Kung Fu Panda 4 – Full Review

After a wait of eight long years since its last release, Kung Fu Panda 4 finally hit screens in 2024, bringing back the beloved panda Po and his unmistakable mix of clumsiness, bravery, and wisdom. This fourth DreamWorks Animation film continues the epic saga that has captivated audiences of all ages around the world, picking up the story right where it left off, but with new twists and challenges that test both the heart and skills of the Dragon Warrior.

In this new phase, Po faces a crucial transition in his life: he is no longer just the defender of the Valley of Peace, but also its spiritual guide, a role that involves much more than mastering kung fu. Between inner reflections, training new heroes, and an unexpected threat emerging from the shadows, Po must find a balance between his past, his present, and what he is destined to become.

Kung Fu Panda 4 Not only does it expand the saga's universe with endearing characters and visually stunning landscapes, but it also delves into themes like identity, legacy, and the power of community. With a perfect balance of action, comedy, and emotion, this installment proves that, even after so many years, Po still has a lot to teach... and learn.

Synopsis

In this new adventure, Po finds himself at a crossroads in his life. While helping his parents, Mr. Ping and Li Shan, open a new restaurant, Master Shifu informs him that it's time for him to assume the role of spiritual leader of the Valley of Peace. This means Po must find his successor as Dragon Warrior, a task that won't be easy.

During his quest, Po captures a cunning thief named Zhen, who is attempting to steal ancient artifacts from the Jade Palace. However, he soon discovers that a greater threat looms over the valley: a powerful sorceress known as the Chameleon, who can transform into any creature and plots to steal the skills of kung fu masters, including Po's old enemies Tai Lung, Lord Shen, and General Kai.

Po and Zhen must join forces to stop the Chameleon and save the world of kung fu from an unprecedented threat.

Cast

The film features an outstanding voice cast:

• Jack Black as Po: The enthusiastic and brave Dragon Warrior.
• Awkwafina as Zhen: A cunning thief who becomes Po's ally.
• Viola Davis as The Chameleon: The main villain with metamorphosis abilities.
• Dustin Hoffman as Master Shifu: Po's wise mentor.
• James Hong as Mr. Ping: Po's adoptive father.
• Bryan Cranston as Li Shan: Po's biological father.
• Ian McShane as Tai Lung: Po's old enemy.
• Ke Huy Quan as They have: Leader of a gang of thieves and a figure from Zhen's past.
• Ronny Chieng as Ronny: A fish that lives in the mouth of a pelican.

Reviews

The reception of “Kung Fu Panda 4” It was generally positive, although with some reservations from critics.

Frank Scheck of The Hollywood Reporter He commented that while the film introduces new settings and characters, it essentially offers more of the same, which isn't necessarily a negative considering the franchise's success. He highlighted Jack Black's voice performance as an element that maintains its charm.

Emma Stefansky of IGN gave the film a score of 7/10, noting that while the absence of the Furious Five and the emotional depth of the previous installments are weak points, the new additions and action sequences make the film a worthy addition to the franchise.

On the other hand, Owen Gleiberman of Variety He was more critical, stating that the film lacks the freshness and surprises of its predecessors, and that the action scenes do not fully exploit the freedom allowed by animation.

Public reception

The film was received favorably by the public. According to CinemaScore, viewers gave it an average rating of “A–,” similar to that of the first film. In addition, PostTrak, received an overall positive rating of 80%, with 59% respondents saying they would recommend it.

As for the box office, “Kung Fu Panda 4” grossed approximately $$547.7 million worldwide, surpassing its predecessor and positioning itself as the ninth highest-grossing film of 2024.

Technical and visual aspects

The direction was in charge of Mike Mitchell, with Stephanie Ma Stine as co-director. The animation maintained the franchise's signature style, combining traditional Chinese elements with modern animation techniques. However, some critics noted that while the action scenes are solid, they fall short of the creativity of previous installments.

The soundtrack was composed by Hans Zimmer and Steve Mazzaro, who incorporated innovative musical arrangements, including a version of the song “…Baby One More Time” performed by Tenacious D, Jack Black's band.

Conclusion

“Kung Fu Panda 4” offers an entertaining and vibrant continuation of the adventures of the beloved Po, the dragon warrior. This new installment not only recaptures the essence that has captivated audiences since the first film, but also introduces a series of new characters and challenges that bring freshness and dynamism to the narrative. Through an action-packed journey, full of humor, and heart, the story continues to explore Po's personal growth as he faces threats that test his courage and his identity.

While some elements may lack the originality and emotional impact of previous installments, the film makes up for it with visually stunning sequences, well-crafted comedic moments, and high-quality animation that maintains the series' standards. The chemistry between the classic characters and the new allies generates interest, and the message of overcoming adversity and self-discovery remains one of the franchise's strongest pillars.

In short, Kung Fu Panda 4 It manages to keep the spirit of the saga alive, reaffirming its place in the hearts of fans and consolidating its importance within contemporary animated cinema. It's a film that, without revolutionizing the formula, manages to excite, entertain, and leave a positive feeling upon leaving the theater.