Estimated read time: 3-4 minutes
It's been nearly 16 years since the first "Kung Fu Panda" hit theaters. The movie was fun and I think we all knew we'd get a sequel. Then we got a third one; and I'm not sure who was asking for it, but now we have a fourth.
"Kung Fu Panda 4" is now in theaters, and the nearly 2-decade-old franchise is still trying to put a smile on everyone's faces. I didn't dislike the movie, but it is also the weakest of the series.
Here are some reasons I thought the movie was funny, but ultimately the weakest of the bunch.
The good
It's funny
The movie is supposed to make you laugh and, thankfully, it does that, for the most part. Jack Black has always been the heart and soul of the "Kung Fu Panda" series, infusing the lovable panda Po with his signature humor and charm.
Black delivers once again, bringing Po to life with his infectious energy and comedic timing. Whether it's through his endearing clumsiness or his quirky one-liners, Black keeps the audience at least chuckling if not flat-out laughing.
Awkwafina's addition to the cast injects a fresh and vibrant energy into the film. Black and Awkwafina form a dynamic duo that keeps the humor flowing throughout the movie.
"Kung Fu Panda 4" stays true to the franchise's roots by delivering plenty of sight gags and slapstick humor. Not all of the jokes land, but for the most part it's a funny movie and that's what it's hoping to achieve.
The bad
The villain is weak
One of the hallmarks of the "Kung Fu Panda" series has been its memorable villains. From the menacing Tai Lung to the formidable Kai, each antagonist has posed a significant threat to Po and his friends, driving the plot forward with their nefarious schemes. However, in "Kung Fu Panda 4," the new villain fails to live up to her predecessors.
Unlike the compelling villains of the past, the antagonist of "Kung Fu Panda 4" feels like a rehash of previous characters. She lacks the depth and nuance that made villains like Tai Lung and Kai so memorable, instead coming across as a one-dimensional threat. Her motivations are unclear, and her actions feel predictable, robbing the film of the tension and excitement that characterized earlier installments.
Missing characters
Another issue with "Kung Fu Panda 4" is the absence of fan-favorite characters, particularly the Furious Five. In previous films, characters like Tigress, Monkey and Crane played integral roles in the story, providing both comedic relief and emotional depth. However, in this latest installment, the Furious Five are conspicuously absent, leaving a noticeable void in the film's ensemble cast.
Without Po's buddies, the movie feels a little hollow. While some new characters are introduced to fill the void, they fail to make a significant impact, leaving us longing for the return of the Furious Five.
Conclusion
While "Kung Fu Panda 4" may not reach the heights of its predecessors, it still has its charms. Kids will undoubtedly find it funny and exciting, enjoying the colorful animation and action-packed sequences. There's enough humor and energy to keep them engaged throughout, ensuring they'll have fun at the theater.
However, for adult viewers, the film falls short in comparison to earlier entries in the franchise. Despite its flaws, "Kung Fu Panda 4" remains a lighthearted adventure that will entertain younger audiences and perhaps evoke a sense of nostalgia for longtime fans. While it may not be the strongest entry in the series, it still offers some laughs and heartwarming moments, making it worth a watch for fans of the franchise.
"Kung Fu Panda 4" is officially rated PG for martial arts action/mild violence, scary images and some mild rude humor.
