mediocre media is the dragon knight but that's an improving series
In conclusion, very relatable, visually stunning, wholesome short about family. Great job DreamWorks!
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