Po returns eight years after Kung Fu Panda 3 and fifteen years after the start of the franchise. This rebirth will continue to provide fans with more of the smooth, fast-paced, exquisitely animated entertainment they have grown accustomed to. Similar to the Minions series, this is dependable entertainment that will probably keep the kids calm for around 90 minutes without actually stretching any boundaries.
To quickly recap what happened, Po (voiced by Jack Black) is a panda who is proficient in kung fu but also a clumsy glutton. Despite having little attention to his profession, he is China’s best fighter and is known as the “Dragon Warrior.” He is the adopted son of James Hong, a goose, the pupil of Dustin Hoffman, a frustrated red panda, and the rescuer of other creatures in danger. In every episode, Po battles a cunning antagonist who is trying to become the most powerful person on Earth. This time, it’s Chameleon (Viola Davis), a lizard with the ability to change his shape and become the greatest criminal boss the world has ever seen.
Compared to the earlier, opulent movie, it is more simplified.
Po has a sidekick on this expedition, and he seems to be considering the possibility of a franchise in the future. The fox Zhen (Awkwafina) is a robber who just thinks about herself. She’s a pretty skilled fighter as well. Zhen has no interest in cooperating with others, but after Po releases her from prison, she agrees to accompany him in his search for the Chameleon—more for the sake of the plot than for reasons of rationality. Po is getting set to pass on the Dragon Warrior title to a new owner. Where would he look for the right applicant?
Compared to the earlier, opulent movie, it is more simplified. The combat scenes feel a little less spectacular, the canvas feels a little smaller, and the star cast has diminished (no Angelina Jolie, Lucy Liu, etc.). This need not always be a bad thing. Under the capable direction of Mike Mitchell (Trolls, The Lego Movie), it functions admirably as an action-buddy comedy. Awkwafina and Black work well together, and if future movies focus primarily on her, it seems like she could handle it. The plot is also quite thin, which leaves plenty of room for large-scale comedic set pieces, such as a police chase through a criminal metropolis or a bar fight in a tavern that is perilously close to collapse. Though it’s unfortunate that Davis doesn’t have more comic moments in her role as Chameleon, she lends the diminutive figure a great deal of menacing gravity.
The previous Kung Fu Panda film seemed to be trying to wrap up the plot, pushing the franchise into more grandiose territory. By doing this, it is hedging its bets and staking a variety of movie-related possibilities. It’s enjoyable even though it’s safe and predictable.