Cert – PG, Run-time – 1 hour 34 minutes, Directors – Mike Mitchell, Stephanie Stine
Reluctant to become the spiritual leader of the Valley Of Peace, Po (Jack Black) finds reason to keep the label of Dragon Warrior when a shapeshifting sorcerer (Viola Davis) threatens to take over the surrounding lands
The Kung Fu Panda formula has proved favourable for Dreamworks Animation in terms of reception and box office. The same appears to go from a filmmaking standpoint as eight years after panda Po’s (Jack Black) previous outing he’s back in action, minus the Furious Five of kung fu masters, for another adventure which some creatives have already claimed could open a new trilogy. From the off the fat jokes are rolled out as Po struggles with both stairs and the prospect of moving on from his Dragon Warrior label to become the spiritual leader of the Valley Of Peace.
He’s comfortable as he is, and doesn’t feel that he needs to promotion from Master Shifu (Dustin Hoffman). Just at the right time a new villain arises to delay his decision, as shapeshifting sorcerer The Chameleon (Viola Davis) is intent on taking over the surrounding lands for her own gain. Davis’ villain is undoubtedly one of the highlights of the film, and when on screen feels like an enjoyable threat with a dark edge – something which this franchise has successfully dealt with in each of its films – it’s a shame, therefore, that the character is little-seen over the 94-minute course of the narrative. It takes a while for her to even properly make an entrance as we spend a large amount of time seeing Po battle with his possible future, and meet fox Zhen (Awkwafina) who could guide him to The Chameleon.
There’s a generally likable nature to the somewhat familiar proceedings, helped by the occasional moments of humour and the starry voice cast – including James Hong returning as Po’s adoptive father Mr Ping, forming something of a double act with actual father Li (Bryan Cranston), and a very likable appearance from Ke Huy Quan. And when cropping up the action manages to land a solid, colourful punch, yet it feels that occasionally the film is reaching for the reliable hits to get itself through. As mentioned, there are cuts to Ping and Li trying to catch up with their son before he gets himself into danger; despite his previous missions, which seem like little more than bursts of comic relief aside from those within Po and Zhen’s travels and the various characters who crop up along the way.
Kept close to 90 minutes the run-time manages to not feel overstretched and generally the story gets in and out with little trouble aside from the moments which feel somewhat diverted from the main course at hand. There are a good deal of enjoyable sequences here and there – one in a rough mountaintop bar comes to mind – demonstrating that the film is most comfortable in the reliable company of the titular panda, despite a strong villain who deserves much more screen-time than they get. A fitting entry into the franchise, although perhaps not quite reaching the same heights when it comes to the action and threat posed, this feels like a safer outing for Po and Dreamworks Animation, but still with enough personality to make for an entertaining enough time while on, even if not proving as memorable.
Occasionally feeling like its leaning into the hits of its franchise’s formula Kung Fu Panda 4 is a likable adventure for Jack Black’s Po, but one which prevents itself from delving into its best elements, leaving a strong villain lying in the background.
Just A Little Bit Random 