Kung Fu Panda 3 - B

Po and friends

Rated PG, 95 minutes

Just when you though Inner Peace had been achieved, once more the most improbable Dragon Warrior you can think of, Po, steps up to be Master Teacher. "Kung Fu Panda 3," the latest installment in the animated kung fu comedy franchise, is remarkably nimble as you remembered and still fun for the whole family. Familiar but filled with colorful zest, it's as safe and predictable as your favorite Chinese buffet. Po (Jack Black) realizes that he has a lot to learn if he's going to fulfill the next challenge from his beloved instructor (Dustin Hoffman). After reuniting with his long-lost father (Bryan Cranston), Po must transition from student to teacher to train a group of fun-loving, clumsy pandas to become martial-arts fighters. Together, the kung-fu brethren unite to take on the evil Kai (J.K. Simmons), a supernatural warrior who becomes stronger with each battle. Directed by Jennifer Yuh Nelson ("Kung Fu Panda 2") and Alessandro Carloni and scripted by Jonathan Aibel and Glenn Berger (writers of all the "Kung Fu Panda" films), is still zany fun, especially for the young set, who'll still get a kick out of the huge, high-kicking panda with an even bigger heart, who discovers his real Dad (voiced by "Breaking Bad's" Cranston) as he must master his chi and regain his standing as the Dragon Warrior, fighting against the evil Kai (Oscar-winner Simmons, superbly cast as the heavy here). Po's pals are all back too to help him in his latest "adventure of awesomeness," including Tigress (Angelina Jolie), Mantis (Seth Rogen), Monkey (Jackie Chan), Viper (Lucy Liu) and Crane (David Cross), so expect hijinks, laughs and pratfalls aplenty, some of which fills like filler to get to the final showdown. Except for the colorful portrayal of the battle between the spirit and mortal worlds, not much is new here, but the familiar formula that worked in the first two "Kung Fu Panda's" work in Po's latest adventure to greatness, and for a sequel, it holds up enjoyably well. If the winter blues have you down, then let the predictably entertaining "Kung Fu Panda 3" get your kicks and spirits up.