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movie review - Kung Fu Panda 3

the journal of Michael Werneburg

twenty-seven years and one million words

The kingdom has never been under greater threat than when a pissed-off water-buffalo with unlimited strength and the ability to command certain wild magic aims to I dunno, take over.

Once again the action is superb, the interplay between the characters - heroes and villains alike - is engaging, the story arc works. There are some innovations on the usual faire this time out. For one thing, the panda village shown in the credits of the second movie is real and gives rise to the biological father of the main panda dude seeking out his son. This sets up a conflict between the goose that raised our lead and this new panda. It's okay, but it sets up a very different tone from the kung fu stuff and it's an off note. The other change is that the mysticism is dialed up considerably and visually.

While the first one introduced a fun new thing, and the second one takes the prize for best story, this third one feels like it's just there.

Not recommended. I rather hope they stop making more.