Kung Fu Panda 4 movie review

MOVIE TITLE: Kung Fu Panda 4

This sequel to the popular animation franchise is now playing in theaters

RATING: PG

LENGTH: 1 hour 34 minutes

Movie Review Mom GRADE: B-

IN A NUTSHELL:

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.

Po is gearing up to become the spiritual leader of his Valley of Peace, but also needs someone to take his place as Dragon Warrior. As such, he will train a new kung fu practitioner for the spot and will encounter a villain called the Chameleon who conjures villains from the past.

The film was directed by Mike Mitchell and Stephanie Stine. Writing credits go to Jonathan Aibel, Glenn Berger, and Darren Lemke.

THINGS I LIKED:

The fantastic voice talents include Jack Black, Dustin Hoffman, Viola Davis, Bryan Cranston, Ian McShane, Awkwafina, James Hong, Seth Rogen, Mr. Beast, and Ke Huy Quan.
Lots of adorable humor, both spoken and visual.
The energy is fast paced with tons of action.
Several characters spout wise mantras throughout the film. Kids should easily be able to spot the positive messages of the movie.
The animation is very colorful and imaginative.
There is a lot of discussion about being a spiritual leader and what that means.
We get to see some past characters that were fan favorites, as well as some new ones.
Keep watching during the final rolling credits to hear Jack Black sing “Baby One More Time” and see some cute training sequences. You’re definitely going to want to see him sing that in person rather than just as a panda bear, so check out his video on YouTube with some all of his costars. Hilarious. I loved it. Here’s the link: https://youtu.be/_oYSiPBUuC8?si=L9RTKjrpuI3fKERL

THINGS I DIDN’T LIKE:

Awkwafina does a great job, although she kind of plays the same character in animation as she does in live action movies.
It’s too frenzied that it became exhausting to watch.
Not all of the jokes land.
While the movie is cute, it’s definitely not as good as the previous films in the franchise and feels like a cash grab. Kids will probably get a kick out of it but adults who loved the earlier movies will feel disappointed.

TIPS FOR PARENTS:

Animated violence
Gambling
Various weapons are used
Creatures are in perilous situations
Talk to your kids about what proverbs are and how they can help us with our goals and life’s journey.

THEMES:

Teamwork
Patience
Friendship
Inner peace
Identity
Being a mentor
Change and growth
Taking your next step in life

FUNNY LINES:

“Where’s the skadoosh?” – Po (Jack Black)
“I am the dragon warrior.” – Po (Jack Black) “I’m sorry. Nothing about you says “dragon” or “warrior”.
“I’m not a squirrel; I’m a red panda.” Shifu (Dustin Hoffman) “You know what? I love that for you.” – Zhen (Awkwafina)
“Life’s greatest enemy is uh, I don’t know…stairs? – Po (Jack Black)
“I eat Majong tiles for breakfast!” – Po (Jack Black)

INTERESTING LINES:

“Every step leaves a footprint, no matter how small.” – Zhen (Awkwafina)
“It’s never too late to do the right thing.” – Po (Jack Black)
“You don’t have to be brave. You just have to act brave.” – Mr. Ping (James Hong)
“I guess it’s just easier to hold on to the life you know than move on to the life you don’t.” – Zhen (Awkwafina)
“Change doesn’t always have to be a bad thing. Why do you think I always change the menu at the restaurant? Because, if things stay the same forever, sooner or later, they would lose their flavor.” – Mr. Ping (James Hong)
“Real change happens from within.” – Po (Jack Black)