The sequels simply recycled the basic plot: There's a new powerful villain and Po has to learn a new fighting technique/skill to defeat the baddie, and he does. Every other character, including Shifu and the Five Masters are relegated to being Po's sidekicks.
"I'm the dude, playing a dude that's disguised as another dude".
I agree. Everyone says the second and third movies are amazing, and to me they are pretty good (third one isn't terrible), but they just don't do it for me like the first Kung Fu Panda does. Plus, I believe the writers really missed an opportunity on further developing the characters after they started out so well, as well as potential redemption story for Tai Lung (I don't care what they say, Tai Lung is NOT dead).
And don't even get me started on the TV series. THAT was such a train wreck.
I love this movie too, for several reasons:
1 - the animation is gorgeous, with beautifully done details
2 - you can't help but love Po, because he's not only the underdog, he's one of those guys you never think will achieve his dreams because of the obstacles in front of him, and yet he does in the end, due to never giving up
3 - the story was well-written and comes together very well
4 - they did a really good job integrating Chinese philosophies, ancient Chinese culture, magic, poking fun at certain martial-arts films, and still making it both funny and serious at the right times
5 - the character development is really good too, not just for Po, but for Master Shifu and the Furious Five
The first sequel actually had these qualities too, and it was very moving to see Po learn about his past and move beyond his pain at losing his mom, becoming a stronger person as a result. I can't say the same about the 3rd film, which I heard stank really bad, no thanks to the guy directing it.
In all fairness, I agree with you with the sequels recycling the basic plot of the first film, but at the very least the second film expanded the world that it was established and gave Po a connection to Lord Shen and while the 3rd movie may not have been perfect, it still retains the eastern philosophies that the previous films did.
share