'Kung Fu Panda 4' Review: Jack Black returns for Dreamwork's newest Kung Fu Installment
Jack Black returns 8 years after the 3rd film as Po the Panda in the beloved franchise of ‘Kung Fu Panda’ for the 4th installment.
In this fourth Panda film, Po (Jack Black) must train a new warrior when he’s chosen to become the spiritual leader of the Valley of Peace. However, when a powerful shape-shifting sorceress (played by Viola Davis) sets her eyes on his Staff of Wisdom, he suddenly realizes he’s going to need some help. Teaming up with a quick-witted corsac fox (played by Awkwafina), Po soon discovers that heroes can be found in the most unexpected places. ‘Kung Fu Panda 4’ introduces us to new characters, new action sequences, new locations and a new villain who’s bigger and (more shiftier) than ever. Of course there’s plenty of humor throughout the film, but this is otherwise a movie Dreamwork’s should be proud of.
Jack Black returns and is better than ever. After previously playing as Bowser in the blockbuster hit ‘The Super Mario Bro’s’, he has returned as the lovable panda we all know him as from the incredible Dreamwork’s franchise. During the red carpet premiere for ‘Kung Fu Panda’ over the weekend, he stated that playing Po “has been the role of a lifetime”, which doesn’t surprise me as his energy and love for the character(s), franchise and kung fu is unmatched. The way he’s able to express the emotion, passion, sympathy, as well as adding in his comedic self, it’s one of the best roles he’s ever been casted in. I honestly couldn’t pick a different actor to play the part.
Viola Davis being added to this cast as the villainous shapeshifting Chameleon is probably the best casting for an animated villain in the franchise since Tai Lung from the first film. Davis adds that dark and serious tone that a movie, especially animated, needs to have in order for these films to go a step further than before, and with a new desire. She gives the villain a new form of trickery as well as resilience and will do anything to anyone who stands in her way. What she does with her new power, will also give fans a feeling of nostalgia if you remember what happened in the previous movies as far as villainous characters go.
Of course we can’t possibly move forward in this article without mentioning the incredible Awkwafina and Key Huy Quan, who play Zhen, a corsac fox who is a wanted thief and accompanies Po on his journey to find the villainous chameleon and Key Huy Quan who plays as Han, a Sunda Pangolin who is a leader of a den of thieves, where Zhen is from. At some point in the film, we get stirred right into a shocking plot twist, revealing something unexpected about Awkwafina’s character… her character, although, does bring a breathe of fresh air to the movie and franchise and along her journey she learns vital lessons while traveling with Po that not only change her perspective of the world, but of herself. Key Huy Quan’s character, Han, is the leader. He’s the man, or Sunda Pangolin in this case, in charge of the whole environment and making sure everyone is doing their tasks and taken care of. For his animation debut, you can definitely hear his voice in the film which makes you smile even more, knowing what he brings to any movie he’s in. Both of these new characters bring a breathe of fresh air and new light that finally makes viewers even more engaged than before.
The film immediately begins with a hook that really captures the audience’s attention. A scene that will leave people shocked and asking questions, which is exactly what you want. Something that will make you wanting to watch more up to the point where the truth is revealed. There are a few moments where the humor tends to be forced during or after a serious scene, which is the only thing that bothers me, but again, this is a family/children’s movie, so I won’t judge it so hard. The addition of some of the newer characters was a plus and with some of the original one’s barely in the film this time around, it gave Po more responsibility and the ability to grow as a person and as a warrior. The animation and editing overall were top notch. Some the fighting scenes does remind you of comic book movies like ‘Spider-Man: Into the SpiderVerse’ or ‘Spider-Man: Across The SpiderVerse’ based on how the editing was handled, it was magnificent and something we haven’t seen in the previous instalments.
‘Kung Fu Panda 4’ is a great addition to the beloved franchise, providing a balanced mix of entertainment and emotional depth. With the engaging plot and captivating visuals, this movie is an unforgettable journey that will leave the audience in awe. This franchise is filled with growth, Kung Fu, family and belief. Whether your watching this as a kid, with family, or friends, this movie teaches you to not let anyone judge you like a book. Always follow your dreams no matter who tries to get in the way and as long as you believe in yourself, you will be able to achieve it. No matter what path you take to get there. That is what franchise’s like ‘Kung Fu Panda’, ‘How to Train Your Dragon’ and ‘Madagascar’ all teach you and why I love them.