Kung Fu Panda 4, 2024.
Directed by Mike Mitchell and Stephanie Stine.
featuring the voice talents of Jack Black, Awkwafina, Viola Davis, Bryan Cranston, Ke Huy Quan, Dustin Hoffman, Ian McShane, James Hong, Lori Tan Chinn, Ronny Chieng, Mr. Beast, and Harry Shum Jr.
SYNOPSIS:
After Po is tapped to become the Spiritual Leader of the Valley of Peace, he needs to find and train a new Dragon Warrior, while a wicked sorceress plans to re-summon all the master villains whom Po has vanquished to the spirit realm.
Having completed all of his training, saved the Valley of Peace multiple times, and now residing as the Dragon Warrior, enough time has passed for the eponymous anthropomorphic kung fu panda Po (once again voiced by Jack Black) to seek out a successor while inspiring wisdom. That means that directors Mike Mitchell’s and Stephanie Stine’s Kung Fu Panda 4 (from a screenplay by Jonathan Aibel, Glenn Berger, and Darren Lemke) comes across as a bridge to set up future installments for a new hero. That’s not to say Po takes a backseat here, but the closest comparison to make is, oddly enough, one of those recent Marvel Cinematic Universe movies that features the characters you know and love while having its mind on what could be done down the road.
And while it might seem like the filmmakers here are ready to send off Po with a bang before presumably reducing his role in sequels, the plot is more exciting on paper than in execution. This time, the threat comes from a shape-shifting sorceress reptilian chameleon (voiced by Viola Davis) looking to expand her reach and control worldwide, capable of morphing into anyone and anything, whether it be for deception or easier combat. Chameleon (as the character is credited) plans to get a hold of Po’s Dragon Warrior staff to enter the spirit world, unleashing all the previous villains to steal all their power. However, much like Po’s companions, the Furious Five, who don’t return (some brief exposition explains that those characters are away on other adventures), the only returning voice actor among them is Ian McShane as the evil snow leopard Tai Lung.
Fortunately, this is not crippling, as it allows for the introduction and inclusion of streetsmart kleptomaniac ninja fox Zhen (voiced by Awkwafina, a terrific choice to match Jack Black’s humor and energy) who winds up serving as Po’s guide to Chameleon’s home and tower as punishment for trying to rob the temple. As the two get to talking and journeying, she doesn’t understand how or why he is so nice, assuming that simple acts of kindness, such as sharing food, must be a setup for trickery. Meanwhile, Po is so lovably dimwitted that he thanks Zhen after being called an “easy mark” to take advantage of because he is so courteous and caring.
Even the children in attendance will likely be able to deduce where this is all predictably going, which is somewhat forgivable considering the filmmakers do, at the very least, make the movie fun. Aside from the witty banter and natural chemistry between Jack Black and Awkwafina (and some running gags with great payoffs), some dynamic action battles are meticulously animated with impressive detail and incorporate story themes. During a tavern brawl (questionably built on top of a cliff’s edge), Po finds himself trying to return stolen goods to the patrons while trying to kick the butt of those Zhen has wronged.
At home, Po’s adoptive father (voiced by a returning James Hong) and father (Bryan Cranston) bond over worrying about his safety, choosing to go on a quest together, following the trail and getting in similar hijinks. It feels slightly unnecessary, especially considering that the film is in a rush to get to its final battle, which is a sequence that basically amounts to the entire third act. There is still room for Po to inspire change in Zhen while realizing that he has to accept his new task of choosing a successor, but it feels cut off.
Worse, there isn’t much of an emotional punch to Kung Fu Panda 4, so those final 30 minutes, while stylish and colorfully animated, quickly becomes numbing. Of course, spending time with these amusing characters is still fun, but this is a light, average entry in the series that inspires hope in what’s to come.
Flickering Myth Rating – Film: ★ ★ / Movie: ★ ★ ★
Robert Kojder is a member of the Chicago Film Critics Association and the Critics Choice Association. He is also the Flickering Myth Reviews Editor. Check here for new reviews, follow my Twitter or Letterboxd, or email me at MetalGearSolid719@gmail.com
