'Kung Fu Panda 3' is an animated martial arts film featuring anthropomorphic animals. It is the sequel to 2011's film of the same name and claimed the number 1 spot at the box office during its weekend opening. However, its China debut earned higher compared to its America premiere.
According to The Guardian, the third installment in the highly popular animated franchise by DreamWorks opened with $41 million at the U.S. box office. It bested other releases including Natalie Portman's new Western film 'Janie Got A Gun', the new coastguard drama 'The Finest Hours' starring Casey Affleck and Chris Pine as well as the new E.L. James parody 'Fifty Shades of Black' starring Marlon Wayans.
The first ever film in the franchise released in 2008 earned $631 million against a $130 million budget, according to The Wall Street Journal. Its sequel released in 2011 earned $665 million against a $150 million budget.
Despite hitting the number one spot in the North American box office, 'Kung Fu Panda 3' generated more revenue in its China debut. According to Forbes, it earned $57 million in China during its theatrical release in January 23. It is speculated that the imminent Chinese New Year holidays would generate even more earnings for the animated film.
The Chinese-American animated martial arts film is directed by Jennifer Yuh Nelson and Alessandro Carloni based on the screenplay by Jonathan Abel and Glenn Berger. It received positive reviews from critics and fans alike, much like its predecessors. It follows the continuing adventures of the titular giant panda Po and his other animal comrades.
The new film focuses on Po's journey home to reunite with his long lost biological family of pandas. However, a powerful new enemy emerges from the spirit world in the form of a warrior duck named Kai, who steals chi from other Kung Fu masters and traps them in jade amulets. Po forms an army of pandas to defeat Kai with the help of his trusted allies and new friends.
'Kung Fu Panda 3' is the sequel to 2011's comedy martial-arts film of the same name. It premiered in China on January 23 and in the United States on January 29. It features the voices of Jack Black, Bryan Cranston, Kate Hudson, Lucy Liu, Dustin Hoffman, J.K. Simmons, Seth Rogen, Jackie Chan, Angelina Jolie, David Cross, James Hong and Jean-Claude Van Damme among others.
