Bring home ‘Kung Fu Panda 4’

Category: Blu-ray's and DVD's

Jack Black returns for a fourth film in the popular animated Kung Fu Panda series. Kung Fu Panda 4 retains the fun of the prior films with some new characters.

Po is legendary as the Dragon Warrior and takes his title seriously. He’s proud of what he has accomplished in this role, but now it is time for him to select a new Dragon Warrior. Why? Well, it’s now his turn to be the new spiritual leader of the Valley of Peace, which is something he is dubious about.

He cannot decide on the eligible candidates so puts off the selection of the new Dragon Warrior. Instead, he sets out on a new journey along with a sly, fast-talking fox named Zhen (voiced by Awkwafina). She is basically a full time thief and as such was apprehended by Po and put in jail. But she is the only one who can lead him to the devious Chameleon (voiced by Viola Davis) who is causing havoc by bringing back Po’s nemeses from the spirit world. 

When Po and Zhen go to Juniper City in search of The Chameleon, Po encounters a different atmosphere as the city is bigger than the Valley of Peace and has a large population, some of which Zhen introduces to him. These are her kind, consisting of thieves and other “bad” guys. And, to his chagrin, these new folks have not heard of the Dragon Warrior. Holy cow.

Po’s two dads Mr. Ping (voiced by James Hong) and Li (voiced by Bryan Cranston) follow their son to Juniper City. They are concerned he is in bigger danger than usual.

After Po and Zhen locate The Chameleon, Po is in for a big surprise with his new friend. But in the end, they are triumphant with the help of some Bad Bunnies and others from Zhen’s former life. 

And as usually, Po makes a pretty big screw up, but manages to come out on top, with the help of his friends and family.

The movie is colorful with several good messages for everyone, including that “it’s never too late to do the right thing.” And, as Po explains to Zhen, one peach pit can turn into a mighty tree, a lesson he learned from Master Shifu (voiced by Dustin Hoffman).

SPOILER ALERT

At the end of the film, and against Master Shifu’s advice Po selects Zhen as the next Dragon Warrior. She is a cute character and one that steals the hearts of viewers. And during the ending credits The Furious Five return to help train Zhen.

Bonus features

There are several bonus features including a new original short in which Po and Zhen battle to see whose dumplings are the best. Zhen has a Chai dumpling and Po has his usual and beloved Valley dumpling. So, which one do they each like the best? They discover they are both delicious.

Another bonus has Jack Black learning how to make dumplings. After all, his character is basically addicted to them so he takes it upon himself to learn how to make these delicious delicacies.

In another feature, The Bad Bunnies review the film. They are absolutely adorable.  

Additional features include deleted scenes, a behind the scenes featurette, a shadow puppet theater, a lesson in how to draw Po, Zhen, The Chameleon, and The Bad Bunnies, and a featurette about how the actors voiced the characters with some pretty funny outtakes.

Kung Fu Panda 4 is now available on 4K Ultra combo pack (for the absolute brightest colors which I highly recommend), Blu-Ray, and DVD.  The movie is rated PG for martial arts action, mild violence, scary images, and some mild rude humor.

About the Author

Francine Brokaw has been covering all aspects of the entertainment industry for over 30 years. She also writes about products and travel. She has been published in national and international newspapers and magazines as well as Internet websites. She has written her own book, Beyond the Red Carpet The World of Entertainment Journalists, is the entertainment correspondent for Good Day Orange County, and has her own TV show, Beyond the Red Carpet, on Village Television in Orange County. She is a longstanding member of the Television Critics Association and is accredited by the MPAA.