After three death-defying adventures defeating world-class villains with his unmatched courage and mad martial arts skills, Po, the Dragon Warrior (Jack Black), is called upon by destiny to … give it a rest already. More specifically, he’s tapped to become the Spiritual Leader of the Valley of Peace. That poses a couple of obvious problems. First, Po knows as much about spiritual leadership as he does about the paleo diet, and second, he needs to quickly find and train a new Dragon Warrior before he can assume his new lofty position. Even worse, there’s been a recent sighting of a wicked, powerful sorceress, Chameleon (Viola Davis), a tiny lizard who can shapeshift into any creature, large or small. And Chameleon has her greedy, beady little eyes on Po’s Staff of Wisdom, which would give her the power to re-summon all the master villains whom Po has vanquished to the spirit realm. So, Po’s going to need some help. He finds it (kinda?) in the form of crafty, quick-witted thief Zhen (Awkwafina), a corsac fox who really gets under Po’s fur but whose skills will prove invaluable. In their quest to protect the Valley of Peace from Chameleon’s reptilian claws, this comedic odd-couple duo will have to work together. In the process, Po will discover that heroes can be found in the most unexpected places. The film features the voice talent of returning stars Dustin Hoffman as Kung Fu master, Shifu; James Hong as Po’s adoptive father, Mr. Ping; Bryan Cranston as Po’s birth father, Li, and Ian McShane as Tai Lung, Shifu’s former student and arch-nemesis. Ke Huy Quan joins the ensemble as a new character, Han, the leader of the Den of Thieves.
What We Thought:
Are you or your family a fan of the Kung Fu Panda franchise? If so they will totally enjoy Kung Fu Panda 4. I had never seen any of the movies until I recently watched the first three in order to prepare for the fourth film. Despite being a childless, adult man, I think the movies are cute and wholesome fun and the same can be said for the latest sequel.
Jack Black returns to voice Po, a loveable panda with a heart of gold. In the fourth film he’s told it’s time for him to find his replacement as the Dragon Warrior, but soon finds himself battling a new enemy, a sorceress named Chameleon (voiced by Viola Davis). Like the previous sequels this film mixes in new characters with fan favorites like Master Shifu, Mr. Ping and Li (Po’s panda father introduced in a sequel). Those expecting Angelina Jolie, Jackie Chan or the other Furious Five will be disappointed, but most of the new additions make up for them.
I say most because the one negative I have with the film is newcomer to the franchise Awkwafina. Even in animated form she’s playing herself and after a few years of her now, I’m kind of over her shtick. I have nothing against her personally, but I’m tired of her fast talking, quirky characters. Her Zhen character has some layers to it, but it’s just too much of Awkwafina and not enough Zhen. Ke Huy Quan is a great addition and if there’s a spinoff movie or TV series I hope it includes him and his Den of Thieves including the violent, young rabbit trio who steal every scene they are in.
But you’re watching the film for the panda and Jack Black is brilliant once again as Po. He still craves dumplings. He still believes in people. He’s still wide-eyed by the world and loves going on adventures kicking butt along the way. In 4 he’s supposed to become a more spiritual leader and use less Kung Fu, but his ability to come up with empowering sayings is not one of his best abilities. The running joke of Po sayings throughout the film is fantastic and gets big laughs. Po’s wholesomeness opposite the concern of his two fathers is what drives these films. They are family friendly despite having over-the-top martial arts action because Po is charming and huggable. The character has multiple films and TV series for a reason, it works.
Does Kung Fu Panda 4 do anything different than the previous films? Not really, in fact previous villains make appearances including Ian McShane, but I’m ok with that. These are kids movies, you don’t need to rewrite the book. Sometimes tried and true works and in this case it does. If your family likes the Shrek/Puss in Boots franchise and haven’t checked out Kung Fu Panda I highly recommend the films. If your family is already a fan then Kung Fu Panda 4 is also…
Recommended!
The Nerds Templar 