At Least it’s Fast as Lightning
The KFP is starting to get a little thick around the middle. Thicker.
Kung Fu panda 4
Directors: Mike Mitchell, Stephanie Ma Stine • Writers: Darren Lemke, Jonathan Aibel, Glenn Berger,
Starring [English]: Jack Black, Awkwafina, James Hong, Bryan Cranston, Dustin Hoffman, Viola Davis, Ian McShane
USA • 1hr 34mins
Opens Hong Kong March 28 • I
Grade: B-
Do you remember Kung Fu Panda 3? I don’t, probably because it was from eight years ago and in IP terms, that’s an eternity. Something about the Spirit Realm and Po, the Kung Fu Panda himself (Jack Black), becoming the Dragon Warrior and finding his biological father I think. It doesn’t really mattter, because with five or six years between each one, KFPs have become standalone stories. And in typical franchise fashion, the laws of diminishing returns are in full force. As long-in-the-tooth properties go, Kung Fu Panda 4 could be way, way more offensive, and you have to give props for its stealth LGBTQ+ representation. It’s bright and frantic and colourful and follows all the beats… and it’s an hour-and-a-half. So bonus, in this age of Really Long Movies.
KFP4 begins with Po doing his Dragon Warrior thing, and being adorably frazzled and nearly missing the opening of his two fathers’ (I see you, DreamWorks), Ping and Li (James Hong and Bryan Cranston) new noodle shop. He makes it, but he’s interrupted by Master Shifu (Dustin Hoffman), who wants to have “a talk.” He tells him in no uncertain terms that it’s time for Po to give up his position, become the spiritual leader of the Valley of Peace, and choose his successor.
More details aren’t really necessary because KFP4 sticks to the thoroughly tested formula of the big budget commercial animation. Has a surprise adversary from a past adventure returned to wreak havoc? Why yes, one has, and it’s Tai Lung (Ian McShane), Shifu’s former apprentice that broke bad and who should be in the Spirit Realm. But how did that happen? More kudos for not half-assing it with a “Somehow, [Villain Name Here]’s back!” a là The Rise of Skywalker. Is there a new big bad on the scene, mad for power? You betcha, and that’s The Chameleon (Viola Davis, once again proving why she’s always the MVP), a shapeshifting sorceress/organised crime lord (?). Is there an out-of-the-blue new friend to help Po out, maybe be a shady bitch but ultimately prove to be honourable? Uh-huh, sure, this is Zhen (Awkwafina, because of course it’s Awkwafina), a street smart thief who guides Po through the underworld of Juniper City, The Chameleon’s stronghold. Pepper these characters with some high jinks, a few “life lessons” and some moderately amusing sight gags and you have throwaway, business as usual family entertainment.
KFP4 has its moments – though many of them are in the trailer – most of them involving Davis’s pitch perfect line readings (and that eye). Black’s performance is considerably less hyperactive than it was in the first film – yikes from 2008 – a sign that both Po and Black himself are growing up; that juvenile edge is not missed. The big messages for younger kids this time around are that change is not a bad thing that should be feared (though in reality it’s their parents that could stand to be reminded of that in some instances), and that evolution is as fundamental to humanity as it is to biology. Still, despite its brisk pace and constant on-screen movement, Kung Fu Panda 4 is showing the franchise’s age, and this time around it has a tough time justifying its existence. There’s no fresh lore to explore, no wholesome messages that haven’t been sent, no vocal appearance by The Furious Five because ka-ching!! if you want to get those actors back. Directors Mike Mitchell and Stephanie Ma Stine are getting a mention this late because there’s no especially innovative artistry to bask in. But the film is creeping up on US$300 million in ticket sales – most at half price. Expect Kung Fu Panda 5 in… 2031. — DEK