Who would have thought that eight years later the Dragon Warrior would be back for more? I know I certainly didn’t! Released on March 8, everyone’s favorite crime fighting and dumpling loving panda is back for more. This time, with a whole new cast of buttkickers. As the fourth installment to the beloved Dreamworks Animations franchise, “Kung Fu Panda 4” takes audiences on another epic adventure as Po, alongside his new sidekick Zhen, begin a quest to take down the power-hungry Chameleon.
This highly anticipated sequel sees the return of Jack Black as the Dragon Warrior, who is now faced with the challenge of becoming the Spiritual Leader of the Valley of Peace. Black’s quick wittiness and quips about what snack Po can get his paws on next are sure to make audiences of all ages laugh. A stellar performance as always, Jack Black is able to bring the Kung Fu Master to life on the big screen once more.
Newcomer Awkwafina portrays a cheeky gray fox, who with guidance from the kind-hearted panda, starts to realize that a life of crime may not be the path she has to take. Known for her pick-pocketing skills and ability to get by on her own, Zhen is able to realize that friendship is worth more than any other prize. An amazing performance, Awkwafina is able to take the world of Kung Fu by storm.
James Hong and Bryan Cranston return to reprise their roles of Mr. Ping and Li Shan respectively. In this installment the two fathers leave behind their kitchen utensils for more useful battle weapons. In order to help Po, they find their own bravery when it is needed most. Phenomenal performances from each, Hong and Cranston create a loveable dynamic duo that leaves audiences not only wanting a bite of their delicious dumplings, but wishing for more!
The incredible Viola Davis also makes her mark on the masterful world of Kung Fu Panda with her portrayal of the infamous Chameleon. A revengeful reptile, the Chameleon utilizes her shape shifting abilities to trick and steal from others, running Juniper City from underground in hopes to one day rule over every land. Davis’ skillful performance creates the perfect formidable foe.
Dustin Hoffman provides an amazing performance as he returns as the wise Master Shifu. The pessimistic red panda provides the perfect counterpart to the happy-go-lucky goofball Po. Guiding the Dragon Warrior to choose his successor, Master Shifu is always armed with a great lesson and a peach pit.
America’s sweetheart Ke Huy Quan finds himself joining the world of Po in this fourth installment. Portraying Han, an auspicious crime leading armadillo who acted as Zhen’s mentor, Quan is able to give a spectacular performance. Lori Tan Chinn and Ronny Chieng also join the cast as newcomers. Chinn’s performance as Granny Boar, the manager of a cliffside tavern is incredible, as she shows her kung fu skills are not to be messed with. Chieng plays a knife-wielding fish, well, sort of. Trapped in the beak of a pelican, this Captain is able to give Po and Zhen a much needed ride, albeit bumpy ride, to Juniper City.
Fast paced, hilarious, stacked with a wonderful cast and with a beautiful animation style, the fourth movie in the series was an all around fun watch! Co-Directed by Mike Mitchell and Stephanie Stine, “Kung Fu Panda 4” is definitely not the best film out of the franchise, but will leave everyone Kung Fu Fighting! In the words of the Dragon Warrior himself, “Skadoosh”.
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