Kung Fu Panda 4

Tonight, on Peacock, I saw “Kung Fu Panda 4,” released back in March, but on Peacock three days ago, and now I will let everyone know what I thought about it.

After three great films, the franchise returns for a fourth film in the franchise, 16 years after the release.

In the new sequel, Po (Jack Black) is assigned by Master Shifu (Dustin Hoffman) to find his replacement as The Dragon Warrior so he can become the Spiritual Leader of the Valley of Peace.

Feeling hesitant on this task, as he knows more about quickly devouring dumplings than he does spiritual leadership, he begins to search. After a sudden fight with a sneaky fox by the name of Zhen (Awkwafina) he finds out about a new enemy, a powerful sorceress named Chameleon (Viola Davis), who can use her magic to transform into whoever and whatever she wants. She also has an obsession with Po’s Staff of Wisdom and, eventually, access to the spirit realm.

Teaming up with Zhen, Po goes to Juniper City to do what he does best – fight villains. Not only that, but he’s joined by a star-studded group of troops, including veteran James Hong as Po’s goose father Mr. Ping, Bryan Cranston as Po’s panda father Li, Key Huy Quan as the leader of the Den of Thieves, Han, Ronny Chieng as Captain Fish, and the return of Ian McShane as the evil Tai Lung.

Andre Eames said in his review, “The storyline is reasonably well thought out with some real belly chuckle gags sprinkled in that will keep both old and young well entertained. However, the sub-plot of the developing relationship between Mr. Ping and Li – Po’s two fathers – seems like an attempt at something deeper in the plotline but instead very much feels like a space filler interlude.” Including a brief cameo appearances from the Furious Five, and there is a type of feeling that “Kung Fu Panda 4” could have been more than it is.

Eames said, “The vocal enthusiasm and killer one-liners of Jack Black, the fast-paced action scenes rich in traditional Chinese colour schemes and of course the return of the Skadoosh, really carry the weight of this film but for what it lacks in plotline it certainly makes up for in feel-good factor.” This isn’t the best of the four films but it still guarantees to keep everyone engaged and be loved by fans throughout.

This may not be better than the previous three, which is quite a surprise to some, but not to others. I didn’t like how predictable Zhen was and how Ping and Li follow Po on his journey. However, the animation is great, the voice acting is still amazing, the action scenes are engaging, the jokes still were funny (some more than others), and I’m glad I saw it. Check it out on Peacock and see for yourself. I think everyone who has seen the previous films should see this one because they will enjoy themselves.

Thank you for reading this review. Stay tuned this Friday for the conclusion of “Emma Thompson Month.”