Kung Fu Panda 4 Review

After an eight-year hiatus, Kung Fu Panda 4 returns audiences to the vibrant world of Po, the lovable panda turned Dragon Warrior. While the franchise remains an audience favorite, this fourth instalment struggles to justify its existence, feeling more like an epilogue than a necessary continuation of the trilogy. Despite its shortcomings, it offers enough charm, humor, and stunning visuals to entertain fans, even if it doesn’t quite reach the heights of its predecessors.

The story begins with Po (Jack Black) reveling in his role as the Dragon Warrior, but his mentor Shifu (Dustin Hoffman) insists it’s time for him to transition into a spiritual leader — a position once held by the late Master Oogway. The decision to pass on the Dragon Warrior mantle to a successor introduces a new character, Zhen (voiced by Awkwafina), a sly and street-smart fox. Together, Po and Zhen must face off against a new villain, the shape-shifting sorceress Chameleon (Viola Davis), whose plan to resurrect villains from the spirit realm threatens the Valley of Peace.

One of the movie’s greatest strengths lies in its visuals. The stunning animation, from the vibrant cherry blossom trees to the bustling streets of Juniper City, is a feast for the eyes. However, the fast-paced editing often leaves little time to appreciate these beautiful moments, a missed opportunity to recapture the serene artistry of earlier films. Scenes that could have provided a sense of wonder and calm, like the iconic imagery of the Spirit Realm or the tranquil landscapes of the valley, are instead rushed in favor of action-packed sequences.

The humor, a cornerstone of the Kung Fu Panda franchise, is a mixed bag in this instalment. While Po’s bumbling antics and lovable personality remain a delight, some jokes fall flat, lacking the sharp wit and clever timing that made the original trilogy so memorable. Awkwafina’s Zhen brings a fresh energy to the film, but her wisecracking sidekick routine feels overly familiar, echoing her previous roles in animated films like The Bad Guys and Raya and the Last Dragon.

The film’s narrative also feels uneven. The decision to pass on the Dragon Warrior title from Po to Zhen is an intriguing concept, but it lacks the emotional weight and build-up needed to make it feel earned. Po’s reluctance to give up his role is understandable, but the transition feels abrupt, with Shifu’s reasoning coming across as more contrived than natural. Similarly, the villainous Chameleon fails to leave a lasting impression. Unlike the deeply personal antagonists of previous films, such as Tai Lung or Lord Shen, Chameleon’s backstory is underdeveloped, relying more on exposition than emotional resonance.

Despite these flaws, Kung Fu Panda 4 delivers some poignant moments. Its core message — that it’s never too late to do the right thing — resonates through Zhen’s redemption arc, as she evolves from a self-serving thief to a heroic protector of the valley. Po’s forgiveness of Zhen underscores the franchise’s recurring themes of growth and second chances. However, the film misses a chance to deepen these themes further, particularly in its treatment of returning spirit realm villains, whose redemptive arcs could have added more emotional depth to the story.

Fans of the Furious Five may also be disappointed to find their absence from the main plot. While their individual missions are briefly mentioned, their exclusion from the central narrative feels like a missed opportunity to showcase the teamwork and camaraderie that have been staples of the series.

In the end, Kung Fu Panda 4 is an enjoyable but flawed addition to the franchise. It retains enough of the heart and humor that made the original films beloved, but it struggles to recapture the magic that made those films stand out. For longtime fans, it’s a nostalgic return to the Valley of Peace, with a fun new character and some exciting action sequences. However, as a continuation of Po’s story, it feels more like a light snack than the full-course meal we’ve come to expect from this franchise.