Kung Fu Panda 3 (Family Movie Review)

"If you only do what you can do, you will never be more than you are." ~ Kung Fu Panda 3

Everyone's favorite panda is back in Kung Fu Panda 3 by DreamWorks, but does this film live up to the franchise?  

Read my review of the first Kung Fu Panda. 

Po (Jack Black) is reunited with his long lost father played by J.K. Simmons (Whiplash), and finally becomes acquainted with his panda roots. However, while now long-established as the Dragon Warrior, Po finds he still has a lot to prove, not only to the villagers and the Furious Five, but more importantly, to himself. 

"When will you realize, the more you take, the less you have." ~ Kung Fu Panda 3

Bryan Cranston joins Black and all the original cast members as our newest villain, General Kai. Stealing the Chi, or energy, of all the Kung Fu masters, Kai hopes to return from the spirit realm and destroy Po and the Furious Five to become an unstoppable force. And he almost succeeds.

The script is filled with great one-liners and tons of physical humor that will leave your children laughing. However, I felt the story line didn't compare to the first two films. Plus, there is so much supernatural mumbo jumbo, young viewers may be left confused as to what is exactly happening. I can only hope that with Po's eventual acceptance of himself as the Dragon Warrior, DreamWorks will put this franchise to rest. 

Watch Official Trailer

The film is rated PG for martial arts action and some mild rude humor and while I am sure your children will delight in the goofy antics of Po and the other pandas, this one may leave older viewers disappointed. I suggest you save your money and wait for this one to be released for home viewing. 

Read more of my Family Movie Reviews.