It goes without saying that every 90’s and 2000’s kid has grown up with the Kung Fu Panda series and it is about time we got a new instalment in the franchise. Po is one of the most famous characters that Dreamworks has ever produced. The furry fighter debuted in 2008 and was an absolute hit with the audiences as he was both determined, naive, and too loveable. After two successful sequels, viewers believed that the franchise came to an end in 2016 as a trilogy but no good thing ever ends till its good. Therefore, we are now getting Kung Fu Panda 4 which has opened to generally favorable reviews but this article isn’t for everyone, so tread carefully!
Kung Fu Panda 4 Full Plot Summary and Recap
As you may know, Kung Fu Panda 4 has its world premiere at the AMC 14 Theater at The Grove in Los Angeles on March 3. So, many lucky fans and critics have already seen it and have generally favored the film. Kung Fu Panda 4 currently stands at a 71% RT score based off 94 reviews with an 85% Audience Score and an 55% rating on Metacritic based on 29 reviews with only 2 negative reviews. So, it has been rated the worst of the franchise but still good enough to have a fun time with your family. Because of it’s red carpet premiere, we now have the full plot summary of the film but beware that MASSIVE SPOILERS follow below!
Film begins as one night, on top of a mountain, Tai Lung somehow returns. Sometime later, Po stops an evil stingray before helping Mr. Ping and Li open their new restaurant. While there, Master Shifu wants to talk with Po. At the Jade Palace, he tells a dismayed Po that he must advance to become the spiritual leader of the Valley of Peace, meaning that he will not be the Dragon Warrior anymore.
Po is struggling to choose candidates, much to Shifu’s anger. He later spots a thief named Zhen trying to steal ancient weapons. He easily defeats Zhen and sends her to prison, but soon hears of Tai Lung’s return. Thanks to a clue from Zhen, he finds out that Tai Lung is not back, but someone has been masquerading as him. She tells him that the person who shape-shifted into Tai Lung is The Chameleon, and that if he wants to stop her, he will need her help. Reluctant at first, but wanting to go on one last adventure as Dragon Warrior, Po heads to Juniper City with Zhen. Meanwhile, Mr. Ping and Li, terrified of what might happen to their son, trail behind them.
At Juniper City, they are arrested as Po finds out Zhen is a wanted criminal. They escape to the Den of Thieves where Zhen reunites with Han, who allows them to stay in the Den, but wants them gone the next day. Soon, Po and Zhen head to the Chameleon’s lair to take her down. However, it is revealed that Zhen had been taken in as a child by the Chameleon as her apprentice and is furthermore working for her, betraying Po’s trust. He escapes, but without the Staff of Wisdom. When he asks Zhen to give it back, it is revealed to be the Chameleon in disguise, who sends him off a cliff. With the staff, the Chameleon makes a spiritual doorway to summon every martial arts master to steal their kung fu, including Tai Lung, Lord Shen, and Kai. Zhen, seeing the mistake she has made, decides to run away from the Chameleon for good.
Meanwhile, Po talks with his dads, telling them that he is afraid of change. Mr. Ping tells him that he was afraid of change too, but also says that if things did not change, he would not be a father. This gives Po the encouragement to stop Chameleon once and for all. Po and Zhen bump into each other. She tries to stop him, leading to a duel between the both of them. Realizing she cannot change his mind, she gives him a tearful hug before he goes to face Chameleon.
Zhen manages to convince the Den of Thieves to help her out in saving Po. Meanwhile, Tai Lung finds out Po lost the Staff of Wisdom, causing him to lose even more faith in Po than he did originally. Po tries to face off against the Chameleon, getting his staff back. Just when Chameleon tries to get in the final blow, Zhen intervenes. Chameleon transforms into a hybrid of multiple creatures, and the three of them fight all around the room. Zhen falls due to the rubble, while Chameleon changes into Po, whom the real Po faces. However, Chameleon traps him in a cage.
Putting his trust in Zhen, he gives her the Staff of Wisdom, which she uses to give the kung fu back to every master that Chameleon stole from. Not accepting defeat easily, the latter tries to kill Po again, but is quickly defeated. Realizing that he was wrong about Po, Tai Lung gives his respect and acknowledges him as the Dragon Warrior. Po opens a spiritual doorway and sends all the masters back to the Spirit Realm, with Tai Lung taking the Chameleon with him.
Back at the Valley of Peace, Zhen is ready to go back to prison, but Po decides to choose her as the next Dragon Warrior, shocking both Shifu and herself. While she believes she does not deserve to be the Dragon Warrior, Po gives her some advice. In a mid-credits scene, Po, along with the Furious Five, Tigress, Monkey, Mantis, Viper, and Crane, help Zhen train to become the next Dragon Warrior.
Kung Fu Panda 4 is all set to hit US screens on March 8, 2024 and worldwide on March 15, 2024.
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