Kung Fu Panda 3 - Horsing Around In LA

By Mary Lansing

*We were invited as media to attend a sneak peek of Kung Fu Panda 3 and interview with Jack Black.*

I have to admit, by the time a popular film is on its 3rd installment, my usual question is, Will it be any good? There are definitely the ones out there that just don’t have the touch by the time #3 rolls around.

So, you can imagine that when I was invited to check out Kung Fu Panda 3, a series that has yet to disappoint me, I hoped for the best that I would not be let down. But, guess what? Kung Fu Panda 3 is easily my FAVORITE of the franchise!

In part 3, we’re once again taken to the world and life of Po, a panda who has been raised by his over protective father, Mr. Ping. When a strange, new panda, Li Shan (voiced by Bryan Cranston), shows up in town, we quickly learn that he is Po’s biological Dad….and eager to take Po to a secret panda paradise to meet scores of hilarious new panda characters. But when the supernatural villain Kai begins to sweep across China defeating all the kung fu masters, Po must do the impossible — learn to train a village full of his fun-loving, clumsy brethren to become the ultimate band of Kung Fu Pandas!

Kung Fu Panda has many layers that we do not always see in a children’s film; there’s the questions brought up regarding adoption, as well as Po assuming that Li Shan can explain everything there is to know in life about being a Kung Fu Warrior, since he is expected to be just that and lead everyone to peace as Kai is out to get revenge. But, what if Po’s Dad cannot provide him with all that he thinks he can?

Po must face his fears and find all he needs within himself; not always what he hopes his fathers can give him.

An element I loved to Kung Fu Panda 3 is that, we finally get to meet other panda’s! When Po returns with Li Shan to the village he is from, we quickly learn with Po that “he hasn’t been eating to his full potential” as he discovers with his relatives the art of eating more than ONE dumpling ball at a time!

Kate Hudson Stars in Kung Fu Panda 3!

By Patrick & Erin

*We were invited as media to attend a sneak peek of Kung Fu Panda 3 and interview with the lovely Kate Hudson.*

Dreamworks has done it again! Returning with its biggest comedy adventure yet, Kung Fu Panda 3 returns, staring Kate Hudson as the voice of Mei Mei. The film will tell the story of Po’s (Jack Black) discovery of a secret panda village, including his long-lost father Li (Bryan Cranston). Kate voices Mei Mei who is an aspiring ribbon dancer. On January 29th, Kung Fu Panda 3 is coming to theaters across the country. Whether you want to see it with your kids or were a fan of the previous films, there are a ton of reasons to be excited about this movie. We were lucky enough to get a sneak peek at Jack Black’s latest romp during a trip to Dreamworks Studios. After the screening, we caught up with Kate Hudson (who does the voice of Mei Mei, a new character) in a round table interview to talk about the movie.

“Mei Mei” the character that Kate Hudson is the voice for.

This was Hudson’s first time doing an animated film, and she was excited about the opportunity to try something different. “Anybody who’s an actor or performer, you know, that’s what we love,” she said. “The whole point is trying new things.” She said a large difference between live and voice acting is the amount of hyperbole you’re allowed to put into the character, especially since you read lines alone in a room: “We just had to be so big and so huge. And it was so much fun to do in a booth where you just to go there, and you go so far that you end up cracking yourself up.”

Her character, Mei Mei is a fellow panda who shows up in the movie when Po final finds his native town. She is vibrant with a big personality that screams girl power. “It’s sort of like I had that kind of confidence sometimes,” she said about Mei Mei.

This latest installment of the Kung Fu Panda franchise promises to offer a larger, grander experience than the previous two movies. We get to meet Po’s biological father, and see a new panda village full of new, vibrant characters. It will bring a whole new dimension to Jack Black’s lovable character. This also means a bunch of A-list actors that will be added to the cast for this movie. “The cast is insane,” said Hudson. “Bryan Cranston, J.K. Simmons, it’s amazing! It’s such a cool thing to be a part of.” The cast also boasts Seth Rogan, Jackie Chan, Angelina Jolie and Dustin Hoffman.