As usual, without specific cue sheet attribution it's impossible to know exactly who wrote what in a score like Kung Fu Panda 2, with three familiar ghostwriters from the Remote Control domain replacing the two who had provided additional music to the previous entry in the franchise. That said, one of the comforting aspects of the Kung Fu Panda score was that its split of duties was relatively easy to hear in the result. Zimmer's broad, melodramatic strokes of deep melody were often contrasted by the hyperactive zaniness of Powell's far more frantic mannerisms. To an extent, the divide between the styles of Zimmer and Powell can also be heard in Kung Fu Panda 2, though the overall result is arguably better integrated for listeners who can tolerate the vast shifts in direction inherent in scores of this kind. In many ways, the sequel score is simply an hour-plus extension of the music from Kung Fu Panda, almost all of the elements from the prior work developed throughout the next entry. Perhaps because of Powell's influence, the tone of Zimmer's orchestra is more organically dynamic than in a score like Megamind, the Chinese elements (led by erhu and regional percussion) again setting the music apart from the composers' similar efforts. The shifts into 1970's Lalo Schifrin funk return as well, at times (as in the rowdy "Zen Ball Master") straying closer to David Arnold's more recent James Bond territory. Sudden infusions of Powell's frenetic rhythmic material also inhabit the comedy sequences, offset again by Zimmer's smoother dramatic tendencies, the two halves not quite at battle as they were in Kung Fu Panda. The two most memorable themes from the predecessor return early and often as well. The pastoral theme of culture, representing ancient China and the warrior way, is the most immediate reminder, expressed without delay in "Ancient China/Story of Shen" and "Dumpling Warrior." The theme's many erhu performances are quite lovely, highlighted by the mid-section of "My Fist Hungers for Justice." The choral and percussive backed statements of this idea in the latter half of the score are not to be missed.

Slower to develop is the cute, bouncing theme for Po himself, heard only in fragmentary references on woodwinds in the first ten minutes but finally developing in "Save Kung Fu" and thereafter. By "Zen Ball Master," the theme is not only in full force but is also in heightened collaboration with the regional theme. Because of the plot, Po's theme isn't expressed in as many Mickey Mousey performances, though in "Stealth Mode" it does resort to silliness and in "More Cannons!," it is unleashed with full Powell pizzazz. A new sinister theme for the villain occupies growling bass woodwinds in "Fireworks Factory" and "Invasion Begins," among others. In general, Zimmer and Powell concentrate the lesser amount of outward comedy cues in this score to the trio of "Stealth Mode," "Gongmen Jail," and "Rickshaw Chase" in the middle third, and this is one of the major differences between the two franchise scores to date. The role of the choir is also enhanced, providing some inspiring moments of awe in Kung Fu Panda 2. Also like the first score's album presentation, there is a lamentable vocal and electronic track at the end; "Dumpling Warrior Remix" is so unlistenable that it would probably be rejected from even a children's show as insufferable as Yo Gabba Gabba. Otherwise, Kung Fu Panda 2 is, despite still requiring some programming to filter out the silly comedy and chase cues (be careful about the thunderous explosion mimicking a cannon to shred a quiet sequence at 1:00 into "Po Finds the Truth"), a more consistent listening experience than the original, with the ethnic elements toned back slightly, interludes of funk less frequent, the choral mixes a satisfying emphasis instead, and compelling continued development of existing themes. The redemptive conclusions of "Po Finds the Truth" and "My Fist Hungers for Justice" both feature full ensemble statements of the regional theme with choral and percussive accompaniment that will give chills to Zimmer and Powell enthusiasts. Those fans have often considered Kung Fu Panda to exceed its three-star rating at Filmtracks, and with the aforementioned improvements to its sound, Kung Fu Panda 2 successfully transcends to achieve that fourth star.  ****   @Amazon.com: CD or Download