Rating:
Change is difficult. Just ask Po, who is having trouble giving up his job as the Dragon Warrior. Just ask Zhen, who is struggling to overcome her unhealthy habits. Even the Chameleon, who reminds us that she is always changing, struggles to accept change outside of her own shape-shifting abilities.And just ask the creators of Kung Fu Panda 4, who, eight years after providing Po some much-needed closure in Kung Fu Panda 3, bring back Po and his spirit person, Jack Black, for one more encore.
But let’s be honest: it’s a really good encore.
The Kung Fu Panda franchise undoubtedly has its fair share of challenges. The series’ Eastern spirituality and shallow mix-and-match concept of faith remain in play. The wild comedic cartoon brutality is relentless throughout the movie.
Despite this, Po remains a good and sympathetic hero—completely silly and incorruptible. He seeks to improve others around him. And, when it comes down to it, he does quite well. Kung Fu Panda 4 conveys numerous very positive lessons about friendship, family, and how it is “never too late to do the right thing” (as stated clearly in the film). It serves as a reminder that heroism may take on unexpected shapes.Oh, and the movie is a lot of fun.
Other animation firms are picking up the slack, which is encouraging since Disney and Pixar are also having trouble recapturing the enchantment of the past. It’s possible that Kung Fu Panda 4 lacks the depth and richness of the greatest animated films. However, the movie is amiable, entertaining, and surprisingly wise—just like Po.
That is definitely worth a hip-hop skadoosh.
Serendipity Blog 
Leave a comment