Kung Fu Panda 3 - After mastering chi, enjoy the tastes of Little Buddha

Cast: Jack Black, Bryan Cranston, J.K. Simmons, Angelina Jolie, Jackie Chan, Seth Rogen, Lucy Liu, David Cross, Kate Hudson

Courtesy of DreamWorks

Disney, Pixar and Dreamworks all create visually stunning films with strong, rich characters and uplifting stories. While almost all of them have a constant theme of inner strength and finding you have what it takes to succeed just by believing in yourself, audiences can still count on uniquely told narratives. That said, Kung Fu Panda 3, both funny and beautifully made, pretty much tells the same exact story as Kung Fu Panda 1 & 2. Po doubts his abilities at first, but finally learns he had it in him all along to overcome his insecurities and beat Kai, an evil Kung Fu Master. After escaping the spirit realm, with a mission to kill all other masters and steal their spirits, only a true master of Chi can defeat him.

When Po is asked to use his Dragon Warrior skills and teach the others, he is far from confident in his abilities. But the universe has other plans and brings Po someone to help him succeed… his long lost father. Part of a community of pandas that live in a secret paradise, Po’s father teaches him what it means to be a panda… sleep until noon; roll, not walk, everywhere; and eat multiple dumplings in one gulp, just to name a few -- not exactly the skills needed to defeat a villainous killer. To defeat Kai, Po must teach the other pandas how to hone their skills for better use and, in turn, master the art of Chi.

The original cast is back with the added bonus of a confident new panda, voiced by Kate Hudson. She's funny and self-assured in a way that brings a fresh new character to the franchise. Jack Black, as Po, has great one-liners and is just as unwittingly charming as in the previous films. He brings a vulnerable sensitivity to the character that makes you really feel for Po and want him to succeed. Although not terribly original, Kung Fu Panda 3 is still inspiring for children and enjoyable for the whole family.

Overall Grade: B

There is Nothing “Little” About Ridge Hill’s Little Buddha

After taking the kids to see Kung Fu Panda 3 in the theaters you’ll be in the mood to eat like the Po and his friends with some dumplings and noodles. And, if you’re in the Yonkers area, why not swing by Westchester's Ridge Hill and dine at Little Buddha?  

Buddha Spring Rolls - www.littlebuddhany.com

This Asian bistro has a little something for everyone in the family - hibachi tables, sushi bar and spacious cocktail lounge. Nothing beats snacking on a spring roll before feasting on a rainbow roll and sipping on some hot sake - although don’t hesitate on exploring the many nontraditional drink items on the menu. It also boasts some affordable lunch specials which include items from the hibachi menu.

Little Buddha’s menu is inspired by Japanese, Thai, Malaysian, Indonesian, and Chinese cuisines and includes everything from Rock Shrimp Tempura, to Filet Mignon Carpaccio, to General Tso’s Chicken. In addition to the many hibachi options to choose from, a few unique dishes include the Blue Crab Fajita, Sangria Crispy Duck, and Playboy Sushi Roll, which is deep fried shrimp and avocado wrapped with spicy crab and tobiko.

If that wasn’t enough, make a valiant attempt to leave room for dessert. With fried cheesecake, tiramisu - and our personal favorite, the fried banana split - to choose from, you won’t want to pass on this menu.

Little Buddha

251 Market Street

Ridge Hill Mall in Yonkers, New York

Website: http://www.littlebuddhany.com/

Phone: 914-358-9468