Kung Fu Panda 3 is a harmless, mildly diverting adventure featuring the best and worst of animated sequels.
⭐ ⭐ ⭐
Tom Munday
Spawning merchandise, video games, a kinetic animated series, several short films, and three feature instalments; the Kung Fu Panda franchise has become a licence to print money. Kung Fu Panda 3 continues Panda/Dragon Warrior Po’s (Jack Black) physical and spiritual martial-arts training. Supported by Master Shifu (Dustin Hoffman), Po unsuccessfully takes over training the Furious Five – Tigress (Angelina Jolie), Crane (David Cross), Mantis (Seth Rogen), Viper (Lucy Liu), and Monkey (Jackie Chan). Po must also contend with his biological dad Li (Bryan Cranston) and adoptive father Mr. Ping’s (James Hong) quarrels. Meanwhile, warlord Kai (J.K. Simmons) defeats Master Oogway (Randall Duk Kim) and escapes the Spirit World to wreak havoc upon Ancient China.
The 2008 original eclipses most Dreamworks’ efforts; combining the humanoid animal gimmick with wuxia choreography and Chinese culture. However, the 2011 sequel and third instalment fall straight into the studio’s underwhelming oeuvre. No. 3 reeks of franchise fatigue and Dreamworks clichés, packing a stellar cast, pop-culture references, dance number, silly comedy and a multitude of sub-plots and new characters into its limited run-time. Po’s quest, to fit into Li’s village of Pandas, makes for a series of tiresome “pandas are fat and lazy” gags and an obvious message for kids.
Despite the predictable slapstick jokes, the series’ cute, organic sense of humour still resonates. Po, Shifu, and the Furious Five’s playful dynamic provides the franchise’s heart and soul, fuelling many likeable moments between the unique cast of characters. The series’ extraordinary production design and attention to detail stand out, with jaw-dropping scenic vistas worth watching on a continuous loop.
However, Kung Fu Panda 3 squanders the franchise’s most enthralling elements. The movie’s action sequences largely lack stylish choreography or intensity. Despite Black’s inspired casting in the lead role, the supporting A-list cast is criminally squandered. Talented performers – from the original cast to the newcomers – are relegated to a handful of lines.
Kung Fu Panda 3, although clinging onto the original’s lasting appeal, proves some franchises should be kicked and punched into oblivion.
Kung Fu Panda 3 is available in Australian cinemas from March 24th
Image (c) Twentieth Century Fox 2016
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