Kung Fu Panda 3 (2016)

Crane: Wings of surveillance!
Mantis: Why do you do that?
Crane: Do what?
Mantis: Just 'cause you say "wings of" before something, it doesn't mean that you're doing a special move. It's like me saying "antenna of power!" or "thorax of... making sandwiches!"
Crane: Wings of disagreement.

Kung Fu Panda 3 does not live up to the lofty expectations of its forebears. It lacks good story structure, brings in too many characters, and all together presents a sloppy visual spectacle. This is to say that KFP3 is ok, but now the series is just another mindless trilogy.

On more grown-up topic, after watching KFP3 I expressed my dismay to a friend who rounded on me for not only bashing a kids movie, but for holding the first two films in such high regard. Perhaps,  he's right? I am too hard on KFP3. My review stands, but it turns out that 2-and-a-half decades of experience with children's movies and reviewing on this blog has left my soul juvenile, but with decidedly un-childlike tastes. I am no more fit to pass final judgement than to teach a high schooler how to use ''the Snapchat".

The most interesting comparison I can make is that of KFP3 to Return of the Jedi. In my comparison, Oogway is Obi-wan, Kai is Darth Vader, and the new panda villagers are Ewoks. The similarities are striking. With the final battle utilizing the inner skills of each panda to take down an overwhelming force. Couple this with the semi-confusing, but beautiful, battle between positive and negative chi forces in the spirit world and we have ourselves a reasonably solid reading between the two films.

I generally, don't delve into the morals that a particular film may try to impress on the audience, but in this case I will. I thought the moral take away for children was that each of you has the power to be great at anything by staying true to yourself and working hard. -pretty standard message. With practice, teamwork, and the application of selfless love, anything is possible.  However, upon deeper reflection, the entire KFP series has some pretty serious connections to Nietzsche's theories of the uber-man. Obey your master! There is but one Dragon Warrior who will lead us all to fulfillment. Should kid's movies really be touting a story where one flawed hero has innate skills and talents that make him a cut above the rest? The more I think about it, lots of films use this same structure.  Is it just easy storytelling or a conscious decision on the part the writers?

On a scale of mortal realm to the mortal coil, I give Kung Fu Panda 3 2.58 out of 5 stars.