Kung Fu Panda 3
By Claudia Puig,
Common Sense Media Reviewer
Common Sense Media Reviewers
Upbeat but intense threequel looks at identity, family ties.
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Kung Fu Panda 3
Community Reviews
Based on 22 parent reviews
Review of Kung Fu Panda 2
SO UNDERRATED AND BETTER THAN THE FIRST TWO MOVIES!
What's the Story?
In KUNG FU PANDA 3, Po (voiced by Jack Black), now beloved by all as the Dragon Warrior, meets his long-lost father, Li (Bryan Cranston), and a community of pandas -- after thinking he was the only one of his kind. Together, they and the Furious Five must face a supernatural threat in the form of Kai (J.K. Simmons), a bull-like creature who calls himself "the master of pain, the beast of vengeance" and is bent on robbing China of all its chi. The only way to stop Kai and his legion of jade warriors is for Po to become a master of chi himself ... but first he must reconnect with his inner panda.
Is It Any Good?
The animation is gorgeous and vividly hued -- the panda village looks like a Chinese version of the Hobbit village crossed with Shangri La -- and the humor is light, if sometimes a bit corny. And the characters in Kung Fu Panda 3 are likeable enough in this generally engaging, family-friendly tale. Po must re-learn what it means to be a panda (sleep in, eat a lot, chill out) and also teach the bucolic village of laid-back, clumsy, and peacefully loving pandas kung fu. To accomplish this, he creates dumpling and noodle "squadrons," which is a cute concept. And the idea that there's always something more to learn (not to mention the value of embracing what makes you you) is definitely a worthy message.
Talk to Your Kids About ...
Families can talk about what it means to "find your true self." Why is it important to find your own identity and talents, rather than try to be like others? What does it mean in Kung Fu Panda 3 when Shifu says to Po, "If you only do what you can do, you will never be more than you are now"?
What makes a family? How does Kung Fu Panda 3 address the idea of biological and adopted families? Is there one right way to blend families together?
What role does violence play in the story? Did the characters have any other options? What's the impact of media violence on kids?
Is Kai purely bad, or is there any part of him that's sympathetic? Is it important to be able to empathize with villains?
How have the main characters changed over the course of the three movies? How have they stayed the same? How do they demonstrate integrity, perseverance, and teamwork? What makes Po so appealing?
Movie Details
- In theaters: January 29, 2016
- On DVD or streaming: June 21, 2022
- Cast: Jack Black , Angelina Jolie , Dustin Hoffman , Bryan Cranston
- Directors: Jennifer Yuh Nelson , Alessandro Carloni
- Inclusion Information: Female directors, Asian directors, Female actors
- Studio: Twentieth Century Fox Film Corporation
- Genre: Family and Kids
- Topics: Sports and Martial Arts , Great Boy Role Models , Wild Animals
- Character Strengths: Integrity , Perseverance , Teamwork
- Run time: 95 minutes
- MPAA rating: PG
- MPAA explanation: martial arts action and some mild rude humor
- Last updated: August 7, 2023
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