Kung Fu Panda 4: A Delightful Return of Po and Friends

It’s been over a decade since we met Po - the goofy adorable Panda who is unable to sit for meditation without getting thoughts of 'peas in sesame sauce' (if you get the reference). In 2008, when ‘Kung Fu Panda’ was released, the film took everyone by surprise. No one had really expected a Jack Black film voicing a lazy Panda to become a worldwide blockbuster. But when the film resonated with everyone and not just those from the Asian community, the makers knew they had a winning franchise.

Now, 16 years later, the fourth installment of the film released with new faces such as Viola Davis playing the sorceress Chameleon, Awkwafina as Zhen the corsac fox, Lori Tan Chinn, Ke Huay Quan and Ronny Chieng in various roles. The essence of Po has always been about his ability to come out as a goofball even in the most serious of circumstances. The films have worked because they appeal to both grown-ups and kids.

In the latest ‘Kung Fu Panda’ film, Master Shifu tells Po that the time has come for him to choose a successor and eventually become a spiritual leader. But the task isn’t that simple. Po faces a team of new adversaries as he sets out to carry out Shifu’s advice. The animation is as endearing as the first film and the makers, thankfully, haven’t changed much of Po. The writing is smart and the dialogues are funny.

What works the best in the film are the big action scenes. Using the best of new technology, the makers have kept the writing simple but focused more on making the visuals colorful and fun.

‘Kung Fu Panda 4’ might not have the exact emotional connect of the first film, but it still manages to entertain and have you cheering for the main lead.