Kung Fu Panda 4 Review
- Director: Mike Mitchell
- Starring: Jack Black, Awkwafina, Viola Davis, Dustin Hoffman, James Hong, Bryan Cranston, Ke Huy Quan
- Released: March 8, 2024
- Rated: PG
- Runtime: 94 min
The Verdict
- Po’s inner struggle between staying the Dragon Warrior and stepping into a spiritual role gives the story real heart. Familiar faces mix well with a couple of funny new side characters, and the laughs keep coming.
- The main villain never feels like a real threat to the Dragon Warrior and falls flat in the final scenes. The pacing gets slightly tiring in spots.
Synopsis
Full Review (Spoilers)
Characters
The main villain didn’t pose too much of a threat. You would think they could be a formidable foe for the Dragon Warrior but alas they’re not even close to being in the same league. They have some good skills but it falls flat during the last couple of scenes of the movie.
Reviewer’s Curve
The inner fight for Po was ultimately the villain of this movie and it was a decent attempt. You have him not feeling spiritual enough to take the promotion but also feeling the weight of being the current dragon warrior. Plus some of the new side characters had a good amount of funny lines as well.
Plot
The plot was an interesting one. You have Po fighting having to pick a new Dragon Warrior and taking his place as a spiritual leader. You feel for him since his confidence wasn’t high.
Pacing
The pacing wasn’t horrible. If I had a thumbs middle then it would get it. There’s not a high period of time where you’re bored. It only becomes slightly tiring at times.
Re-Watchability
You’re back into the Kungfu world of Po and it’s enjoyable. There are plenty of laughs and Hijinx. You pair all of the familiar characters with a couple of new ones to introduce a lot of fun.
Spoilers
The Chameleon was a waste of a villain. The trailers made it seem that Po will have the fight for his life since he will be forced to fight the warriors of the past. There was a moment when it was true but it quickly turned into the Fox helping to defeat the Chameleon in a quick fashion. Complete letdown and they’re better off spending the movie without them.
They’re making Po a spiritual leader in the fourth installment of the franchise? I don’t see Po being ready to move on from the Drago Warrior mantel and that’s perfectly fine. He’s still capable of handing out the Kungfu without any problems. They spend a decent amount of the movie showing why Po should still be the Dragon Warrior.
Kung Fu Panda 4 (2024) Cast and Details
Kung Fu Panda 4 (2024) is directed by Mike Mitchell and stars Jack Black, Awkwafina, Viola Davis, Dustin Hoffman and James Hong. It runs 94 minutes and is rated PG. You can look up the full cast and crew on IMDb. You might also like my Ghostbusters: Frozen Empire review.
DC's Hypothetical Corner
Let’s say I change one thing. Maybe that one thing will make this movie better or more watchable.
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