KUNG FU Panda returns for a fourth instalment as the cuddly and lovable hero faces the daunting task of choosing his successor and assuming the role of the new Spiritual Leader of the Valley of Peace.
Po (voiced by Jack Black) is revelling in his celebrity status as the Dragon Warrior but his position as the Valley’s top dog is soon challenged by a formidable new adversary – the Chameleon.
With the Furious Five mysteriously absent, Po teams up with a cunning fox named Zhen (Awkwafina) to combat this unexpected threat who is able to mimic the Valley’s greatest villains.
The Chameleon, voiced with finesse by Viola Davis, adds a fresh dynamic to the franchise as a cunning thief intent on appropriating the combat prowess of Po’s former adversaries. Her ability to shape-shift into various menacing warriors challenges Po in ways he has never experienced before.
The animation in Kung Fu Panda 4 is superb, characterised by exquisite detail and stunning visuals that bring the characters and their world to life. The meticulously choreographed action sequences are a sight to behold, delivering pulse-pounding excitement and adrenaline-fuelled thrills. Watching Po’s martial arts prowess on display is never dull; his skilful manoeuvres are interspersed with moments of comedic mishaps, showcasing his endearing blend of agility and clumsiness.
While the film’s action sequences deliver the trademark excitement of the series, they lack the innovative ensemble flair seen in previous instalments, resulting in moments that feel somewhat recycled.
The absence of Po’s friends, the Furious Five, is keenly felt, leaving a noticeable void in the lineup of beloved characters. However, the expanded roles given to Po’s fathers, voiced by Bryan Cranston and James Hong, inject the movie with comedic charm, particularly in their buddy-comedy scenes.
Though new additions like Ronny Chieng (a grumpy fish that lives inside of a pelican’s mouth) and Ke Huy Quan (Han, a Sunda pangolin) offer entertaining performances, they do not quite achieve the iconic status of the Furious Five, diminishing the film’s overall impact.
Despite these shortcomings, Kung Fu Panda 4 maintains the series’ signature blend of humour and action, characterised by the physicality of its characters. The climactic battle scene stands out as a memorable highlight, offering a thrilling conclusion that is sure to leave audiences in awe.
While Kung Fu Panda 4 may not reach the heights of its predecessors, it remains an entertaining watch, particularly for fans of the franchise. Although the charm of the series may be waning with each sequel, there is still enough excitement and humour to warrant a trip to the theatres. Ultimately, the film’s ending delivers a satisfying wow factor, ensuring that even amidst its flaws, Kung Fu Panda 4 is a worthy of a trip to the cinema.
-> Voice by: Jack Black (Po), Awkwafina (Zhen) , Viola Davis (Chameleon)
-> Director: Mike Mitchell, Stephanie Stine
E-VALUE :- 7
PLOT :- 7
