So vividly immersive is Kung Fu Panda 3 - so vibrant, so tactile - it will make you feel as if you've stepped into a fully realized world. And then once you've stepped out, you'll be craving dumplings.

Christy Lemire, ChristyLemire.com, 2016-02-12

The new sequel lacks the tear-jerking revelations and darker edge that characterized its predecessor. Visually though, it's a candy-colored 3-D treat, from the exquisite sunset that shimmers over the panda enclave to the psychedelia of the spirit world.

Anna King, Time Out, 2016-02-09

With a star-studded voice cast (Black in the lead, with Rogen and Cross on backup) there's no shortage of humor. But the animation is the real standout in the film.

Katie Walsh, Tribune News Service, 2016-02-01

I think the secret to the appeal of the entire Kung Fu Panda franchise is the enormous affection we feel for Po, that seemingly bumbling good guy who also can rise to the occasion and showcase true heroism and mystical power.

Bill Zwecker, Chicago Sun-Times, 2016-02-01

Another successful entry in this dependably smart and well-crafted franchise for kids.

Rafer Guzman, Newsday, 2016-01-29

Kids, especially those who enjoyed the previous Kung Fu Panda movies, will appreciate what the third movie has to offer.

James Berardinelli, ReelViews, 2016-01-29

Once again, it's fun to look at and full of wisecracks, which, coupled with the dueling-dads subplot, may be enough to see you through.

Matthew Lickona, San Diego Reader, 2016-01-29

The stunning visuals surpass the high standards set by its predecessors, but storywise, it breaks no new ground.

Lou Lumenick, New York Post, 2016-01-29

It's gloriously colorful, very funny and, better yet, unexpectedly substantive and genuinely moving.

Soren Anderson, Seattle Times, 2016-01-29

Writers Jonathan Aibel and Glenn Berger ... unfurl the narrative with buoyant clarity, gentle charm and much endearing (read: sweetly hokey) humor. The tale's "be yourself" mantra, though nothing new, is also well used.

Gary Goldstein, Los Angeles Times, 2016-01-28

The main reason families enjoy the series is Po, thanks to Jack Black's frenetic and friendly approach. There's just enough huggable and HiYa! moments to keep the animated film's core audience chomping on their popcorn and glued to the screen.

Maricar Estrella, Fort Worth Star-Telegram/DFW.com, 2016-01-28

In Hollywood's franchise game, sequels are seldom the best they can be. This one isn't, but it's pretty, perfectly pleasant and good enough.

Joe Morgenstern, Wall Street Journal, 2016-01-28

Like a well-made dumpling, it's not too heavy but not too light, has the right amount of spice, and leaves one with some appetite for the next time.

Jocelyn Noveck, Associated Press, 2016-01-28

It's easy to mistake the simplicity of plot and theme here for simple-mindedness - this isn't Pynchon or Proust. Kung Fu Panda 3 has the economy of a Zen koan, not to mention its inner harmony and wisdom.

Tirdad Derakhshani, Philadelphia Inquirer, 2016-01-28

The directors ... make sure to let Po stay the charming bumbler he's always been. That's what makes him such an earnest, lovable hero.

Sandie Angulo Chen, Washington Post, 2016-01-28

[It's] mostly like those dishes at my old Chinese buffet - stretched thin, badly reheated and really, best taken in very small quantities.

Stephen Whitty, Newark Star-Ledger, 2016-01-29

The animation is still strong - there are some interesting and refreshingly uncuddly depictions of the spirit world from whence Kai springs - but, mainly, KFP3 is too much of a good thing.

Kate Taylor, Globe and Mail, 2016-01-29

Waaaaay too talky and overcomplicated.

Liz Braun, Toronto Sun, 2016-01-28

The whole fightin'-bear jamboree is agreeable enough, but it takes some of the spotlight away from Black being Black, and doesn't jibe with messages about having a sense of self, of what makes you you.

Tom Russo, Boston Globe, 2016-01-28

Unfortunately, looks aren't everything. The plot is plodding and predictable.

Katherine Pushkar, New York Daily News, 2016-01-28