Kung Fu Panda 4

Kung Fu Panda 4 is in theaters March 8th from Universal Pictures.

This spring, for the first time in almost a decade, comedy icon Jack Black returns to his role as Po, the world’s most unlikely kung fu master, with a hilarious, butt-kicking new chapter in DreamWorks Animation’s beloved action-comedy franchise: Kung Fu Panda 4.

Synopsis: After Po is tapped to become the Spiritual Leader of the Valley of Peace, he needs to find and train a new Dragon Warrior, while a wicked sorceress plans to re-summon all the master villains whom Po has vanquished to the spirit realm.

If you had told me in 2008 that Po (Jack Black) the Kung Fu Panda would lead this franchise to a 4th film and still be packing a butt-kicking punch I am not sure I would have believed you. But there is something about this lovable – and relatable – bear that keep us coming back for more.

Maybe it has to do with the fact that Po is the last one you would pick from a line up to be a warrior hero; yet here he is. Over the last three films we have watched Po overcome his insecurities and love of dumplings to step up and face his fears. He doesn’t always take the conventional route, nor does he follow all the rules. Often he stumbles through a challenge with blind luck. I get that.

This one alludes to an end of the franchise as w know it. Po has been a successful Dragon Warrior but must now name his successor. It will not be the end of Po as he will move up the rung to become the Spiritual Leader of the Valley of Peace. Honestly this seems to be even more of a stretch than Dragon Warrior. But if we know Po he will find a way.

His task is but on hold though when a new villain arises. The Chameleon (Viola Davis). A chameleon may not sound scary, but this one is mean and nasty for sure. Not only can it take the shape of other bigger and meaner animals, but The Chameleon has also managed to breach the spiritual realm in an effort to bring back all the previous villains.

To help save the day – and this movie – Po enlists the help of a street wise fox named Zhen (Awkwafina) who has some intel on where to find this Chameleon. But can Zhen be trusted? Well.. she is a fox. Zhen and Po make a strong duo. Zhen is written very well and Awkwafina uses her masterful comic timing to give as a super fun character to watch. I am not always a fan of having highly recognized actors voice animation, but I will always make an exception for Awkwafina.

There are obviously twists and turns in this one as Po navigates not only this challenge but his spiritual path as well. The formula is very similar to the past three films in that it offers up a nice balance of laughter and learning. One missing piece – though not to its detriment – is the lack of The Furious Five. Though a staple of the franchise they are not really needed here. To add them would have been forced clutter. Po and Zhen are the future and the story is better off this way.

All of your other favorite characters are back in this one, in big and small doses. Shifu (Dustin Hoffman), Ping (James Hong) and Li (Bryan Cranston), as well as new faces including a seaworthy fish (Ronny Chieng) and some super bad bunnies (Cece Valentina).

The battle scenes in this one are action packed and well animated. It is still safe for the family with little to worry about with your youngsters. It is 1:34 in length which parents will cheer about. Even I was a little antsy near the end but it wraps up as it should in due time.

Will there be a part five? If it keeps making money I am sure there will be in some fashion. If Po moves on to be the spiritual advisor the movie will be hard to sell. Panda is in the title after all. I would like to see more of Zhen and her street wise pals though. So a spin off would be bow worthy.

I am sure we have not seen the last of Po though. He will always be there with a word of encouragement and a wonton in hand.