A buddy-cop movie featuring the lovable and hilarious Po, Kung Fu Panda 4 delivers a heartwarming, funny, and kick-butt adventure for the whole family to enjoy.
Kung Fu Panda 4 Review
When the original film debuted in 2008 (yes it has been that long), it was clear Po and this world was something special. Jack Black, who happens to be one of the best A-list actors to ever step into a voice recording booth, infused Po with his signature charm, enthusiasm, and lovable nature. It was not a surprise that it turned into a trilogy and also ended up spawning some tv series. Audiences could not get enough of Po. Aside from Black's performances, the films also featured thrilling fight scenes, strong visuals, and the kind of humor that could make even the grouchy Shifu smile. The fourth installment, from director Mike Mitchell and co-director Stephanie Stine, maintains all these qualities and offers a fitting full circle endpoint for the most unlikely Dragon Warrior in the history of the Jade Palace.
As someone who knows the first film by heart and recently binged the trilogy, I can say that fans are sure to love this one even if it is (mostly) missing some key components. However, the story is also accessible for those who don't remember much of the films or haven't seen them all. Each aspect that may confuse anyone (such as why Po has 2 dads, or why he has Oogway's staff) is deftly explained in a way that flows naturally with the dialogue and circumstances. Plus Tenacious D's cover of Britney Spears' “Baby One More Time” in the credits is absolutely not to be missed. You will want to sing-along so just prepare yourself now.
Picking up sometime after the third film, Kung Fu Panda 4 finds Po (Jack Black) kicking the butts of small-time criminals, enjoying his Dragon Warrior status, and promoting the noodle shop run by his adopted father Ping (James Hong) and his biological father Li Shan (Bryan Cranston). Seemingly out of nowhere, Master Shifu (Dustin Hoffman) appears to inform Po it is time for him to choose his successor and take over as the spiritual leader of the valley, like the former Master Oogway (Randall Duk Kim).
Po is not thrilled by this and jumps at the chance to avoid his responsibilities. As luck would have it, he learns that his old nemesis Tai Lung (Ian McShane), the first villain he ever defeated, has returned from the Spirit Realm. As if that wasn't dire enough, a fox thief named Zhen (Awkwafina) who, after being caught stealing from the Jade Palace, warns Po about a new villain– the shapeshifting sorceress The Chameleon (Viola Davis). Much to Shifu's chagrin, Po runs off with Zhen to Juniper City, determined to battle The Chameleon and kick her butt, Dragon Warrior Style.
Kung Fu Panda 4 has assembled an incredible voice cast to lend their talents next to Black. The Furious Five are unfortunately off doing other missions, but there are several newcomers that have been bright in to fill the void, as well as longtime favorites. Po's dads return and are given more to do in this film than before. Hong and Cranston's interactions provide some of the biggest laughs of the film in true vaudeville fashion. These two scaredy dads set out to help their son and face all kinds of obstacles from falling stones to ruffians who would rather cook them for dinner than offer information. Shifu doesn't have as much to do here but Hoffman still delivers the gruff mentor humor in key moments to great effect. McShane's return as the infamous Tai Lung is exciting and satisfying, thankfully handled in a way that doesn't come across as shoehorned fan service.
Po spends most of his time with Zhen in this buddy-cop style romp which meant Awkwafina had her work cut out for her to keep pace with Black's energy. Fortunately she was up for the task, bringing a nice streetwise, rough edge to Zhen that played well against Po's straightforward, trusting personality. Their dynamic is predictable, making it obvious where this will all end, but that doesn't make it any less entertaining. Ke Huy Quan joins in on the shady dealings as Han, the street boss pangolin Zhen has a history with. As sweet as Quan generally comes across in projects like Loki, he is excellent as a cackling, somewhat fearsome crime lord. But it is Davis who shines as the villain of the film. For anyone who has seen last year's The Hunger Games: The Ballad of Songbirds and Snakes, it will come as no surprise that Davis positively chews the animated scenery with her silky line delivery and simmering menace. Combined with the character's design–large eyes, unnerving grin, and ability to shift into anyone at any time, Davis is a force.
Visually, Kung Fu Panda has never disappointed and the latest installment has given the animators plenty of room to flex their creative muscles. The Chameleon herself is stunningly rendered as she morphs into different villains and creatures. Watching her stretch and grow from lizard size into an elephant is truly jaw-dropping. The fights in general feel more electric, inventive in how they use varying styles to make each one feel unique. The climactic battle is one to remember, I don't want to spoil anything here. Visual gags pop as do the environments Po finds himself in thanks to vibrant colors, crisp details, and kinetic energy poured into each moment.
But the highlight is and always will be Black's dumpling eating, martial arts loving, nerdy Po. At this point a lesser human might phone it in but not the man who killed it last year in the Super Mario Bros Movie and outshone EVERYONE. Once again Black effervescent and infectious energy permeates each and every scene. As Po deals with insecurity, self-doubt, and a touch of imposter syndrome, Black is there to walk him through it and give an endearing performance.
Kung Fu Panda 4 is a buddy-cop comedy that delivers the franchise's trademark humor, visual direction, and fun loving good vibes. Po has a lesson to learn about the importance of change and the promise it brings. Facing the future with courage and finding hope in the pit are all lessons that adults and children should take to heart. It's a full circle moment not only for Po but for the villains of the previous entries as well. And while it aims to refresh the franchise and open doorways for further spin-offs, it stands on its own as a worthy entry into the Panda pantheon. Plus it has that awesome Tenacious D cover of “Baby One More Time,” and yes I'm mentioning it again because it is seriously the best.
Kung Fu Panda 4 releases in theaters March 8, 2024. It is rated PG for for martial arts action/mild violence, scary images and some mild rude humor. with a runtime of 94 minutes.
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