The affable, karate-chopping, dumpling-loving panda Po is back for his next big challenge – to find and train his replacement – in DreamWorks Animation’s Kung Fu Panda 4, the latest addition to its animated film franchise. As the film opens, Po (voiced by Jack Black) is in the middle of taking down a new big baddie from the sea and saving some residents of the Valley of Peace. After triumphantly capturing the giant sea creature, Po is once again cheered and applauded.
Returning home to help his two dads, Ping (voiced by James Hong) and Li (voiced by Bryan Cranston), with their restaurant, Po hears about a new threat to the valley. A sorceress called The Chameleon (voiced by Viola Davis), because she’s a small lizard that can shapeshift into any creature, is determined to wreak havoc on the town. Before Po can even ask questions, he’s met by Master Shifu (voiced by Dustin Hoffman) who tells him he’s now ready to take the next step on his journey. “You will advance to Spiritual Leader of the Valley of Peace,” says Shifu, and that means he must pick a successor to become the new Dragon Warrior.
Po isn’t eager to retire as the protector of the valley and informs Master Shifu that Kung Fu is all he knows and he’s not ready to stop being a hero. However, Shifu insists that he work to find his inner peace and prepare to pick his replacement.
While Po is struggling with this new step, he encounters a sly, quick-witted thief – a gray fox named Zhen (voiced by Awkwafina) – attempting to steal his staff of wisdom. After capturing her, she offers to lead him to where the Chameleon is hiding so he can stop her from conquering the valley. Excited to have one last adventure and one last villain to defeat, Po takes Zhen up on her offer and the unlikely pair head out to stop the Chameleon.
Even with a strong voice cast and impressive CGI animation, Kung Fu Panda 4 is without a doubt the weakest installment in the film franchise, lacking the heart and humor of the first three films. It’s a loud and frantic film that replaces smart wit and humor with juvenile dumb jokes and slapstick. Worst yet, the film introduces nothing new and exciting to the series.
Jack Black once again impresses as the voice of Po, the Kung Fu warrior and protector of the Peaceful Valley. It’s hard to imagine anyone else ever being the voice of Po. Black has made him the goofy, kind, and lovable panda that the audience cheers on and laughs with.
Awkwafina voices Zehn, the sly fox who may or may not be a new ally to Po, and portrays her like a slick and mistrusting Artful Dodger. Unfortunately, this character isn’t that original or funny and is a terrible replacement for the Furious Five, who are missing in this adventure. Their absence is definitely felt. A big part of the success of the first three films was all the unique personalities of the five interacting with Po and eventually becoming his warrior buddies.
Missing the spirit, humor, and creativity of the earlier films, as well as some beloved key characters, Kung Fu Panda 4 is a perfect example of a film franchise running out of steam and ideas.
GRADE: C
MPAA Rating: PG for mild violence, martial arts action, scary images, and some mild rude humor
Running Time: 1 hour 34 minutes
Release Date: March 8, 2024
Directed By: Mike Mitchell and co-directed by Stephanie Ma Stine
