The Wasteland Reviewer

Kung Fu Panda 4 (2024) Written Review

Are we ready for the latest adventure of The Dragon Warrior? Dreamworks brings back the beloved Kung Fu Panda franchise (which has taken a diversion to Netflix in a three-season series). Po is confronted with a brand-new challenge…he must find the next Dragon Warrior! But is Po ready to move on to his new responsibility of keeping peace and giving wisdom to the land? Dreamworks attempts to see if there is more left in the gas tank of their franchise as they prepare for a brand-new trilogy of films. 

How does Kung Fu Panda 4 shape up next to the other films in the series? The first three entries of this franchise took a simple premise, homage to martial arts films, and surprising depth in emotion and themes to make a winning combination. Most of that is still true with Kung Fu Panda 4. The main issue for this latest entry is that it just doesn’t feel as fresh. The story feels simpler, and the conflict feels less interesting. There is genuine depth of emotion in the previous entries, but this one never digs deep enough. Po’s personal journey has the potential, but the script never quite gets there. 

What is one of the biggest strengths of the franchise? The villains. Ian McShane’s Tai Lung was a great villain, and this film tries to cheaply bring him back. The Chameleon is a great villain in concept but their motivation for evil just feels too basic to make a real impact. The shape-shifting element of the character is cool and works well for the action and the general design is well done. Even Viola Davis delivers in the voice performance (which should not be a surprise at all). Speaking of surprises…even the twists added to the story and how the new characters connect feel obvious in a boring kind of way.

What is one of the other strengths? The characters in general. Po gets a good journey again and Jack Black is wonderful as always. But the inclusion of Awkwafina’s Zhen does not land as it should. Her inclusion and arc are too obvious and Awkwafina doesn’t add much except doing her own schtick. The character doesn’t even look that unique or interesting in a world full of interesting and fun characters. Ke Huy Quan, Ronny Chieng, and Lori Tan Chinn are all fun and engaging performers, and they do their best with the limited roles they are given. The absence of the Furious Five is really felt (even if Po’s explanation is a fun gag). You have Bryan Cranston and James Hong who almost steal the film away with their comic relief focused side quest of following Po. Basically, those who do return shine. The new additions leave more to be desired. 

What elements of the franchise do stand out well this time around? The action is always so much fun. These films always find new ways to deliver thrilling action along with impactful physical comedy. This great mixture is the main thread that keeps Kung Fu Panda 4 an enjoyable entry in the franchise, even if it is a bit inferior. The animation is fantastic as always too. This entry leans a little bit less into the additional (and always gorgeous) 2D animation but those moments it occurs still stand out. But you must make sure to give Black his dues because he is a revelation in almost every role he has ever had, and Po is a perfect animated version of himself. Don’t you worry, you will get plenty of laughs along the way too. 

Should you be excited for Kung Fu Panda 4? Unfortunately, this latest entry does leave you wanting more and feels a bit disappointing. But don’t discount the action, animation, and humor. There is enough here to still make it a fun time. Black is endlessly entertaining and will make the experience worthwhile. This entry does not launch a new trilogy with too much energy, but it does deliver a satisfying extension of Po’s story and brings in a new hero to get behind as well.