But where “Kung Fu Panda 4” falters in the story, it makes up for with exquisite animation and meticulously choreographed action sequences. Like a mix of Jackie Chan and “Looney Tunes,” it’s never boring watching Po be a skilled martial artist while still occasionally fumbling his way to victory and success. For every well-executed punch and kick, there’s a pratfall or galumph that also manages to get the job done. This is particularly entertaining in a sequence involving a dive bar on a cliff peak that begins to sway back and forth, threatening to fall at any moment, only to be course-corrected as the action shifts to different corners of the shack. Ronnie Chieng is also a highlight in this sequence, voicing a fish who uses a pelican like a vessel, which raises some weird questions.
Another fantastic sequence unfolds as a chase through the streets of Juniper City, a new location that is said to be the home of The Chameleon. Since Zhen is a wanted thief, she and Po must evade the authorities, and the skills of composers Hans Zimmer and Steve Mazzaro really pop here, because they’ve created an orchestral version of Ozzy Osbourne’s classic rock tune “Crazy Train,” which gives the sequence a contemporary edge without leaning into lazy needle drops like “The Super Mario Bros. Movie.” Juniper City is also where we meet Oscar winner Ke Huy Quan voicing a new character, an armadillo who oversees an underground contingent of shady characters, including the hilarious violence-hungry children glimpsed in the trailer. Quan’s character isn’t used to his full potential, but his voice brings an enthusiastic energy and laughs to the proceedings.
It’s sequences like this, along with anime flourishes and a seamless blend of action and laughs that keep “Kung Fu Panda 4” from being completely tired and boring. Granted, the story leaves something to be desired, and it’s missing one of the franchise’s signature traits, but as someone who was underwhelmed by the trailers teasing Po’s return, I walked away feeling adequately entertained. Would I have preferred that the “Kung Fu Panda” franchise take this opportunity to elevate itself in the same way that “Puss in Boots: The Last Wish” did in 2022? Absolutely. But “Kung Fu Panda 4” in this form is still solid.
/Film Rating: 6 out of 10