Hmmm. Wasn't aware that Kung Fu Panda got that much fan-acclaim.
A lot of animated films have been soulless for a while now, I think it coincided with everything going CG.
Ultimately, the reason KFP2 sucked is this: It is the result of a bunch of fat movie execs, sitting in a room somewhere planning a sequel. It's a sequel, so even the glimmer of originality is gone. For them it is all about, what's safe, what's worked well before and what will bring a decent return from minimal risk. Artistic integrity is out the window and these people plan to spoon feed you warm diahorrea in exchange for your money. What you are left with is something aimed at children with a few gags for the parents. An ultimately empty experience.
If you are looking for worthwhile animated movies with soul I recommend you try some Studio Ghibli stuff or some earlier Disney. Honestly, you won't regret it.
Too much planning, and you'll never get anything done.
Karl Pilkington.
