Although Kung Fu Panda 4 is funny and has plenty of action, the movie isn’t at the same level as the first two entries of this franchise. With rare exception, the animation is perfunctory and lacks both the whimsy and beauty that it was known for. I can still envision scenes from Kung Fu Panda, particularly the dazzling energy of Po’s training sessions and Tai Lung's dramatic escape from prison. Or Po fighting off Lord Shen’s cannons in Kung Fu Panda 2. Po is still a reliably funny character, but I thought the move made him a bit too naive in service of the jokes. Po is too self-aware to not know when someone is mocking him.
Given how the Furious Five only make an appearance during the end credits, I was glad that Dustin Hoffman was back as Shifu. Hoffman has always been this franchise’s secret ingredient, playing the apoplectic straight man opposite Black’s gonzo Po. Even though Hoffman’s work here is barely more than a cameo, the Abbott and Costello-inspired repartee he has with Black is still a treat. I was also happy that the movie found a way to bring back Ian McShane's Tai Lung, my favourite villain in the franchise by far. McShane's devilish performance is so much fun I wished he were around more. Unfortunately, his presence comes at the expense of Viola Davis' Chameleon, a visually striking but bland villain with generic motivations.
Regardless of what the plot implies, I’m dubious that this franchise will be turned over to Awkwafina’s character. Not because Awkwafina is bad here, but because she doesn’t do anything to prove that she can carry one of these movies by herself. Awkwafina’s vocal work is…fine, but she simply doesn’t have the comedic gifts that Jack Black has. Black’s performance as Po iconic is so memorable because he imbues the character with his own goofiness and energy. Additionally, while Black is comfortable colouring outside the lines, Awkwafina clearly is not. She’s done vocal work in many other animated films before this one and aside from her gruff voice there’s nothing memorable about her performances in them. With that in mind, I don’t see how this franchise could continue without Jack Black. He gives these movies their silly, demented soul. Without his involvement, I don’t know what would compel me to see another one of these films.
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