MOVIE INFO VIA ROTTEN TOMATOES:
After three death-defying adventures defeating world-class villains with his unmatched courage and mad martial arts skills, Po, the Dragon Warrior (Golden Globe nominee 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 (Oscar® winner 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 (Golden Globe winner 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.
REVIEW:
I respect a sequel that doesn’t slum and continues to respect its roots. Kung Fu Panda 4 still has Po (Jack Black) as a gullible, trusting martial arts master, its trademark wiseass comedy, more than respectable animation that’s occasionally brilliant and sparkling, decent action scenes, and lots of messages regarding kindness, inner peace and self revelation.
For this iteration Po must grapple with his responsibility of being a spiritual leader and example, the heir to the master and mentor Shifu (Dustin Hoffman), who must in turn name his heir. He essentially must grow up.
The screenplay shows this in a clever and symbolic way. Po must fight and overcome every villain he defeated and then every weakness and strength in himself. He must kick his own butt, as he sagely puts it in a prefight speech. The new villain, the Chameleon (Viola Davis) can shape shift and absorb their martial arts power and knowledge.
He’s teamed with the aptly named sly fox, Zhen (Awkwafina). She’s both confidant, betrayer and later on, a loyal ally. Awkwafina and Black make for a perfect buddy couple who can expertly play off the other’s precise comic timing.
Since the budget is smaller this time, the Furious Five are sort of retired. No Tigress, Viper, Crain, Mantis or Monkey means more money for quality animation, better screenwriters than can deepen existing characters in a tighter more focused plot.
It’s sort of in-keeping with Po’s spiritual journey and maturity. The mantra: use your brain before you use your fists makes for less action pizzazz but more fun. It’s a win win for everyone.
Kung Fu Panda 4 gets a 3.5/5 or a B+.
CREDITS:
Directed by
Written by
Produced by
Rebecca Huntley
Starring
Cinematography
Joshua Gunther
Edited by
Music by
- Hans Zimmer
- Steve Mazzaro
Production
company
Distributed by
Release dates
- March 3, 2024(The Grove)
- March 8, 2024(United States)
Running time
94 minutes[2]
Country
United States[3]
Language
English
Budget
$85 million
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