Kung Fu Panda preems on HBO

MANILA, Philippines - Pandas are generally thought to be kind and gentle creatures, if a little laid-back. These plump, huggable black-and-white animals are usually seen on television either sitting or lying down, with the ubiquitous bamboo shoot in their paws and mouths. But what about Po of Kung Fu Panda, who longs only to become an expert in kung fu, a martial art that relies on agility, mental prowess and lightning-fast reflexes?

Enthusiastic, big and clumsy, Po is the biggest fan of kung fu in the Valley of Peace, which doesn’t exactly come in handy while working every day in his family’s noodle shop. Unexpectedly chosen to fulfill a prophecy, Po’s dreams become reality when he gets an opportunity to learn the art of kung fu alongside his idols, the legendary Furious Five — Tigress, Crane, Mantis, Viper and Monkey — under the leadership of their guru, Master Shifu. But before they know it, the vengeful and treacherous snow leopard Tai Lung is headed their way, and it’s up to Po to defend everyone from the incoming threat. Can he turn his dreams of becoming a kung fu master into reality? Po puts his heart and girth into the task, and the unlikely hero finds his greatest weaknesses turn out to be his greatest strengths.

The delightful animated feature is voiced by a star-studded cast: Jack Black (Year One) as Po, Angelina Jolie (Changeling) as Tigress, Seth Rogen (Monsters vs. Aliens) as Mantis, Lucy Liu (Dirty Sexy Money) as Viper, Jackie Chan (The Forbidden Kingdom) as Monkey, Dustin Hoffman (Last Chance Harvey) as Master Shifu, and Ian McShane (Coraline) as Tai Lung.

Don’t miss the premiere of Kung Fu Panda on Nov. 29, 9 p.m. on HBO, with encores on Nov. 30, 1 p.m.; Dec. 3, 11:30 p.m.; Dec. 5, 11 a.m. and 7:30 p.m.; and Dec. 6, 2:30 p.m.

For details, log on to http://www.hboasia.com.