Dreamworks Kung Fu Panda series has always been one of my favorites. While Po has been on adventures on Netflix’s Kung Fu Panda: The Dragon Knight series, this is the first film installment in 8 years! It made me wonder why now. Well, it seems it’s time to say goodbye to Po and hello to a new Dragon Warrior.

When Kung Fu Panda 4 begins we see Po (Jack Black) living his best life as the Dragon Warrior. However, Shifu tells him it is time to choose a predecessor. It’s time for Po to make his way to be the Spiritual Leader of the Valley of Peace. Of course, this doesn’t sit well with him at first, but as we go on his journey the path becomes more clear.

KUNG FU PANDA INTRODUCES NEW CHARACTERS WHILE KEEPING THE ONES WE LOVE CLOSE

While Po tries to ignore his new destiny, his followers tell him that a new/old villain, Tai Lung has destroyed their lands. This, of course, is impossible because Tai Lung was captured previously and is in the spirit realm. This is when we are introduced to the sneaky Corsac fox, Zhen (Awkafina) who has all the answers. While we know it couldn’t possibly be Tai Lung who attacked it’s actually the powerful sorceress, The Chameleon (Viola Davis). Now, Po and Zhen are headed to take down the Chameleon and set things right.

The premise of Kung Fu Panda 4 is strong and absolutely hilarious. I appreciate that the film focuses solely on Po and doesn’t add the rest of the Furious Five. This is his story all the way through. I also enjoyed the departure from the usual rural setting of the Valley of Peace. The previous installment all took place there. However, this film decides to shake things up by transporting Po and Zhen to the bustling urban environment of Juniper City. The city is teeming with lively animals, bustling rickshaws, and even bulls serving as police officers. Pigs would’ve been too on the nose.

While Po and Zhen are on their journey through Juniper City, Po’s fathers are also on an adventure of their own. While their storyline adds to the hilarity and brings back Brian Cranston and James Hong I found this storyline unnecessary and distracting.

A NEW INCREDIBLE VILLAIN AND FIGHT SEQUENCE

Viola Davis brings to life The Chameleon and is a spectacular addition. As are her super creepy Komodo dragon guards. Her master plan is to tap into the spirit realm and steam the kung fu powers of all the previous villains who have been banished. This gives viewers an epic battle that rivals any in the franchise’s history.

The Kung Fu Panda series consistently demonstrates how genuine emotion can be seamlessly intertwined with meticulously animated action scenes, goofy humor, and stylized animation. Each new installment in this series of kids’ films showcases an improvement upon the last, creating a winning formula that continues to captivate audiences. While Po may be passing the torch, I don’t believe this film will be the last we’ll see of him.

KEEP READING

The Wild Robot: Break Out The Tissues For This DreamWorks Adaptation [Trailer]