by Austen Terry, Contributing Writer
Jack Black will be remembered for may roles over his long career, but for me, he will always be Po. Kung Fu Panda has been one of my favorite series since the original released in 2008. It’s love, positivity, acceptance, and awesomeness all in one action packed movie. Each movie, Po learns a new life lesson that helps him beat his foe, from proving himself as the dragon warrior, to learning inner peace, to learning to be a master of Chi. Now, Po finally returns in the fourth installment in this wonderful series, Kung Fu Panda 4.
Po (Black) has been the Dragon Warrior for a number of years and has been on several adventures with the Furious Five. When Master Shifu (Dustin Hoffman) informs Po that he must choose a successor to the Dragon Warrior title and become the spiritual master of the village, Po is in no hurry to do that. But danger strikes when it is revealed that Tai Lung (Ian McShane) has seemingly returned, though looks can be deceiving. With the help of the thief, Zhen (Awkwafina), Po learns of the Chameleon (Viola Davis), a villain who wants to take over all of China, and then the world. Unfortunately, this time only Po and Zhen are available to stop Chameleon.
It was a little disheartening that the Furious Five were “busy,” but I do feel they somewhat carried Po in previous movies. Having Po essentially alone most of the movie really helps propel his growth. Mr. Ping (James Hong) and Li (Bryan Cranston) return as Po’s dads, and I love their characters just as much — their coparenting team up really lightens the atmosphere. Po learning that maybe his fame isn’t as much as he thought, and waking up from that reality is fresh for this world.
As someone who has struggled with my weight my whole life, Po has always been one of my favorite animated characters, because he can be a role model for kids like me. There’s a great theme of everybody being different, and that you don’t need to change who you truly are to fit in a certain mold. Po has always been a light of positivity and awesomeness completely thanks Black’s performance. Black has always been someone I looked up to, mainly because of how much we are alike, but also because he always seems to have a positive attitude that fits perfectly as Po.
Black and Awkwafina together are hilarious and heartwarming. I began loving Awkwafina after Shang-Chi and the Legend of the Ten Rings, and I was excited for her in this role. Her humor blends well with Black’s; there is a team of writers, featuring Jonathan Aibel, Glenn Berger, and Darren Lemke, but only people like Black and Awkwafina together can make the comedic and dramatic dialogue land the way it does.
This franchise always brings talented actors in to play their villains and Davis does not disappoint. She has this way of chewing the scenery that pushes her villain beyond the others. Davis feels intimidating and terrifying all at the same time, and it’s no wonder why people fear the chameleon.
Hoffman as Shifu is always a highlight, especially his relationship with Po. Hoffman and Black together have definitely made these movies so much stronger. Their witty dialogue has made these movies special, and that is consistent here as well.
This movie’s lesson is all about growing up and maturing, realizing that passing the torch is needed. Each of Po’s lessons hit hard, as they’re hard to accept. Po is always trying to find himself, but we live as so many different versions of ourselves that taking journeys in any stage in life is never a bad thing. Growing is a necessary part of life.
It would be a disappointing review if I don’t at least talk about Tenacious D. Jack Black and Kyle Gass’ band’s cover of “Baby One More Time” is one of the best versions of the song, period. I have been listening to it on repeat all day.
Kung Fu Panda 4 lives up to the awesomeness of its predecessors and is a great way to continue the story. The series has spanned into the TV realm, but the movies are so much better. This movie was an awesome way to spend a Saturday afternoon. It is perfect for kids and adults alike.
Rating: High Side of Liked It
Kung Fu Panda 4 is currently playing in theaters
You can read more from Austen Terry, or follow them on Twitter, Instagram, and Letterboxd