Sunday, January 31, 2016

Kung Fu Panda 3 Review

Kung Fu Panda 3 is the latest installment in the computer-animated movie franchise that stars Jack Black as the voice of Po.  The franchise also features the voices of Dustin Hoffman, Angelina Jolie, Seth Rogan, and David Cross.

Kung Fu Panda 3 tells the story of Po and the Furious Five going up against the evil Kai, who was once Grand Master Oogway's friend.  To defeat Kai, Po must discover his chi.  Po's dad, Li Shan (voiced by Bryan Cranston) finds Po and lets him know that there are other pandas hidden in a secret location.  If you've seen the other Kung Fu Panda movies you will know that Po is thought to be the last panda.  Master Shifu tells Po that pandas once held the secret to mastering true chi.  That leads Po to go with his dad to learn how to be a panda, hopefully discover his chi, and to defeat Kai before he destroys all of China.

What I like most about Kung Fu Panda 3 is the visuals.  When you watch the movie you can't help but look around the screen at all the little things on screen and be blown away about how it looks.  I found myself often looking at the fur on Po and his dad and enjoying the finer details that made them unique.

Another highlight of Kung Fu Panda 3 is the action.  Like the other movies in the franchise, the fighting scenes in Kung Fu Panda 3 are spectacular.  The movement is so fluid between the characters as they fight.  I often found myself with my jaw open or with a smile on my face as these scenes play out.

One problem I have with Kung Fu Panda 3 is the lack of any story elements that supplied any sort of emotional gut punch.  Nothing happens that left me stunned or emotionally distraught.  Maybe that's what the Kung Fu Panda movies try to do since none of them have these types of moments, but I feel that's what keeps them from being truly memorable.

To me Kung Fu Panda 3 is like the previous movies in the franchise.  It contains bright and vibrant visuals, great action and moments of hilarious comedy.  It also is pretty forgettable.  Nothing in the movie stands out.  Kung Fu Panda is a solid family movie that both kids and adults will enjoy, but don't expect it to stay with you like other animated classics that have been released in the past decade.

3 1/2 stars

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