Mini Film Review – Kung Fu Panda 4

I have just seen Kung Fu Panda 4, and it was pretty fun! Directed by Mike Mitchell, and Stephanie Stine, and starring Jack Black, Awkwafina, and Viola Davis; Kung Fu Panda 4 is a martial arts inspired animated comedy, which this time sees Po needing to find and train a potential successor to the title of Dragon Warrior, whilst also dealing with a power crazed Chameleon. Kung Fu Panda 4 takes a rather interesting choice of direction. Firstly, it does feel odd that Tigress is barely in it, given her character development in the previous three films, it makes no sense to relegate one of the series most integral characters. However, whilst Tigress is missing in action; it is nice to see Tai Lung return for a guest role, as Ian McShane always improves the quality of a film no end. The film’s ending is pretty predictable, the action scenes are rather blurry, the buddy like comedy between Mr. Ping, and Li just comes across as awkward ratrher than funny, and the plot is more or less just a best hits compilation, borrowing a lot of things from previous films, leaving barely any room for any originality. But, where the film’s direction and choices struggle, everything else sort of makes up for it. It doesn’t surpass it, but it makes the film a fun watch nonetheless. The comedy is on par with all the other film’s, the animation and design is as good as it usually is, and overall it’s a welcome addition to the series, just hopefully the next one (?) will be a little bit more creative/original, rather than another near-clipshow!