Kung Fu Panda 4 follows a familiar formula, but the action scenes and the voice cast make it a worthwhile entry into the franchise. Jack Black continues to shine as Po, selling his bumbling earnestness with pitch-perfect timing. Awkwafina also delivers as smart-talking crook Zhen.
Dustin Hoffman, James Hong, and Bryan Cranston round out the rest of the venerable voice cast. Wherever this movie’s shadows went, though, is beyond me.
Plot Summary
Eight years have passed since Kung Fu Panda 3 and lovable animated giant Panda Po finds himself at the peak of his power. The king of the kung fu world, he’s helping his adoptive goose father Ping (James Hong), and biological panda dad Li Shan (Bryan Cranston) run their noodle restaurant and enjoy his celebrity status. However, his mentor Master Shifu (Dustin Hoffman) informs him that his time as Dragon Warrior is ending and he must pick a successor.
Though he reluctantly auditions his replacements, Po gets distracted by a new threat from the spirit realm: Chameleon (Viola Davis), a shapeshifting sorceress and crime lord who wants to use the Staff of Wisdom to take over the kung fu kingdom. With his mentor’s life on the line, Po teams up with smart-talking thief Zhen (Awkwafina), whose sly, fast-talking persona provides a welcome comedic contrast to the earnest Po.
Jack Black continues to deliver solid vocal work as Po and has a natural sense of comedy based on his odd-couple pairing with Awkwafina’s nimble, quick-witted Zhen. But this entry in the franchise feels like a tired retread, lacking the emotional punch of previous installments. Even the impressively choreographed action sequences feel more like a TV show episode than an animated movie. The movie also seems to have lost some of its rhythmic variety and verbal spice.
Plot Development
After an eight-year interval, our beloved animated Kung Fu Panda returns to the big screen in a movie that feels tired and familiar. This time he must deal with a new enemy, the shape-shifting Chameleon. Po finds himself battling for his life against the mighty shapeshifter and his self-doubts, as he prepares to pass on his title of Dragon Warrior to someone else.
Jack Black’s performance as the endearingly bumbling and enthusiastic hero is as good as ever, selling his character with an earnestness that makes him more than just a silly panda. James Hong and Bryan Cranston give a surprisingly strong supporting turn as his adoptive father and biological dad respectively, with Awkwafina showing some depth in her role as smart-talking crook Zhen.
Kung Fu Panda 4 contains plenty of fighting and lengthy action sequences that may be a bit too intense for very young kids, but even the higher-stakes moments are laced with comedy. The film also includes a lot of spirituality. With elements that harken back to Eastern religions and others that are more freeform Hollywood style mix and match the treatment of faith. The movie’s not out to evangelize. But parents should be aware that it has some spiritual underpinnings for younger viewers that may be unexpected. As is typical for the franchise, it does incorporate a lot of slapstick humor and a goofy sense of fun that will please long-time fans.
Character Development Of Kung Fu Panda 4
After eight years of absence, martial arts master Panda Po returns for Kung Fu Panda 4. The endearing animated critter is now the Spiritual Leader of his village and in search of a successor. He is also battling a new threat in the form of a menacing chameleon. Jack Black once again voices the lovable character but finds himself struggling with the film’s mediocrity. He complains about the poor pacing and lack of tension. Saying that he often feels as if he’s watching a Saturday morning cartoon rather than a movie with serious intentions. He also finds the chemistry between Po and his new protégé a bit unconvincing and criticizes the chameleon’s weak presence and lack of motivation.
Fortunately, Black can keep the film afloat with his incomparable voice acting and an abundance of funny moments. The film’s high-flying kung fu action sequences are well-done and are complemented with plenty of hilarious gags and quotable lines. Other familiar faces like Mr. Ping (James Hong) and his biological panda father Li Shan (Bryan Cranston) are just as likable as ever, while Viola Davis provides a menacing depth to the film’s villain.
The animation in the film is stunning and the different backgrounds, characters, and settings are realized with impressive detail. The film also has a handful of laugh-out-loud jokes that should entertain kids and adults alike. The only thing missing from the film is a sense of deeper meaning and thematic development.
Voice Acting of Kung Fu Panda 4
Kung Fu Panda 4 may not reach the heights of its predecessors. But it is still an enjoyable family film with enough comedy and action to entertain fans. Its new characters are well-designed, with plenty of creative touches and visual gags. The story explores some interesting themes, but it is not as deep as the previous films. The movie also falls short of the potential for a more epic conclusion, by bringing back old characters and not exploring the story’s full possibilities.
Jack Black delivers a solid voice performance as Po, while his co-stars also perform well. Awkwafina and Black have natural comedic chemistry as an odd couple. While James Hong and Bryan Cranston are charming as Po’s adoptive and biological fathers. Viola Davis gives a commanding voice to The Chameleon, the new antagonist of this installment.
The absence of the Furious Five (Tigress, Viper, Mantis, and Crane) is noticeable. But that is to be expected from a sequel in this franchise. The new additions, including the orphan-turned-thief Zhen, provide a fresh character for this buddy road movie.
Although the animation is a step below the best of the series, it is still colorful and impressive. The voice acting is superb and the story is fun for the whole family. It is American comfort food with a wuxi twist, and it sets up the cinematic universe for future sequels.