Kung Fu Panda 2
By Bareesh
Shifu “This could be the end of Kung Fu.”
Po “But I just got Kung Fu!”
Shifu “And now, you must save it!”
The first Kung Fu Panda was amazing. It had some of the best kung fu choreography ever, and it was possible due to brilliant animation. And it didn't do too badly either, making quadruple of it's budget in sales and becoming critically acclaimed.
The movie takes place some time after the first, Po and the Furious Five still protect the villages from Wolf gangs. The story of this movie is about a peacock named Shen (voiced by Gary Oldman), the prince of Gongmen City, who harnessed the power of fireworks to make a destructive weapon to rule the entire country. When the court's soothsayer (Michelle Yeoh) prophesised that a “warrior of black and white” would defeat him, Shen killed an entire village of Pandas. Shen's parents, horrified at his atrocity, exiled him.
Thirty years later, Po is a kung fu master. While fighting off a wolf gang, he has a flashback of his mother and starts having doubts that Mr. Ping the noodle selling goose( or duck) is really his father (took him long enough). When it is revealed that he is indeed adopted, Po is heading off to Gongmen city on news that Master Thundering Rhino has been killed by a weapon that might destroy Kung Fu. And they would use Kung Fu to destroy the machine that destroys Kung Fu.
Rather than dashing off with a new villain like most sequels, the writers decided to delve further into the main protagonist's history. They also allotted more time to the supporting cast, the all star Furious Five (Angelina Jolie, Lucy Liu, Jackie Chan, Seth Rogen and David Cross), so as to further their characters. Kung Fu Panda 2 is darker and more intense than the first one and perhaps this may put off a few fans.
The animation is on a whole new scale this time. Dreamworks pulled out all the stops for their biggest hit which isn't Shrek. The action choreography is also awesome.
The end fight scene is simply epic. Everything comes together in a memorable climax with Hans Zimmer and John Powell providing a brilliant score. But even with all the emotion and action this film contains, the characteristic humour is still ever-present throughout the movie. If there are any complaints to be made, its that Master Shifu (Dustin Hoffman) didn't get enough screen time after being arguably the best character from the first film. But I can see how it would've been hard to fit him into the story.
Overall, a brilliant movie and a worthy sequel.
ALBUM REVIEW
Shomorpon
By Shaer Reaz
As far as Eid mixed albums go, “Shomorpon”, released under Deadline Music's banner and co-sponsored by Banglalink, featuring the covered works of Fokir Lalon Shah, Baul Shah Abdul Karim, and Hason Raja, is one that manages to stand out from the rest. When you have Warfaze, Aurthohin and Habib Wahid covering these timeless songs, you expect it to be really good.
01. Aarshi Nogor - Warfaze
The first song on the album starts with a bang, then transitions into a mellow tune through Shams' keyboard track and a decent bass track courtesy of Tipu on drums. Mizan's powerful voice pays a fitting tribute to Lalon's enigmatic style, rising and dipping at just the right places to complement the drumming/bass track, helping create the soulful atmosphere for the rest of the album. Lyrics are unquestionably pure genius. 4.5/5
02. Khachar Bhitor Ochin Pakhi - Warfaze
One of the most famous Lalon songs, Warfaze needed to step up their game several notches to ensure they didn't mess this one up, and they did. Kamal and Oni keep their inner demons leashed in this track and deliver with a much less frantic tune than their usual work, all accompanied by Mizan's soulful voice. A really groovy track that is a proper homage to the original Lalon song. 4.5/5
03. Jat Gelo Jat Gelo Bole - Warfaze
This moves at the fastest pace of any Warfaze track in this album, a good change from the previous two tracks as it stops the album from feeling too monotonous. The guitar work feels a bit too generic, but the track is saved by the ever present Warfaze keyboard tune. Mizan's voice also seems a bit too rushed here, but overall it's a good track. Nothing needs to be said for the Lalon lyrics. 4/5
04. Keno Piriti Barailare Bondhu - Habib
A complete U-turn from the first three tracks, Habib's track is devoid of any bass and goes like a typical pop piece rather than a full on rock number. Habib divides opinion: if anyone likes him or doesn't, no harm done. The track is quite soothing, and Habib's voice is good enough to lift the song and make the listeners' minds drift. Shah Abdul Karim's work is in good hands. 3.75/5
05. Loke Bole Bole Re - Aurthohin
Here is an example of exactly what is wrong with the concept of fusion music today: if you MUST change the feel of an eternally timeless song, at least do the new one in a tasteful manner. Sadly, Rafa's voice is too youthful, too charming and too modern to do the original any justice. Some people might appreciate the youthful take on what is one of Hason Raja's most covered song, but this reviewer didn't like the feel of this song. 2.75/5
06. Matir O Pinjira Aurthohin
This is a much better track in every way, compared to the previous track on this album. Sumon's voice changes things; a heavier, deeper voice accompanied by signature Aurthohin guitar work. The guitar solos really do a number, charging up the listeners and overall, the song delivers on all levels. 4.5/5
07. Ekdin Tor Hoibore Shoron Aurthohin
This track starts off in a mild manner, builds a little, and then maintains that altitude. Rafa's vocals are great here, with less of a drag on the song than with “Loke Bole” (track 05). It's a much better interpretation of Hason Raja's songs than the previous attempt. 3.75/5
Overall Album Rating: 4/5
INFAMOUS 2
By Mahir Khan
After the huge success of Infamous in 2009, Sucker punch has brought out the long anticipated sequel, Infamous 2.Yup, it's once again time to electrocute enemies, blow up cars and choose your own path of righteousness.
Infamous 2 begins exactly where the original ended. Cole McGrath, the protagonist gets contacted by a mysterious agent Quo who offers him help but by that time the prophesized Beast is already in Empire City. Though not up to the potential, Cole heads out to take down his nemesis and instead gets whipped and kicked out of his own city. Once back to his senses, Cole finds himself in New Marais where he must find a way to get stronger for his inevitable battle with the beast and at the same time must fight hordes of mutants, militia and ice conduits to keep undesirable elements in the city at bay.
The thing which keeps gamers clutching to their controllers, right after the amazing game-play is New Marais. Instead of the monotonous and constant Empire City, players will now run wild in a variable new city. On the west, players will find a swamp crawling with mutated beings where as on the second Island; players will be introduced to a flood town which looks a lot like Dhaka on a rainy day. The introduction of a new weapon called the Amp brings speed in Cole's combat abilities but even in easy mode, hiding, recharging and fighting is a really important strategy against the colossal opponents.
The graphics in this game is no disappointment but what Infamous 2 lacks is the depth of the story its predecessor had. Also, the side quests provided no entertainment at all. The common theme of these was to go to a location and get rid of anyone standing in your way, which wasn't exactly impressive after the first 10 times.
Overall, Infamous 2 will keep the gamers glued to their seats for at least 20 hours and trust me; at the end, whichever ending you choose, you won't be disappointed.
Corrigendum
Last week in an article titled “Leading from the front: Gorbo Bangladeshi”, the writer mistakenly named the lyricist of the song 'Shadhinotar Prantore' as Labib. The lyricist of the song was actually Micheal. We regret the oversight.
