DreamWorks’ third installment to the “Kung Fu Panda” franchise did not fail to entertain the audience. This action -animated film is filled with adventure and hilarious bits that overall help create the meaning of self discovery.

The story begins with Po (Jack Black, “Goosebumps”) meeting his actual father Li (Bryan Cranston, “Trumbo”) and discovers a secret panda village where his father resides. In the meantime, there’s a power-consumed villain, Kai (J.K. Simmons, “Whiplash”), who seeks to take the chi of every Kung Fu master across the land. It is up to Po, the other masters and the panda village to help defeat Kai. Overall, this movie was very fast paced with no dull moments and was loads of fun with laugh out loud moments. It’s a movie not only great for kids but adults too. With each movie, we go along Po’s journey of discovering things about himself.

Although there is a lack of substance for the older crowd, the plot is well developed, but it falls a little short due to the consistent theme of believing in yourself. One can really get the sense that this is a movie about family and getting to know yourself as Po starts to get to know more about his own culture. He continues to spend time with pandas in the village, while his adoptive father, Mr. Ping (James Hong, “R.I.P.D.”) remains by his side.
Tigress (Angelina Jolie, “Maleficent”), Master Shifu ( Dustin Hoffman, “Little Fockers”), Monkey (Jackie Chan, “The Karate Kid”), Mantis ( Seth Rogen, “The Night Before”), Crane (David Cross, “Pitch Perfect 2”) and Viper (Lucy Lui, “Tinker Bell and the Legend of the NeverBeast”), do not play an important role in the movie.

Writers Jonathan Aibel and Glenn Berger, create an easygoing environment for the audience through the use of mild, rude, comedic dialogue and action. This helps the story flow effortlessly as they introduce new characters. But Aibel and Berger still manage to pass the message of the importance of family, self worth and responsibility throughout the story.

The director, Jennifer Yuh Nelson who became one of the highest grossing female directors in recent years, makes it simple for kids and adults to grasp the depth of the jokes and laugh at funny characters.

One can’t help but fall in love with Po, his loving fathers and the panda village due to their childish charm. Though it is part of a trilogy, it is not the kind of movie that requires you to see the prior ones in order to comprehend the plot. The story of Po tends to repeats itself with the same concepts as before. Throughout the hilarious bits, the animation is completely stunning and audiences can’t help but enjoy the slapstick comedy and eye popping visuals. Overall, this film was amusing and filled with excitement, making it a good start for a new year of animated films.

Rating: 4.5 out of 5