Our beloved Dragon Warrior, Po (voiced by the ever-energetic Jack Black), is back! Eight years have passed since we last saw him, and he’s still as cuddly and hungry as ever. But this time, he faces a new dilemma: stepping into the shoes of the late Master Oogway as the spiritual leader of the valley. It’s a hefty responsibility, and Po’s kung fu skills alone won’t cut it.
Enter Zhen, a thieving fox with street smarts and sass, voiced by the irrepressible Awkwafina. Her wise-cracking antics are amusing and on point, it’s a role she’s well accustomed to, and yet again in this film Awkwafina’s signature style shines through. I’ve come to the realization that I enjoy any film Awkwafina is in, and the logs in my Letterboxd profile last year confirmed that; she was my most watched actor.
Viola Davis lends her formidable voice to the shape-shifting sorceress, the Chameleon. Her dastardly plan involves stealing Po’s Staff of Wisdom to harness the abilities of Spirit Realm villains. The action scenes stand out, but what’s missing is the delicate spirituality that once infused this franchise. It’s been replaced by a flurry of kicks and punches.
Po’s heartwarming relationship with his dads—Mr. Ping (the restaurateur goose) and his biological panda father, Li—still tugs at our heartstrings. Their love and support ground Po amidst the chaos. It’s a reminder that family, whether feathered or furry, matters.
Amidst the flurry of fists, “Kung Fu Panda 4” delivers a valuable message: peace and compassion. Po grapples with leadership, realizing that true strength lies not just in kicks but in understanding and empathy. It’s a lesson we can all embrace.
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