Spoiler Alert
Although the story about Po (Jack Black) is not quite at an end in Kung Fu Panda 4, I’m sure the showrunners have something planned as this six-part saga is coming close to ending. While the first film is partially about enlightenment and seeing a Panda as the reluctant hero, this one is ready to put him on the path of becoming like Oogway. It’s unfortunate all the character and world development from the televised series are not canon. I really want to see Nu Hai, Jing, Bao, and Fan Tong from Paws of Destiny again. Although not everyone will know these series are non canonical, it’s easy to spot the discrepancies.
For example, in Dragon Knight, Mr. Ping’s (James Hong) well-developed backstory is all for naught. Had he gone full on pirate, I’m sure he’d ruffle other feathers! Had he been determined, it would’ve surprised Po’s biological father, Pang (Bryan Cranston) and make for hilarious moments. These two stick around to provide the My Two Dads style comic relief.
This latest film sees Po enjoying the Dragon Warrior’s life as though it was never interrupted. But when Shifu (Dustin Hoffman) says it’s time for the Panda to become a spiritual leader rather than master of the dojo, this bear doesn’t want to hear it. He’s hesitant to choose the next person to take on the mantle. Out of all the animals who demonstrate their worthiness, none of them stand out. Strangely, Zhen (Awkwafina), a corsac fox, seems to show more courage than the others, and it’s easy to predict she’s the one. This actress is perfect, as it’s a role that doesn’t depend on her comic prowess to make her a likable mystery character. Her development beats are like the weasel Klaus from Dragon Knight. I won’t spoil the details, but this side-series has elements to like and honours what the films are about.
And as for Chameleon’s (Viola Davis) role, she’s a wolf in sheep’s clothing. Although her intent is clearly defined, there’s moments which makes me think there’s more to her than just wanting to steal the abilities of former martial arts masters just to be a Dragon Warrior herself. She makes for a better villain than the previous one, mostly because her plot to open the portal to the spirit world may well foreshadow what’s to come. And as for what she wants, it’s not to simply conquer the world, but to rival what the current master of the martial arts can do.
The animation is just as good as the previous movies, and when most of it takes the best out of all the live-action movies past and present and get digitally enhanced, I was entranced. There’s a few moments which have not been rendered before, and although the action is not as kinetic as the second film’s (perhaps the best of the series), I enjoyed what was made.
Although the concepts in all the films are quite fixated on stealing Chi for one reason or another, hopefully, new ideas that don’t concern this essence can be created. I’d be game to have a story about preventing a crazed mage from invading the spirit realm in search for the lost love stolen from him by King Yan. And because he’s destroying innocent souls along the way, reincarnation isn’t possible. This theme has yet to be explored in this franchise and it’d make for a welcome change.
3½ Stars out of 5
Kung Fu Panda 4 Final Trailer
