Common Sense Media Review
By Jeffrey M. Anderson
,
based on child development research. How do we rate?
Chan fumbles CG panda action comedy with peril, swearing.
Parents Need to Know
Why Age 11+?
Any Positive Content?
Where to Watch
Videos and Photos
Panda Plan
What's the Story?
In PANDA PLAN, action star Jackie (Jackie Chan) has just wrapped his latest movie, and his assistant tells him about all of the events and public appearances he's been invited to. Only one sounds appealing: symbolically "adopting" a rare baby panda at the Noah Zoo. So Jackie travels there with his manager, David (Xiang Wei), and meets the panda's handler (Shi Ce), who introduces him to the delightful creature, whom Jackie names Hu Hu. But before long, a group of mercenaries turns up, determined to get their hands on the panda, and Jackie must use all of his skills to keep the little creature safe.
Is It Any Good?
This kid-targeted slapstick martial arts movie is likable enough, but it also feels a bit tired, stuck with poorly acted villains, a poorly animated panda, and a general lack of laughs. Chan's fighting in Panda Plan isn't what it once was, but he's as charming as ever, and there's a sweet father-daughter-like bond between him and co-star Shi Ce (thankfully, the filmmakers didn't try to turn it into a romance). Unfortunately, while Hu Hu the panda is sort of cute, it's too obviously a digital creature and never seems lifelike enough to give viewers the feels. The relentless villains are at the mercy of some pretty awful dialogue ("we are elite mercenaries!"), and their performances are wince-inducing overall. Parents likely won't care much for it, and there's also some surprisingly salty language for a movie aimed at kids. All in all, Panda Plan may entertain some young audiences, but most others will find it forgettable.
Talk to Your Kids About ...
Families can talk about Panda Plan's violence. How does the tone of it compare to what you might see in a more serious action thriller? Which has more impact?
How does Jackie demonstrate courage and compassion while protecting the baby panda? How do you think this version of Jackie compares to the real-life person? (Chan has faced controversy in real life due to his political views and his complicated relationships with women.)
How does the movie's blend of action and comedy work? Were there moments when the humor helped ease the tension, or did it feel out of place?
While the movie seems largely aimed at kids, characters also use strong language. Do you think that was appropriate for the story?
Movie Details
- In theaters : October 18, 2024
- On DVD or streaming : February 18, 2025
- Cast : Jackie Chan , Shi Ce , Wei Xiang
- Director : Zhang Luan
- Inclusion Information : Asian Movie Director(s) , Chinese Movie Director(s) , Asian Movie Actor(s) , Female Movie Actor(s)
- Studio : Well Go USA
- Genre : Comedy
- Topics : Animals ( Wild Animals )
- Run time : 99 minutes
- MPAA rating :
- Last updated : April 19, 2026
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