We Do Not Need Another “Kung Fu Panda 4” Movie

The trilogy concluded satisfactorily in 2016 as the lovable, perpetually hungry Po finally embraced his unlikely role as the Dragon Warrior. He embodies both student and teacher roles, earning the respect of the Furious Five and his mentor, Master Shifu. Demonstrating his courage repeatedly, he defends the Valley of Peace against diverse animal adversaries. Po shares a nurturing bond with his two fathers: the restaurateur goose, Mr. Ping, and his biological panda father, Li. All is well.

After eight years, "Kung Fu Panda 4" finds it challenging to validate its existence. It fails to capture the delicate artistry and charming humor of its predecessors. The nuanced spirituality has vanished, replaced by frenetic action sequences. While previous installments appealed to both adults and children on multiple levels, this one primarily targets younger audiences with often frivolous and shallow approaches.

Frequently in the film helmed by director Mike Mitchell ("Trolls," "The LEGO Movie 2: The Second Part") and co-director Stephanie Stine, the pacing feels hurried, neglecting opportunities for tension or humor. For instance, a sight gag featuring a literal bull in a China shop exemplifies this: it rushes by within a chase scene, depriving us of a chance to fully appreciate the details.

Apart from a plethora of uninspired puns, the primary issue with the script from returning writers Jonathan Aibel & Glenn Berger and Darren Lemke ("Turbo," "Shazam!") is the contrived nature of the event that triggers the plot. Shifu (Dustin Hoffman) informs Po (the ever-energetic Jack Black) that he must assume the role of spiritual leader of the valley, a duty previously held by the late, legendary Master Oogway. Additionally, Po is tasked with passing on the day-to-day responsibilities of the Dragon Warrior to a protege. The timing of this decision feels questionable—why now? Po has only recently assumed the role, and a hastily arranged audition montage fails to justify the sudden change.

Additionally, there's a more immediate threat as well, introducing us to a plethora of new characters voiced by an impressive lineup of actors. A shape-shifting sorceress named the Chameleon (voiced by the formidable Viola Davis) aims to steal Po’s Staff of Wisdom, intending to harness the abilities of all the villains in the Spirit Realm. This scheme bears a striking resemblance to the nefarious plans of Kai, the supernatural antagonist voiced by J.K. Simmons in "Kung Fu Panda 3." To thwart the Chameleon, Po reluctantly seeks the assistance of Zhen, a cunning fox well-versed in the ways of the outside world, a knowledge Po lacks. Zhen, voiced by Awkwafina, assumes yet another wisecracking sidekick role. While her humor is indeed a strength, it's becoming somewhat repetitive, particularly considering her appearances in animated films like "The Little Mermaid," "The Bad Guys," and "Raya and the Last Dragon."

As Po and Zhen journey to thwart the Chameleon in the bustling metropolis of Juniper City—a locale teeming with narrow streets and bustling markets but lacking in imaginative portrayal—Po's two fathers clandestinely tail him. However, their subplot feels like an afterthought, with Bryan Cranston and James Hong's endearing characters having little to do besides fretting and following. Within the city, we encounter Han, the leader of the street thieves, portrayed by the underused Ke Huy Quan. The abundance of new elements becomes tiresome, especially considering the absence of the Furious Five, who are reportedly on solo missions. This departure is puzzling since the essence of Tigress, Crane, Viper, Mantis, and Monkey lies in their collective teamwork, where their individual strengths are enhanced through collaboration.

Furthermore, much of the magic that defines the "Kung Fu Panda" movies seems to be absent here, particularly the vital concept of inner peace. Previous installments provided moments to pause, immerse oneself in the rich colors and textures of intricate animation sequences, often presented in flashback form. These visual interludes were pivotal not just for storytelling but also for fostering the series' unique spiritual ambiance. However, in this installment, we're presented with a frenzied chase scene set to a rendition of Ozzy Osbourne's "Crazy Train," a choice that seems fitting given the perceived derailment of the franchise.