With the entire world raving about Dune: Part Two, you might just forget that there is another major release happening this weekend. Yes, I’m talking about Kung Fu Panda 4. As the title suggests, it is the fourth and possibly the last instalment of the cherished animated franchise. The film is supposed to replace Dune 2 and become number one at the box office. Whether you take animated films seriously or not, but you can’t deny these films have a massive fan following. However, is Kung Fu Panda 4 as good as its predecessors? The early reviews gave us the illusion that it was. But now that the embargo has been lifted, the truth of the matter has surfaced.
Kung Fu Panda 4 Reviews: Was It Necessary?
Kung Fu Panda 4 has debuted on Rotten Tomatoes with 81% which sounds like a good number, however, this is the lowest of the entire Kung Fu Panda franchise. The film is also described as the worst of the franchise as it felt unneeded and dull. However, no one called the film bad as a standalone venture but it just doesn’t keep up with the quality of the franchise. Read selective reviews below:
Olly Richards (Empire Magazine) – “A step back from the last film in terms of ambition, this nevertheless continues the series’ chirpy, amiable mood. Nothing to be po-faced about here.” Original Score: 3/5
Rafer Guzman (Newsday) – ““Kung Fu Panda 4” will probably sail right out of your head the minute you leave the theater, but that’s all right.”
Frank Scheck (Hollywood Reporter) – “Kung Fu Panda 4 clearly aims to refresh the franchise. But it’s really more of the same, which is not such a bad thing…”
Wilson Chapman (indieWire) – “A mostly enjoyable lark, even if its feather-light plotting makes the original movies feel like epics in comparison.” Original Score: B-
Owen Gleiberman (Variety) – “As the movie unfolded, all I could think was, Where’s the skadoosh?”
Tim Grierson (Screen International)– “A lacklustre sequel which is as colourful and energetic as its predecessors but lacks the sweet buoyancy that once made this franchise so fun.”
In addition to Jack Black, the movies also star Dustin Hoffman as Master Shifu, Angelina Jolie as Tigress, Seth Rogen as Mantis, Jackie Chan as Monkey, Lucy Liu as Viper, David Cross as Crane, James Hong as Mr. Ping, Awkwafina and Randall Duk Kim as Oogway. The film is set to be directed by Mike Mitchell and Stephanie Stine, with the former having previously helmed high profile animated projects such as The LEGO Movie 2: The Second Part and Shrek Forever After.
Kung Fu Panda 4 will be released in theatres on March 8th, 2024.
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