USA | China 2024
Opening March 14, 2024
Directed by: Mike Mitchell
Writing credits: Jonathan Aibel, Glenn Berger, Darren Lemke
Principal actors: Jack Black, Awkwafina, James Hong, Dustin Hoffman, Bryan Cranston, Viola Davis
Kung Fu Panda 4 is an animated action-comedy movie that depicts Po (Jack Black) transforming into the Spiritual Leader of the Valley of Peace. He is obliged to find another worthy successor who will take his place as the new Dragon Warrior. Po struggles with this immense transformation as being the Dragon Warrior has always been his main identity throughout the last three movies. There is a new shapeshifting villain named The Chameleon (Viola Davis) who has the ability to take any super villains’ Chi that will make her unstoppable if not defeated. Po enters this difficult task with the help of a mysterious fox, Zhen (Awkwafina), who is a known thief. They face various fights before they enter the den of The Chameleon.
As an ardent admirer of the Kung Fu Panda series, I found the musical accompaniment in this latest movie to be truly kungfantastic. The adept portrayal of character development, particularly the evolution of Po and his newfound companion Zhen, was skillfully executed. It was a great idea to have a different type of final battle in this last movie, which wrapped all of the fighting styles of the previous movies into one. The movie was hilarious as usual, jokes and funny situations make the viewer engaged and always laughing. I was impressed by new Kung Fu moves and the creativity of using new animals as Kung Fu warriors. Sadly, this movie is probably the end of the Kung Fu Panda movie series; however, I do think they finished the franchise off well. It feels like all the chapters were wrapped up, and all the questions from the previous movies were answered. It’s a worthy ending for the Dragon Warrior and the Spiritual Leader! Master Oogway would be proud of Po’s development! For fans of animated movies who like to enjoy some comedy action like I do, I would 100% recommend this film. I had a great time watching it. (Adrian S.)