The large, fluffy, and comical Po is back in the third installment of the “Kung Fu Panda” franchise. Being the third film in the series, one would think it would be rather dry and a cardboard cut out of the last two.
This, however, is incorrect. “Kung Fu Panda 3” is a heartwarming, funny, and well written children’s film that had many adults laughing at the jokes made in the film.
The most impressive element the film employs is the absolute beauty in the animation. From the spectral landscapes of The Spirit World to the glorious hills and rivers of The Valley, the film looks stunning.
Aside from the obvious animated nature, the movie feels genuinely real. Sunsets, clouds, frozen tundras, breathtaking hills, mountains, and dazzling rivers all create an environment that is utterly vivid and beautiful.
Taking place in a fictionalized version of China, every location and character looks spectacular with unforgettable Chinese artistic elements implemented through the entire movie.
The cast in the film is rather good too, with Jack Black (Po), Angelina Jolie (Tigress), Seth Rogen (Mantis), David Cross (Crane), Lucy Liu (Viper), and Jackie Chan (Monkey) all returning to their roles. Bryan Cranston, of Breaking Bad fame, stars as Li, Po’s long lost father.
Together, the cast is excellent, with Cranston delivering a meaningful and heartfelt performance. The plot centers around the return of Kai (J.K. Simmons) a legendary warrior who returns from The Spirit World to steal He Chi from all Kung Fu masters.
From here on out is the cliche ‘finding yourself’ and ‘the final battle of good versus evil’ setting, which plagues nearly all modern films. However, this is a children’s movie, meaning it has to end happily.
As if following some code, “Kung Fu Panda 3” does well but manages to do so while keeping the attention of the viewers, whereas, with other films the audience tends to glass over and real sense of emotion or realism as they desire closure is lost, no matter how used it is.
All in all, “Kung Fu Panda 3” is a beautiful and meaningful film that will delight any child and adult alike. Only being bogged down by a cliche plot, “Kung Fu Panda 3” maintains its sincerity, humor, and emotion from beginning to end. It is well worth a visit to theaters, as it will have you in awe of its sheer beauty.