Po has been the Dragon Warrior for years, and now the Valley of Peace needs a new one. That’s the setup for Kung Fu Panda 4, and it’s a decent idea. The execution doesn’t quite live up to it.
Trailer, via Universal Pictures.
Po’s Search for a Successor
Po learns he must step aside and find a replacement as the Dragon Warrior. He struggles to pick the right candidate because he doesn’t want to lose his status. That tension is the spine of the movie, and it works better than most of the action around it.
Zhen and the Villain Plan
Zhen is a corsac fox bandit who steals ancient weapons from the Jade Palace. Po catches her, but she turns out to be working for The Chameleon, a shape-shifting villain who can copy kung fu skills by touch. Zhen is supposed to be a double agent, sent to get Po’s Staff of Wisdom. Instead she ends up helping Po fight the real villain.
The Villain’s Scheme
Po and Zhen join forces to take down The Chameleon, whose plan is to steal the kung fu skills of every deceased master in China. Po gets captured, and The Chameleon, taking Zhen’s form, fools him into almost escaping before throwing him off a cliff. Zhen watches in horror as Po almost dies, but he is rescued by the timely arrival of his father.
The Voice Cast
Jack Black returns as Po, and his energy carries scenes that would otherwise drag. Awkwafina joins the cast as Zhen, bringing a sharp wit that cuts through the script’s weaker jokes. Viola Davis plays The Chameleon, a villain who finally gives the series a strong antagonist after years of lesser threats.
Dustin Hoffman and James Hong return as Shifu and Mr. Ping, and their chemistry remains the heart of the film. Ian McShane returns as Tai Lung, and the filmmakers locked in his return early, with no backup plan if McShane refused.
The Furious Five Cameo
The Furious Five — Tigress, Monkey, Crane, Mantis, and Viper — appear briefly, according to producer Rebecca Huntley. Co-director Stephanie Ma Stine said they weren’t originally included because of the cost of the original actors, especially Angelina Jolie as Tigress. The marketing department insisted they be added anyway.
What Works
- Po’s struggle with succession feels real.
- Zhen brings a fresh perspective to the team.
- The Chameleon is a worthy opponent.
- The voice cast delivers consistent chemistry.
- The brief scenes with the Furious Five add a welcome nod to the past.
What Doesn’t Work
The plot drags in stretches, and some of the humor lands flat. The villain’s scheme is clever on paper but gets buried under filler scenes. The pacing suffers as a result.
The Bottom Line
Kung Fu Panda 4 isn’t a disaster, but it’s not the best entry in the series either. It has a solid premise, a great villain, and a strong cast. It just doesn’t execute them with the polish the earlier movies showed.
Key Facts
– Runtime: 94 minutes
– Genres: Animation, Comedy, Adventure, Action, Family
– Director: Mike Mitchell
– Writers: Glenn Berger, Jonathan Aibel, Darren Lemke
– Voice cast: Jack Black, Viola Davis, Awkwafina, Dustin Hoffman, James Hong, Ian McShane
– Worldwide gross: $547.7 million
– Budget: $85 million
This is a middling entry in a beloved franchise. It has moments of genuine fun and a few that feel like they’re going through the motions. The final score is 5 out of 10.
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