Midway through the third instalment of this cartoon franchise giant panda hero Po (Jack Black) is introduced to a bunch of his long-lost relatives. Naturally they’re all as chubby as him — practically all the major characters have fat cheeks and butts. Over and over again Po says “I knew I wasn’t eating up to my full potential.” Which may not help those trying to tackle the exploding nightmare of child obesity. Whoops! But it does strike a blow against body fascism. Hooray!
The film is simultaneously sweet, simple and savvy. The major new character is a chi-stealing immortal Yax (a cross between a yak and an ox) aka Kai (J K Simmons, perfect). Flitting effortlessly between the spirit world and ancient China, the action sequences are not only gorgeous but mind-expanding (Kai’s stooges resemble pieces of jade jewellery; even the grass in the panda enclave seems to have a psychotropic glow). Even better: none of the female characters simper. Best of all: peace, love and understanding rule.
It doesn’t matter if you missed the first two instalments (the film works as a stand-alone). And though KFP3 can’t compete with the conclusion to Toy Story, it still has an emotional kick — “broken” families will find it especially warming.
This recently became the highest-grossing animated film of all time in China. Its cinema-goers aren’t always discerning (Furious 7, that’s all I’m going to say) but when it comes to ’toons their taste is awesome.
Cert U, 95 mins
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