Fun-filled and exciting - Kung Fu Panda-3

by Husna Inayathullah

'Kung Fu Panda 3', a 3D animated film now showing at Savoy 3D under EAP Films and Theatres, and at the MC and Arcade under Ceylon Theaters Circuit. An American-Chinese action comedy with martial-arts the movie produced by DreamWorks animation and Oriental DreamWorks and distributed worldwide by 20th Century Fox.

The film was directed by Jennifer Yuh Nelson and Alessandro Carloni and the script was written by Jonathan Aibel and Glenn Berger. It is a sequel to the 2011 film, 'Kung Fu Panda 2' with the voices of Jack Black, Angelina Jolie, Dustin Hoffman, J.K. Simmons, Jackie Clan, Lucy Liu, Seth Rogen, David Cross, Bryan Cranston, Kate Hudson and James Hong.

Kung Fu Panda 3 brings back the chubby, black-and-white bear, Po and his familiar group in a beautifully rendered and lovingly constructed action-comedy. It is a fun-filled, exciting film.

This time, Po (voiced by Jack Black), the legendary slightly hapless Dragon Warrior is urged by his beloved teacher, Shifu to take the elder's place as the Kung Fu instructor for the 'Valley of Peace.' When Po attempts to train his friends, the Furious Five - Tigress, Mantis, Monkey, Viper and Crane, he realises he is not quite ready for prime time.

As Po becomes the Dragon Warrior he has to face another foe from Spirit Realm as he tries to find his identity. It is a fine setup and gives more spotlight to his silly step-father. The humour is maintained well and the jokes are enjoyable. 'Kung Fu Panda 3' is traditional in narrative and delightful to the eye.

When Po's long-lost panda father suddenly reappears, the reunited duo travel to a secret panda paradise to meet scores of hilarious new panda characters. When the supernatural villain Kai begins to sweep across China defeating all the Kung Fu mas ters, Po trains a village full of his fun-loving, clumsy Pandas to become the ultimate band of Kung Fu pandas. Master Oogway resides in the Spirit Realm.

There, he is attacked by Kai, a large yak who was Oogway's ally, but turned against him 500 years ago. Oogway sent him to the Spirit Realm, where he collects the Chi of every warrior there. He beats Oogway and takes his Chi, turning him into a jade amulet which, Kai wears on a belt along with the rest of the warriors. With Oogway's Chi, he opens a portal to Earth. As a true master, Po teaches everyone how to use Chi. From the blast of their collective Chi, the valley begins to bloom. The presentation is utterly gorgeous. It creates a distinct feel for each scene and character. It is a mix between cool motion, nice setting and intricate painting-like visuals which dance smoothly on the big screen. The story has a good villain and family value.