Why do some animated movies capture our hearts even more than live action films?  Character.  The Toy Story gang, Bambi and his friends Thumper and Flower, even Shrek and Fiona — those characters are what lure us into these imaginary worlds and keep us wanting more.  Po is the heart and soul of the Kung Fu Panda universe –even at the expense of the Fabulous Five — Tigress, Mantis, Viper, Monkey and Crane.  Po is such a wonderful character that we will follow him anywhere, even unto the Shadow Realm.

This film, directed by Alessandro Carloni and Jennifer Yuh, focuses on Po (Jack Black) more than ever, as he meets his biological father (Bryan Cranston), travels into the mountains to the secret Panda village, then must defend the world from Kai (J. K. Simmons), who has captured the chi of almost every other warrior, including Master Shifu (Dustin Hoffman).  The adventure is heavy on the spiritual side, yet beautifully, elegantly animated, and cute as a button as well.

I loved the movie as I watched it, especially as Po was willing to sacrifice himself for his friends during the climactic battle.  The humor is terrific, and the animation is superbly rendered.  I had a great time.  Afterwards, though, I began to wonder about things.  While the experience was wonderful, I feel that the movie could have been better had it given the Five more to do; only Tigress (she’s my favorite) has more than a few scenes.  And Kai could have been beaten handily had anybody had the sense to employ a bolt cutter.  Still, it’s a very fun film with a wonderfully rendered character at its center.  I had the feeling that this would be the last adventure as I was watching it; what more can Po do?  If it is his final adventure, it is a good one.  ☆ ☆ ☆.  25 February 2016.