Review
Kung Fu Panda 3 impresses with wit, animation, and plot
February 4, 2016
Having now found kung fu and discovered inner peace, Kung Fu Panda 3 searches for unity with the universe through its engaging plot, funny gags, and gorgeous animation.
But of course, that should be expected now from these films and their long line of high standards on its Ancient China inspired world and lovable character Po.
Now that Po has faced many challenges and saved China once, Po has matured to where he must now take the next step in his training and become a teacher of kung fu himself. Though resistant at first, his spirits are lifted when he discovers his long lost father, who informs Po of a hidden sanctuary for pandas.
This has all come in time as a new threat from the Spirit World has returned to seek vengeance on the land he once ruled and seeks to destroy the pandas, who wielded a power that could stop him. Now Po will have to protect his people and the power they wield from this powerful new foe, and make his own people into kung fu warriors like himself.
A pretty heavy plot for the second sequel in the series, but Kung Fu Panda 3 manages to become one of the most beautiful and touching entries in the series.
Good animation is expected now of Dreamworks Animation, but this film manages to go up and beyond. As the series entrenches itself further in spirituality and eastern philosophy, it enters realms foreign to its characters that really show off what the creators have wanted to bring. Massive environments and beautifully animated worlds come alive here that we have not seen yet, and it allows for some of the most dynamic action the series has seen yet.
The writing is also spot-on. Whereas some series might run out of steam by the third try, Kung Fu Panda 3 manages to balance out its many fine aspects. The problem of balancing identities, finding meaning in who we are, striking a balance between having two fathers, these are some of the things the film addresses maturely and with great heart, creating a truly appreciative story.
And this also happens to be the most gag filled of the three films. It seemed as though I was much more aware of the sharp, quick humor this time around as before, but the film manages to keep you laughing constantly, and balances it all quite well with the serious moments. Tonally the film feels very balanced.
Even its new villain, a monstrous Yak named Kai, manages to garner some laughs while managing to be cool with his actions and design.
One thing people will definitely feel is entertained, as nothing about this film felt boring. The actions is fluid and powerful, while also using the it to the fullest extent to bring out the comedy and intrigue through each scene. No boredom should be expected in those who go to see this.
With the only major problems I could see in the film are placements of certain scenes being re-written, or even for the philosophies to be pushed a bit more, Kung Fu Panda 3 manages to be another stellar entry in the series.
If it were to end here with there never being another, people would feel satisfied that this was the film that entrenched the legacy of Kung Fu Panda in animation history.
Ryan Funes is a lover of all things movie, TV, video games and stories and wants to become a television writer someday. In his spare time he enjoys hanging with friends, tapping into his imagination, and watching cartoons of all kinds.