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INTRODUCTION.
“Kung Fu Panda 4,” a 2024 movie is the latest addition to our beloved animated martial arts comedy series by DreamWorks Animation, with Universal Pictures handling its distribution.
This fourth entry follows 2016’s “Kung Fu Panda 3,” and showcases the collaborative direction of Mike Mitchell and Stephanie Ma Stine, with the latter making her debut in feature film direction.
The screenplay was crafted by Darren Lemke alongside the seasoned duo Jonathan Aibel and Glenn Berger, with production led by Rebecca Huntley. The voice cast features returning talents such as Jack Black, Dustin Hoffman, James Hong, Bryan Cranston, and Ian McShane, complemented by new voices from Awkwafina, Ke Huy Quan, Ronny Chieng, Lori Tan Chinn, and Viola Davis.
Prior to the third film’s debut in January 2016, directors Jennifer Yuh Nelson and Alessandro Carloni discussed the potential for a fourth film, with Nelson expressing openness to the idea in August 2018. DreamWorks officially announced the project in August 2022, confirming Mitchell, Ma Stine, and Huntley for their respective roles by April 2023.
The core voice cast’s return was revealed in December 2023, following Awkwafina’s casting earlier in May. Darren Lemke later joined in February 2024 to further develop the screenplay. The film’s music was composed by Hans Zimmer, with Steve Mazzaro also on board, continuing Zimmer’s involvement from the series’ inception.
The film premiered on March 3, 2024, at Los Angeles’ AMC 14 Theater at The Grove and was released across the U.S. on March 8. It runs for 1 hour 43 minutes. With earnings surpassing $80 million, it ranks as the fifth highest-grossing film of 2024 domestically.
WHAT IS KUNG FU PANDA ABOUT? SYNOPSIS/PLOT.
In the bustling excitement of opening a new restaurant with his adoptive dad Mr. Ping and his biological father Li Shan, Po’s life takes a thrilling turn. Master Shifu drops a bombshell: Po is destined to become the spiritual guardian of the Valley of Peace, stepping down from his Dragon Warrior pedestal to mentor his successor. Amidst the search for the perfect protege, Po stumbles upon Zhen, a cunning thief with her eyes on ancient artifacts, landing her behind bars.
However, the plot thickens with whispers of Tai Lung’s ominous return, a twist unraveled by some chatty goats. The true mastermind? The Chameleon, a shape-shifting sorceress with a knack for deception.
Reluctantly, Po teams up with Zhen for one final Dragon Warrior escapade, heading to Juniper City with both Mr. Ping and Li Shan anxiously on their heels. Their adventure quickly turns sour as they find themselves trapped in the Den of Thieves. Yet, in this hive of scoundrels, Zhen finds an old ally, Han. The duo’s quest leads them to confront the Chameleon, only to uncover Zhen’s heart-wrenching betrayal: she was the sorceress’s protégé, set on a path of treachery against Po.
Betrayed and outwitted, Po faces the harsh truth about Zhen and the looming threat of the Chameleon’s grand scheme to drain the kung fu mastery from legends past. Amidst personal turmoil and the fear of change, Po finds solace in his fathers’ wisdom, sparking a flame of courage to thwart the Chameleon’s nefarious plans.
The battle lines are drawn, leading to a climactic showdown where Zhen, battling her conscience, sides with Po against her former mentor in a spectacle of loyalty and redemption.
As alliances shift and true intentions come to light, Po and Zhen, with a ragtag band from the Den of Thieves, confront the Chameleon in an epic battle that blurs the lines between friend and foe, past and present. Po’s journey from Dragon Warrior to spiritual leader is fraught with challenges, revelations, and the unbreakable bonds of family, setting the stage for a heart-stopping adventure that redefines heroism in the Valley of Peace.
MY THOUGHTS ON KUNG FU PANDA 4.
Kung Fu Panda 4 is an interesting experience that both impresses and underwhelms in various aspects. As a fan of the franchise, I’ve always appreciated the blend of humour, heart, and action that the series is known for. However, this latest instalment, while entertaining, seems to miss the mark set by its predecessors.
CHARACTERS PERFORMANCE.
The voice acting remains a strong point of the film. Jack Black, as Po, carries the character’s lovable and clumsy nature effortlessly, making Po’s journey from an unlikely hero to a revered Dragon Warrior is always enjoyable to watch.
Awkwafina and Viola Davis bring fresh voices to the mix, with Awkwafina’s Zhen adding sass and spunk, and Davis’s portrayal of the antagonist adding a layer of menace that’s commendable. Viola Davis does a good job in using her experience playing villains to bring this one to life as this was probably the best villain in the whole series.
Bryan Cranston delivers an improved performance this time around as it feels like he tailored his performance more to his comedic style and is given more to work with, James Hong continues to give the character life and has really good chemistry with Jack Black and Bryan Cranston, but it is noticeable he has aged as he does not have the same energy as the last film. The rest of the cast also deliver solid performances, contributing to the film’s moments of warmth and comedy.
However, the depth and complexity that we’ve seen in previous films seem somewhat diluted here, focusing more on surface-level entertainment than on deeper character exploration.
WRITING STYLE AND STORY.
The story of Kung Fu Panda 4 feels like a mixed bag. On one hand, its attempt to introduce new characters and settings is commendable for trying to expand the universe. On the other, the narrative feels forced and somewhat unnecessary, as if the film struggles to justify its place within the franchise’s larger narrative arc.
The humor, while still present and occasionally hitting the mark, pacing was very good for its short runtime as every scene felt intended and the right length, climax is executed well as it shows off the film’s animation excellence, tone feels more like a children’s movie this time around as they really try to force laughs and please the younger audience.
The screenplay, despite its moments of sharp dialogue and cleverness, sometimes resorts to predictability and forced lines.
CINEMATOGRAPHY AND VISUAL DESIGN.
Visually, the film is stunning. DreamWorks continues to push the boundaries of animation with beautifully choreographed fight scenes and a vividly imagined world. The blending of different animation styles and the attention to detail in the visual effects are commendable, showcasing a polished and aesthetically pleasing cinematic experience.
However, the design of new characters and locations, while visually appealing, sometimes feels too reminiscent of other animated worlds, lacking a distinct identity.
THEMES.
Kung Fu Panda 4 attempts touches themes of self-discovery, responsibility, and the importance of family, much like its predecessors. Yet, these themes feel less impactful this time around, overshadowed by the film’s focus on action and humor. The subtlety and depth with which these themes were explored in previous films are notably absent, making this installment feel more superficial in its messaging.
CONCLUSION.
In conclusion, Kung Fu Panda 4 is a film that, while visually impressive and entertaining, fails to capture the magic and depth of its predecessors. It’s a fun adventure that will undoubtedly delight younger audiences, but for longtime fans of the series, it might feel like a step back.
The performances, animation, and moments of humor are highlights, yet the film ultimately feels like an unnecessary addition to the franchise. While it has its moments of charm and entertainment, it lacks the emotional resonance and thematic richness that made the earlier films so memorable.
In a franchise celebrated for its ability to blend humor, heart, and action, Kung Fu Panda 4 feels like it’s missing a step, making it a passable, but not essential, chapter in Po’s journey.
Kung Fu Panda 4 is rated PG for martial arts action/mild violence, scary images and some mild rude humor.
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