Shout! Studios and Shout! Kids
Digital Release Date: Jan 28, 2025
Richard Claus’s love for all things little is front and centre in Panda Bear in Africa. It’s a Spanish-animated film that’s now seeing distribution outside its country. When it purposely borrows from Kung Fu Panda, Madagascar and Lion King, I’m hoping this filmmaker has not run out of ideas.
After delivering well-meaning tales like The Little Vampire (2017) and Ainbo, Spirit of the Amazon (2021; movie review), this latest work isn’t all that original. Even then, I still enjoyed the overall message about how Pang (Yootha Wong-Loi-Sing), a young panda, loves to play with others outside his species. While others are not as kind, his behaviour is worth learning from. No one should be judged because they are from another species. Even when his pal gets kidnapped, he doesn’t listen to the advice of his elders and is determined to rescue his bestie.
When he finds out Jielong (Georgina Verbaan) is being transported to a land far away, he’s off to the jungle! Although this cub does not feel like he’s out of his element, just who he faces shows he requires help. Thankfully, the friends he makes along the way are good. Even though Jojo (Maurits Delchot) is no monkey king, his importance to the whole narrative is worth noting.
Meanwhile, back in Africa, Prince Ade (Namisa Mdalose) is preparing for his birthday. Although unaware his uncle wants to take over the throne, his naivety speaks volumes. This relative knows just how special the dragon is and thinks he can trick Jielong to help him. He knows her breath can freeze people. Of course, just when he’ll truly take over depends on whether he can sway the tribe to follow him instead of the cub.
Although this film is not one of this filmmaker’s finest, it’s still worth a watch with young ones and to discuss trust and how to treat others with respect. Without this underlying message, this work would not amount to much. Even during my second view, I found aspects that tickled my fancy and don’t think of it as totally off its mark.
3 Stars out of 5
Panda Bear in Africa Trailer
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