If the deserts beckon you to what they dub as the land of nobody, and you find yourself contemplating what that land might be, then you’d have to delve into your cognitive paradigm. Please take a seat as we transport you to a world of gaiety and jocularity that has undeniably and surprisingly latched onto a black-and-white downy panda.
As soon as news hit that “Kung Fu Panda,” brought to you by Universal Pictures, would grace the screens, many would embark on a journey through the ages, settling into packed theaters to witness a panda with a rotund midriff deftly wielding its adroit skills to fend off enemies while blending humor and action seamlessly.
The latest installment in the revered “Kung Fu Panda” series, now bearing the number 4 alongside its classic title, is sprinting like a peacock. It has been sixteen years since the original release and a mere eight since its last sequel in 2011. As we keep growing, the characters in the world of “Kung Fu Panda,” presented by Universal Pictures, seem immune to aging, leaving us adrift in thoughts that are brought to light once in a blue moon.
“Kung Fu Panda” vividly emphasizes visuals that often immerse us in a realm of phantasmagorical characters, captivating to behold. The film flawlessly narrates its anecdote, deftly conveying messages with ample space for classic humor and never-ending fun. While subsequent installments may not have reached the stellar heights of the original, they never strayed far from their roots and often met the expectations of fans.
The journey of Po (voiced enchantingly by Jack Black), climbing hills without any gear to taste the esteemed title of Dragon Warrior, may appear easy to the eyes, but as demonstrated in this latest addition, it’s far from effortless. In this latest chapter, Po lives peacefully in the woods, carousing in his high-end thoughts. However, a supervillain emerges to disrupt Po’s halcyon routine—a mutable Chameleon (voiced by Viola Davis) with villainous intentions to jeopardize the valley’s peace.
Though its stature is fine and adorable, the Chameleon, with its idiosyncratic skills, becomes one of the menacing combatants of “Kung Fu Panda.” She attempts to steal the book of fighting and learns skills that challenge the status of Po. Davis’ spine-rattling voice elevates the Chameleon’s disguise and sturdy portrayal in every moment.
Not to be missed is the charm of Zhen, voiced by Awkwafina, who is more beautiful and spellbinding than her entire career combined. Her character is certainly a cohort to Po, beautifully characterized and established. Po’s two dads, non-biological father Duck Ping (James Hong) and biological father (Bryan Cranston) make a tremendous, outrageous, and humorous pair, playing opposite figures executed well.
The movie boasts phenomenal fighting sequences but falls short in some aspects where audiences may feel constrained and blindfolded. A tussle inside a restaurant keeps the flame high but descends into fuel being poured on the ground rather than on the fire.
The movie attempts to restrain the audience from expressing grief, but instead, it leaves them yearning for a big bowl of rice paired with a glass of soup, as hungry as a bear in the forest. Director Mike Mitchell, with his stellar record in animation, alongside co-director Stephanie Ma Stine, charts a new path in the “Kung Fu Panda” universe. While some customary elements may be missing, the movie remains a memorable addition to its kind.
