I attended an advanced screening for my review. All opinions are my own.
“This spring, for the first time in almost a decade, comedy icon Jack Black returns to his role as Po, the world’s most unlikely kung fu master, with a hilarious, butt-kicking new chapter in DreamWorks Animation’s beloved action-comedy franchise: Kung Fu Panda 4.
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.
The film features the voice talent of returning stars Academy Award® winner Dustin Hoffman as Kung Fu master, Shifu; James Hong (Everything Everywhere All at Once) as Po’s adoptive father, Mr. Ping; Academy Award® nominee Bryan Cranston as Po’s birth father, Li, and Emmy Award nominee Ian McShane as Tai Lung, Shifu’s former student and arch-nemesis. Oscar® winner Ke Huy Quan (Everything Everywhere All at Once) joins the ensemble as a new character, Han, the leader of the Den of Thieves.”
My family loves the Kung Fu Panda movies. We have all been excited to see the latest addition to the series. Although I didn’t think it was the best of the series, my kids and I really enjoyed Kung Fu Panda 4.
My kids loved all the characters, especially Po. They think Po is hilarious. I really enjoyed the new villain, Chameleon. I thought that her ability to shapeshift into different characters was neat. We were disappointed that the Furious Five were not featured in the movie. We missed seeing them.
We loved the voice cast and was happy that so many actors returned for Kung Fu Panda 4. Jack Black once again was so fun as Po. We loved the additions of Awkwafina and Viola Davis to the cast. I loved Viola Davis as the voice of villain, Chameleon. I wish she had more screentime.
I wished that the storyline had been a little less predictable. It was an obvious storyline. It was very silly though. My kids laughed a lot.
Kung Fu Panda is rated PG “for martial arts action/mild violence, scary images, and some mild rude humor.” This is a fun movie that the whole family can enjoy together. There were a couple of scary moments involving the villain but overall, I think all children will enjoy this movie.
Although it wasn’t the best movie in the franchise, my family really enjoyed Kung Fu Panda 4. We would see it again!
Kung Fu Panda 4 gets bragging rights!
Kung Fu Panda 4 is now playing in theaters!
For more information about Kung Fu Panda 4, you can visit the film’s official website, Facebook, and Instagram.
