DreamWorks Animations created an instant classic with their latest release, Kung Fu Panda 4. Fans of the franchise have been waiting for the fourth entry to this line up for well over eight years and those years were worth every minute of effort the creators put into this production. The visuals alone are incredible. The graphic designs are top tier, easily the smoothest animations I have ever witnessed on the big screen. Their choice of brilliant colors added beauty to the most epic fight scenes. The martial arts choreography was unmatched, definitely within the skillset of well-known fighters like Jacki Chan and Bruce Lee. Director Mike Mitchell revealed in an interview with Screen Rant Plus that this is the first time in history they have used these types of mixed media methods and cinematography for an animation. “We hired a stunt team, many of whom worked on Marvel films, and they would act out and do the kung fu moves.”
Jack Black reprises his iconic role as main character, Po, the Dragon Warrior. This time Po reluctantly searches for the next leader to take his place. Master Shifu is still by his side as his wise advisor, but this time around we see a comically resentful side of his personality. One of the most interesting new characters is the main villain, Chameleon, played by award-winning actress Viola Davis. Chameleon is a shape-shifting sorcerer (say that fast three times) who aims to be the most powerful kung fu master of all time by any means necessary. This is seemingly impossible considering she is literally a chameleon, very small in stature. The contrast between Chameleon’s size and her amazing fighting skills keeps up with the reoccurring theme from previous Kung Fu Panda movies: who you are inside matters more than how you are perceived on the outside. Chameleon was seemingly too small to be the greatest Kung Fu Master just as Po was seemingly too overweight and uneducated to be the Dragon Warrior in part one. The plot thickens as Po sets out to recover from a key mistake that puts his legacy and village at risk. New characters team up with some old favorites to ultimately fight for their lives in attempt to stop Chameleon’s sinister plans. The transitions in Chameleon’s shape shifting scenes were seamless. The animators deserve their flowers for such impressive work. A major supportive character is a fox named Zhen. Zhen has a shady upbringing from the Den of Thieves but a heart of gold. She is tactful, loyal, and quick with her sleight of hand. The audience is taken through a few twists and turns as she learns big lessons about loss and betrayal before unlocking her own self awakening.
Kung Fu Panda 4 is full of good laughs for all ages with a great balance of lighthearted comedy and proverbial metaphors. It is very action packed with a fast-moving storyline and unbelievable art and graphic designs. The plot was original with meaningful layers, light enough for young kids to enjoy while also being deep enough for thoughtful reflections afterwards. Whether you have seen the previous three or not, this one is definitely worth checking out. Ten out of ten.
