The film marks the return of the plump black-and-white bear who has only one aspiration – to become an expert in a martial art that requires agility, mental prowess and lightning-fast reflexes. It was a formidable, if not impossible quest. But then Po doesn’t know the word “impossible.” He’s always striving to be the best he can be…to be his own hero.
“Kung Fu Panda 3” takes full advantage of DreamWorks Animation’s breakthrough technical advances, while making history as the first production to create two different films, in English and Mandarin, with the same story and characters. But most of all, it returns us to the fun, adventure, humor and heart of the first film, and reminds us why audiences around the globe fell in love with Po.
According to Jack Black, who once again voices the iconic role, that scene points to the fact that “Po is no Shifu, let’s be honest. He’s freaking out and doesn’t think he’s up to these new responsibilities, which are weighing him down even more than the countless dumplings he consumes.”
Black makes a welcome return to the role, and as he had done before, provides much of the film’s heart. “Jack is always funny and appealing and really conveys Po’s enthusiasm, likability and eagerness – all of the best things that mark so many of Jack’s film characters. Jack and Po both remind us that if we follow our heart, anything is possible,” says Yuh Nelson.
“Jack has an innate sweetness,” adds co-director Carloni. “He’s a gentle, good-hearted soul who’s always funny and charming.”
Black embraced the opportunity to revisit one of his most treasured movie characters and found it easy to reclaim his inner-Dragon Warrior. “I just go back to a younger me, when I was starting my career,” he explains. “That’s how I see Po – as young lover of kung fu. My love was rock and roll and acting, but Po and I share that unreserved passion. I, too, was a young Dragon Warrior,” he jokes.
Get ready for the weightiest action adventure when “Kung Fu Panda 3” opens March 9 in cinemas nationwide (Phils.), a DreamWorks Animation and 20th Century Fox presentation to be distributed by Wanrer Bros.
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