Thursday, March 10, 2016

Review of KUNG FU PANDA 3: Charged with Cuteness

March 9, 2016




Following where "Kung Fu Panda 2" left off, this third and final episode of this action-comedy franchise has Po finally meeting his long-lost biological father Li Shan. He gets brought back to the secret Panda mountain hideout to discover his true nature. Meanwhile, an evil spirit warrior Kai steals the chi of several other spirit warriors (including that of Master Oogway himself) to return and conquer the mortal world. Can Po and his friends discover their "chi" in time to defeat Kai?

The first two Kung Fu Panda films were both animated action-comedy gems which had delightfully entertained us. Being the third installment, we expected and we received more of the same kind of elegant explosive action and rapidfire wholesome comedy. The best fight scene comes at the very beginning between Master Oogway and Kai in the spirit world. We get the same beautifully-conceptualized historical flashback scenes rendered in watercolor and mixed media. Most importantly, we get to learn some vital positive messages about family, friendship, virtue and life for kids of all ages.

I must say though that after the very intense and mature "Kung Fu Panda 2", "Kung Fu Panda 3", while still excellent, paled just a bit because of its relatively thin and shallow basic story. The climactic battle was too played for too much cute and comedy than I would have liked. That big fight was very skewed in terms of fight skills, yet it still went the predictable way. That whole sequence about Po being with his fellow pandas was a treasure trove of adorable black and white fur. However, those scenes (with them chomping down dumplings and rolling down hills) were more endearing foolishness than kung fu. 

Jack Black of course was always on point in his voice work as Po. It was all his show from beginning to end and he was energetically engaging the whole time. Dustin Hoffman was really cute as Shifu and his self-doubt and insecurities. Angelina Jolie, Lucy Liu, Seth Rogen, Jackie Chan were still there as the voices of the Furious Five, but we barely hear anything substantial or distinct from them. Esteemed character actors Bryan Cranston and J.K. Simmons provide the voices for Li Shan and Kai respectively, further lending additional prestige to the star-studded cast. 

"Kung Fu Panda 3" still strikes that perfect balance of depth and froth that made this animated franchise beloved by viewers of all ages. While I personally thought the kiddie aspects predominated this one, as a whole, this film was really entertaining and enjoyable to watch as ever. (PS: Those little baby pandas are simply too lovable to resist.) 8/10.


15 comments:

  1. I have always enjoyed the Kung Fu Panda films, it really touches your heart. I haven't seen this one yet and I already think it's awesome! That's a high rating from you as well! All the more reason to watch it.

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  2. I actually have not seem this movie yet. I don't think it's out anymore in my area. I'll just wait for the DVD to come out. I love this franchise. Me and my younger brothers watched the first 2 movies a bunch of times. Good to see you rated it high. I'm sure it's an awesome movie. Thanks for the review.

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  3. I didn't watch Kung Fu Panda 2 so I'm not sure if it had an ending which hinted another upcoming movie. Kung Fu Panda 3 must be another huge hit. I love Jack Black.

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  4. Pandas are some of my favorite animals and I was fascinated with the two installments of Kung Fu Panda. I'll definitely watch this one, just to see the cuteness overload.

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  5. My friend fell asleep watching this! Animation is usually my last choice if I can help it. I didn't watch it though~

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  6. I've watched this last month and it's cuteness overload. It follows the usual format though Po gets a new impossible challenge and somehow. Po naturally learns a new skill to defeat the enemy. It's a great watch though.

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  7. Yes! i watched this and love it. Its shared a good values and examples to the children as well.

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  8. The Kung Fu Panda movies have always been well liked by my kids and I and we loved this one too. It was nice to see them bring in Po's family and who doesn't love Jack Black!

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  9. We haven't seen this one yet! My kids will have to see the first and second movies first though. I think my son only saw the first one.

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  10. I watched Kung Fu Panda 3 and loved it. But part 1 remains my all time favourite.

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  11. ive heard mixed reviews about this but i do love kung fu panda. will need to watch this one

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  12. i really loved this series.. i remember watching the 1st part way back school years.. o how time flies! :)

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  13. I was waiting to watch this with my girl, perhaps this week. We didn't want to catch it last week during the school holidays, knowing that throngs of kids + parents will be in the cinemas :D

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  14. Kungfu panda series is the cutest thing ever... I started loving pandas ever since the 1st movie came!!

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  15. For me, any day, any time the Kungfu Panda series is a hit back to back. Definitely going to jump on the latest series immediately courtesy of your rating.

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