For the most part, animated films usually tend to grasp how to correctly make a sequel that is equal parts fulfilling to it’s predecessor, while making a new name for itself among the other original aspects of storytelling. While I was not a very “big” fan of Kung Fu Panda 2, I must say that six year hiatus was due-fully appreciated, because it allowed time for the gang to sink in our minds a little, so to see the furious six back on the big screen in Kung Fu Panda 3 was like warm sugar in my stomach, despite not being as emotionally compelling as it wants or needs to be.

As I said, it’s been awhile since this gang has been reformed into a feature length adventure (there have been various Saturday morning cartoons for children that keeps them fresh in the minds of your youngsters) but as for us ‘adult’ moviegoers (or teenagers that love these characters) it’s been almost too long. Especially when the last one left a wide open range of where to take our narrative. The film opens with an extended battle sequence in the immortal ‘realm’ where we meet the latest foe to challenge our do-gooders Kai (JK Simmons) a centaur like being who was imprisoned some 500 years ago for his crimes (although the specifics of those aren’t really disclosed).

But back in the mortal world, Po (Jack Black) who is still our favorite pudgy, dumpling loving hero has now been tasked with his greatest challenge yet, since becoming the dragon warrior, training his fellow comrades. Of course, the furious six are all still intact, Tigress (Angelina Jolie), Mantis (Seth Rogen), Viper (Lucy Liu), Crane, (David Cross), and Master Shifu (Dustin Hoffman). But they will prove futile against Kai, whose supernatural powers begin to sweep across China, taking captive numerous masters, leaving the group very defenseless. Hope does lie in Po’s long lost father, Li (voiced to perfection by Bryan Cranston) who was sent by the “universe” to retrieve Po and teach him the ways of his panda ancestors.

The plot from then on is eerily predictable (as to be expected) Po, as usual, faces great adversity with his challenger and Kai proves to be the most lethal baddie he may face yet. But, the overall product is what makes Panda 3 such a treat to watch, maybe it’s the charismatic charm that Black brings to Po that can sort of make me forget about some logistics. And while these sequels still haven’t quite manage to capture the overall essences of what made the original so intricate, Panda 3 at least builds on the sequel in strides.

Some of the supporting characters like: Crane, Mantis and those other critters kind of take back seats to the rising action and the sub-plot involving Po’s father. I think Lucy Liu only murmured one line the entire movie, Jackie Chan .. I think less. As always, the action sequences are pretty impressive, and the improv-like nature of the lead voice actors (Black, Cranston, Simmons) make the movie seem organic. Kung Fu Panda 3 doesn’t execute as much as it should, but I would be lying If I said I didn’t leave with a smirk on my face, and humming that catchy tune “everybody was kung-fu fighting”. B