Review: Kung Fu Panda 3

Extreme close-up. Pupils narrowed. Po is focused and ready for action. Cut to panda and company placing their orders for steaming hot dumplings. How many times is Dreamworks going to bang the beaten gong on this same joke and versions of it? In some ways the Kung Fu Panda series is held back by its formula. Not only do many jokes get recycled but each time we are lead to believe this Chinese bear is a foretold prophet who's meant to save the land from evil, but he begins each film as a bumbling novice and finishes each film with master-level skills. However, for as jarring as the overall progression of the franchise is, the latest entry is just as endearing and action-packed as the first two. Jack Black is so good as Po and the rest of the cast is on par. It's also full of belly laughs that adults too can appreciate. The addition of Bryan Cranston as Po's father is perfect. He is a revelation.

Is Kung Fu Panda 3 worth your time? Despite the familiarity and the suffering character development, yes. Yes it is.