In 2008, DreamWorks introduced their latest animated feature film, Kung Fu Panda, which became a huge success and an instant hit with kids and fans of all ages. It was the beginning of its own franchise, with sequels, toy lines, and video games, featured at theme parks around the world, and even getting various spinoff short films and television series. It has become one of the most recognisable franchises of DreamWorks, along with Shrek, How to Train Your Dragon, and many more. The iconic panda, voiced by the always energetic Jack Black, is back in fighting shape for even more martial arts action in Kung Fu Panda 4, now showing in cinemas worldwide.

Since the events of Kung Fu Panda 4, Po has been enjoying life as the Dragon Warrior, fighting off bad guys, inspiring everyone, and spreading his wisdom. That wisdom still puzzles Master Shifu, but no one can deny that he’s always done everything with the best intentions and has had a positive impact on everyone around him. While helping both his fathers open their new restaurant, Master Shifu arrives to inform him he is set to become the new spiritual leader of the Valley of Peace.

Po is delighted to hear the news at first but becomes conflicted after learning that he must first choose a worthy successor to take over as the Dragon Warrior. Later, he encounters a thief, Zhen, attempting to steal the Staff of Wisdom. She then tells Po about the Chameleon, an evil shapeshifting sorceress who destroyed an entire village. Po decides to trust Zhen as they set off on a journey to Juniper City to put a stop to the Chameleon’s evil plans.

Jack Black returns as Po, bringing back the same enthusiasm from the previous three films. Po is truly one of his most iconic roles, having the perfect balance of comedy and drama. The titular hero has shown plenty of character development since the original film, this time with even more responsibility than before. Whether Po is being obnoxious, clumsy, pressured, distressed, overconfident, or naive, Jack Black is just able to nail every aspect to help tell the story of the soon-to-be former Dragon Warrior.

Unfortunately, the Furious Five don’t return for the fourth film, meaning Angelina Jolie, Jackie Chan, Lucy Liu, Seth Rogen and David Cross don’t return either, as they’ve set off on their own individual paths, however, this creates opportunities for new characters and new stories to be told. Thankfully, other stars do return to reprise their roles, such as Dustin Hoffman as Master Shifu, James Hong as Po’s adoptive father, Mr. Ping, and Bryan Cranston as Po’s biological father, Li Shan, with other stars also return from the first three films.

Dustin Hoffman as Master Shifu is still as grumpy and stubborn as ever, with his patience continuing to be tested by Po. The always-worried Mr. Ping and laid-back Li Shan get plenty of screen time together, with great onscreen chemistry thanks to James Hong and Bryan Cranston’s performances. They’re entertaining to watch and listen to, adding even more to the comedy without outshining the main characters.

Various new stars join the cast, including Awkwafina, who shines the brightest as Zhen, a corsac fox and wanted thief, able to hold her own against Po.

Awkwafina is best known for her comedy roles but has also proven she can take on more serious roles as well, both onscreen and as a voice actor, with her most notable being Raya in Disney’s Raya and the Last Dragon. Her performance as Zhen could very well be her best voice role yet, breathing so much life and personality into a brand new character in the Kung Fu Panda series. She and Jack Black have fantastic chemistry together, helping the fourth film really stand out on its own.

Not to be outdone is Viola Davis as the Chameleon, the new main antagonist. Despite her small stature, she has a very intimidating presence, morphing into other animals, and even other characters. Viola does an amazing job as the new big villain and a threat Po has never faced before. Her performance as the Chameleon is one that won’t be forgotten anytime soon.

Making cameo appearances are Ke Huy Quan as Han, Lori Tan Chinn as Granny Boar, Harry Shum Jr. as Scott, and famous YouTuber MrBeast as one of the hopeful participants looking to be the next Dragon Warrior. The biggest standout cameo amongst them is comedian Ronny Chieng as Captain Fish; a literal fish. Unlike everyone else, he isn’t anthropomorphic, but he has an attitude and lives inside the beak of a pelican, which hilariously, is how he travels around. He may only appear a few times, but they’re some of the most memorable and funniest moments in the film. Hopefully, this won’t be the last we see of him as Captain Fish.

DreamWorks animated films have always been visual spectacles, and the Kung Fu Panda films are no different. China is known for its gorgeous natural scenery away from the cities, and Kung Fu Panda 4 replicates that beautifully.

There is so much to look at, with glorious mountain ranges, temples, city streets, restaurants and more. Every location feels full of life with so much detail. The action scenes are so much fun and entertaining to watch, full of hilarious moments taking a lot of inspiration from Kung Fu cinema. The entire film is a wild ride from start to finish, never forgetting it’s a comedy film for kids.

Hans Zimmer returns from the first three films to compose the film’s score, this time working alongside Steve Mazzaro. The music has a very Chinese feeling tune, working in harmony for every occasion in the film, perfectly fitting for a Kung Fu Panda film. The film’s main soundtrack is weirdly enough, a cover of Britney Spears’ “…Baby One More Time” performed by Tenacious D, the popular rock duo made up of leading star Jack Black and Kyle Gass. It’s certainly an odd choice for the main soundtrack of Kung Fu Panda 4, but we can’t help but admit that we love it, and it’s proven to be very effective in promoting the film’s release.

Jack Black once again puts in another brilliant, entertaining, and hilarious performance as the Kung Fu Panda, Po, a role he has now had for 16 years, while Awkwafina makes a big impact as Zhen, whose story has only just begun, and Viola Davis’ terrifying performance as the Chameleon is one not to be forgotten. We also need more Ronny Chieng as Captain Fish. As hinted in the film, this likely isn’t the end of the Kung Fu Panda franchise, as the goal is to have at least two more films, which of course we would love to see.

Until then, the latest DreamWorks film pulls no punches with the perfect balance of comedy, action and storytelling. Fans new and old will surely get plenty of kicks out of Kung Fu Panda 4.

Written by: Sammy Hanson