Kung Fu Panda 3 Parent Guide
This third instalment manages to retain the fun and adventure that made the series popular.
Parent Movie Review
After Kung Fu Panda released in 2008 to great popular applaud, the studio followed up the hit animation with a warm and fuzzy sequel in 2011. Now the lovable, black and white hero (voiced by Jack Black) returns for a third adventure.
If you are a fan of the franchise, you will recall in the second movie we were all shocked to learn that Mr. Ping (voice of James Hong), the noodle cooking goose, was not Po’s biological father. Yes, Po is adopted—so it’s fitting that in this film we meet Po’s birth dad, Li Shan (voice of Bryan Cranston). We also discover a secret panda village full of plump, pleasant and somewhat out-of-shape bears, just like Po.
But the happy reunion is short lived when Po is called upon to help fight an ancient, evil spirit called Kai (voice of J.K. Simmons). Looking like an overgrown mountain goat, Kai has come to steal the powers of legions of Kung Fu masters—including Po’s fighting cohorts, the Furious Five (voiced by Angelina Jolie, Jackie Chan, Seth Rogen, Lucy Liu and Davis Cross). It turns out the only hope to save China is to train these portly pandas to become martial arts fighters. It’s a stretch, but with Po setting the example, the bears become a force to be reckoned with.
Kung Fu Panda 3 manages to retain the good spirit of fun and adventure that has made this series popular with family audiences. While this instalment delves further into Chinese spirituality, with characters needing to enhance their “chi” (life-force or energy flow) to be able to defeat the foe, it still offers plenty of positive themes that will appeal regardless of philosophical persuasions. These including Po’s ongoing adoption story, as well as the messages about recognizing and developing the individual gifts and talents each of us has been given. And kids will likely easily understand the teamwork concept of these pandas coming together to protect their world.
Thankfully, content concerns are few. You can expect the usual animated “Kung Foolery” with characters battling one another with martial arts moves that borderline on slapstick mayhem. Other than a comedic situation where Po attracts the attention of a flirtatious female (voice of Kate Hudson), and a reference to Po’s “tender” body parts, Kung Fu Panda 3 serves up great fun for families.
Directed by Jennifer Yuh. Starring Jack Black, Dustin Hoffman, David Cross. Running time: 95 minutes. Theatrical release January 29, 2016. Updated July 17, 2017About author
Kung Fu Panda 3
Rating & Content Info
Why is Kung Fu Panda 3 rated PG? Kung Fu Panda 3 is rated PG by the MPAA for martial arts action and some mild rude humor.
Violence: Martial art confrontations are shown throughout with lots of action, but no graphic details are shown. Slapstick antics are plentiful. Fighting and fireballs cause property damage. Deaths are implied, but few injuries are shown. An immortal super-villain steals the life force of other characters: He turns them into miniature stone icons and also controls their power/energy. The death of a character’s mother is discussed. A character lies to another. Competing parties usually solve conflicts through battles. Characters are often in peril.
Sexual Content: Characters flirt. A character is kicked in the groin and makes a vague reference to private body parts. Jokes are made about vomiting and urinating.
Language: The script includes mild name-calling.
Alcohol / Drug Use: None noted.
Other: The movie depicts the spirit realm and immortal characters, and includes other Asian and Buddhist ideas/philosophy.
Page last updated July 17, 2017
Kung Fu Panda 3 Parents' Guide
Master Shifu (voice of Dustin Hoffman) tells Po: “If you only do what you can do, then you will never be more than you are now.” Do you think this statement is profound? Do you agree that it is impossible to learn and grow unless we take risks and try new things?
Why was Master Oogway (voiced by Randall Duk Kimable) able to see more in Po than he could see in himself? Do you think that it is also true that most of us do not see our full potential? Who would you trust to help you discover who you really are and what you might be able to become? What kind of power might you get from knowing who you really are?
This movie refers to a few concepts that may be a bit abstract for young viewers. For example, several of the characters are shown in the “spirit realm”. This depiction may prompt parents and children to talk about their family’s beliefs about life after death. Also, the villain of the story is trying to steal the “Chi” of Kung Fu masters. According to ReligionFacts.com, “Ch’i (also spelled Chi or Qi) is a fundamental concept in Chinese philosophy and culture. Found in Chinese traditional religion but especially Taoism, Ch’i literally means “air” or “breath,” but as a concept it refers to the energy flow or life force that is said to pervade all things.” After watching the movie, you may want discuss your feelings and/or understanding of this concept.
Home Video
The most recent home video release of Kung Fu Panda 3 movie is June 28, 2016. Here are some details…
Home Video Notes: Kung Fu Panda 3
Release Date: 28 June 2016
Kung Fu Panda 3 releases to home video (Blu-ray/DVD/Digital Copy) with the following extras:
- Everybody Loves a Panda Party – Join Po and the entire cast of lovable pandas to sing-along and learn why everybody loves a panda party in this all-new presentation.
- Po’s Posters of Awesomeness – Po leads a deeper exploration of the awesome art in Mr. Ping’s hut as the posters come to life and illustrate his hilarious stories.
- Panda Paws – Watch the enormously talented panda ribbon dancer Mei Mei starring with Bao in an exclusive animated tale.
- Make a Panda Party Paper Pal – Learn the mystic art of paper folding and create a village of panda pals as Po hosts this fun and entertaining tutorial.
- Play Like a Panda – Adorable overload! Learn all about real baby pandas, their amazing lives, and their remarkable playful ways.
- The Origin of “Skadoosh” – For the first time ever, Po reveals the extra-super-secret origin of his world-famous catchphrase.
- Faux Paws Deleted Scenes – Discover fascinating story insights with this revealing collection of deleted footage you couldn’t see in theaters!
Related home video titles:
This movie is the third in a franchise, preceded by Kung Fu Panda and Kung Fu Panda 2. Jack Black appears in these other family target films: School of Rock, Goosebumps and Gulliver’s Travels.