The Mosley Review: Kung Fu Panda 4

There’s many a franchise that get a third entry and finish the journey of a character, but leave the back door ajar just enough for a possible and welcomed fourth entry. Other franchises ended perfectly with their third entry, but the money earned was too good and then comes a fourth film that was okay, but completely unnecessary. Leave it DreamWorks Animation to add a fourth entry to another one of their great franchises and luckily it was the former. I always loved the Kung Fu Panda franchise and how genuinely innocent, sweet and encouraging they have been with each entry. Each film had a specific theme of growth and believing in yourself, learning your past and above all, loving the family that raised you no matter the difference and loving the new family you chose. All of this mixed with the philosophical lessons of kung fu itself. It has been a sweet ride and this time around was another welcomed exploration into one the most important parts of mastering martial arts. The art of not being selfish and passing on the knowledge and wisdom you have learned. All of that and more was on full display with a number of returning cast members and a few new ones.

Jack Black returns as the loveable panda and now experienced Dragon Warrior, Po. His evolution from a fan of kung fu to becoming a master has been hilarious and wonderful to witness. His childish wonder, welcoming heart and charismatic nature has never been better and Jack brings us back to the character and his world as if it was yesterday. Dustin Hoffman returns as the same old cranky yet wise Master Shifu. Their chemistry has never been stronger and is still fun to watch Po constantly break his barrier and test his patience. He's always been another great father figure for him and it shows more in this film. Speaking of father figures, James Hong and Brian Cranston return as Po's adoptive father Mr. Ping and Po's biological father Li Shan. I loved them both throughout the series and they are truly the heart and soul of the franchise and of Po. I loved that they get to have an adventure of their own this time around and they work together so well and are hilarious. Awkwafina joins the franchise as the elusive Zhen. She may be a thief, but she does have a heart of gold. I liked her chemistry with Po, even though her story was a little predictable. She was still fun to watch and I liked that through her, we got to see a new city and the underground crime world. Ke Huy Quan was great as the leader of the den of thieves, Han. He may not be the brightest, but he was definitely someone you wanted on your side. The great Ian McShane returns as Tai Lung in a more spiritual fashion and when you see the film, it'll make more sense. He was still filled with contempt for Po, but he understands him. The new villain this time around and a clever one I might add, The Chameleon was voiced by the outstanding Viola Davis. There are so many fun visual moments with her transformations and I loved her devilish smile. Her plot may not have been the most diabolical and I really didn't feel too threatened by her, she still had an interesting idea for domination.

The score was composed once again by the great Hans Zimmer and Steve Mazzaro. Alot of the familiar themes comeback and their version of Ozzy Osbourne's Crazy Train really stuck out in a very fun way. Visually the film carries that signature vibrance and sheen these films are known for. Like I said before, I thought the plot was very predictable in many ways as the film progressed and I didn't find the threat level as intense as Kung Fu Panda 2, but I still enjoyed myself alot. It may be the weakest in the franchise, but still a worthy entry and definite great time for the whole family. Let me know what you thought of the film or my review in comments below. Thanks for reading!