After almost a decade since the last film in its franchise, “Kung Fu Panda 4,” directed by Mike Mitchell, was released on March 8 to wide anticipation. The latest addition to the series follows unlikely kung fu master Po (Jack Black) as he transitions from the position of Dragon Warrior to become spiritual leader of the Valley of Peace.
“Kung Fu Panda 4” balances recalling plot points from previous movies and spending time with new storylines and characters. Tasked with finding his successor, Po struggles to let go of the heydays of the past and embrace the uncertainty of the future. When reports of a menacing villain — the shapeshifting Chameleon (Viola Davis) — come to light, Po’s search for a successor is disrupted, and he unexpectedly teams up with the cunning fox Zhen (Awkwafina) to take down the new threat.
Although a large portion of the film’s main cast is made up of new faces — with Po’s fellow fighters, the famous “Furious Five” left out of the story — “Kung Fu Panda 4” keeps the beloved light-hearted and energetic spirit of its prequels. As Po and Zhen search for their target and navigate the chaotic metropolis Juniper City, the two prove to be an entertaining lead pair, playing off of each other’s quirks and quickly building a “frenemy”-like dynamic. The introduction of Juniper City makes way for further worldbuilding and humorous sequences as Po interacts with the sights and sounds of a place far from home.
Po and Zhen’s journey is intercut with parallel scenes of Po’s two father figures — biological father Li Shan (Bryan Cranston) and adoptive father Mr. Ping (James Hong) — who clumsily follow the warriors in their quest out of worry for Po. Not only do these scenes provide extra comedic relief to the film, but they also emphasize the heart and loving emotional core of the “Kung Fu Panda” series. Po may now be embarking on one of his last missions as the Dragon Warrior, but he will always be his fathers’ little boy.
One of the few aspects explicitly brought from its prequels to “Kung Fu Panda 4” is Po’s previous antagonists. Chameleon’s shapeshifting ability provides the film with the perfect opportunity to bring back fan-favorite villains of the series — notably leopard kung fu master Tai Lung (Ian McShane), who was the series' first antagonist. Ultimately, this move causes Chameleon herself to be overshadowed by the villains she impersonates — which may be the point, given that she must resort to leeching off the power of fallen masters to make up for her own lack of kung fu ability. Nevertheless, the absence of a new and unique antagonist in “Kung Fu Panda 4” is admittedly disappointing, despite the fanservice brought by the return of old characters
What “Kung Fu Panda 4” lacks in action it makes up for in its trademark wholesomeness and lessons in familial and friendship bonds. Like the initial audiences of the first “Kung Fu Panda” film, Po may have matured in his responsibilities but is still youthful and fun-loving at heart. The film may not experiment with its narrative, but it remains true to its charismatic characters and offers another enjoyable tale from the beloved Valley of Peace.
Isabel Hahn is an Arts & Culture editor who concentrates in English and Behavioral Decision Sciences. In her free time, she enjoys watching movies, reading, and journaling.
