Kung Fu Panda was a gorgeous, funny, exciting
action-adventure. Kung Fu Panda 3 is a not-so-gorgeous, reasonably
funny action-adventure.
I recall Kung Fu Panda as featuring a bright, vibrant color palette that
seemed to make every frame a work of art.
Either it was a fault with my theater’s projection, or Kung Fu Panda 3 used a more muted
palette, one that looked nice but didn’t dazzle in the way the first film had.
Palette choices aside, the film felt more
like a remake of than a sequel to the original. Both feature old foes, back from a time in (a) prison, or
(b) the afterlife. Both feature
training montages, a climactic battle, and a victory founded in the principle
of finding one’s true self. Both
have the power to entertain children, but I found myself growing restless
during the second act of the latter entry, making a non-imperative trip to the
restroom and taking the time to inspect the “coming attractions” posters on my
way to and from.
Still, my kids rolled out of the theater
energized, and they happily discussed the film over sundaes afterward. And hey, if they’re happy, I’m
happy. I just don’t know that I’m
going to be in a rush to see Kung Fu
Panda 4.
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