Kung Fu Panda 4 movie review: An entertaining 94-minute journey, blending humor, action, and heart

Review: The long-awaited "Kung Fu Panda 4" brings back Po the Panda after eight years since the last installment, presenting him with the dilemma of relinquishing his role as the Dragon Warrior to become the Spiritual Leader of the Valley of Peace. Despite facing resistance from his mentor, Master Shifu, Po hesitates to let go of his cherished dream. However, a new threat arises in the form of the Chameleon, a master sorceress and crime lord seeking to harness the power of past Kung Fu masters to conquer the world. Po teams up with a skilled thief, Zhen, to confront the Chameleon and safeguard the Staff of Wisdom, all while grappling with his inner conflicts and themes of duty, sacrifice, and self-realization.

Directed by Mike Mitchell and Stephanie Ma Stine, "Kung Fu Panda 4" follows a somewhat predictable plot but excels in delivering fun and fast-paced action sequences, a trademark of the franchise. The vibrant fight scenes, particularly the dynamic chase sequence set in Juniper City, are executed with flair, keeping viewers engaged throughout. The animation is top-notch, featuring vivid colors that enhance the visual experience without overwhelming the senses. Additionally, seamless editing ensures the movie maintains a brisk pace, preventing any dull moments. However, the script, co-written by Jonathan Aibel, Glenn Berger, and Darren Lemke, occasionally feels overly didactic in conveying its moral messages of duty and sacrifice.

Jack Black delivers another solid vocal performance as Po, guiding a protege through the film's events, while Dustin Hoffman shines once again as Master Shifu. Supporting characters like Po's adopted father, Ping, and his biological panda father, Li Shan, add depth to the adventure. Viola Davis impresses as the menacing Chameleon, her portrayal bringing a formidable presence to the screen, complemented by stunning animation. Although Awkwafina's voice may seem mismatched for Zhen, the character's freshness and uniqueness shine through. Ian McShane's unexpected return as Tai Lung provides closure for the character and contributes to the story's depth.

While "Kung Fu Panda 4" may not surpass the heights of its predecessors, it still offers an entertaining 94-minute journey, blending humor, action, and heart in a manner that will surely delight fans of the franchise.