I'm a tad late with this review but I recently saw the latest installment in the Kung Fu Panda franchise after recently rewatching the first two films for my Throwback Thursday Reviews the two weeks leading up to the third film's release. Animated sequels have a tendency to fall short of the original with a few exceptions and Kung Fu Panda 3 proved to be a solid conclusion to the Kung Fu Panda trilogy that brings the overarching narrative full circle. When compared with the other two, there are certainly huge similarities in embracing the classic heartfelt message to be yourself. This film probably has the most depth and substance in the franchise once again dipping it's toes in the water of mature themes involving Po feeling torn between his adoptive and biological fathers. Simultaneously, this is the most fun, entertaining installment yet that sports gorgeous animation, fun humor, and some cool kung fu action sequences. The entire vocal ensemble cast are great when utilized properly. Jack Black once again brings life into Po, with charisma and heart galore. Bryan Cranston is a welcome addition to the franchise as Po's father and James Hong, who voices Po's adoptive dad, got to delve into some of the deeper themes and nails it. The returning cast are for the most part relegated to smaller supporting roles but are great when used. J.K. Simmons made for a great new villain as Kai with a malevolent gravitas. Kung Fu Panda 3 takes the groundwork laid by it's predecessors, Kung Fu Panda and Kung Fu Panda 2, and elevates it to a new level of fun, entertaining animation with even more heart. Kung Fu Panda 3 brings the Kung Fu Panda trilogy to a close, cementing the films as another solid animated trilogy that leaves the door open for another potential installment should Dreamworks decide to go in that direction. If you enjoyed the first two, you'll certainly have fun watching Kung Fu Panda 3.
No comments:
Post a Comment