Directed by Mike Mitchell
By: Sara
Sixteen years after captivating audiences worldwide, the beloved Kung Fu Panda franchise triumphantly returns with its highly anticipated fourth installment, Kung Fu Panda 4. This latest chapter seamlessly blends the cherished elements of the original with exhilarating new updates, promising an enthralling and nostalgic journey for fans old and new alike.
In Kung Fu Panda 4, our beloved hero Po (Jack Black) embarks on his most perilous quest yet, joined by a motley crew of misfits, as they set out to discover the next Dragon Warrior. Against a backdrop of stunning landscapes and formidable adversaries, including the malevolent sorceress and the cunning Chameleon, Po must summon all his courage and skill to prevail.
At its heart, the Kung Fu Panda series has always resonated with audiences for its exploration of unlikely heroes thrust into extraordinary circumstances. The Chameleon, the latest villain, embodies this theme with a compelling backstory of yearning for acceptance within the kung fu world. Po, epitomizing the franchise’s values, demonstrates that true strength emanates from inner resolve and unwavering determination rather than mere appearance.
Voiced by the incomparable Viola Davis, the Chameleon’s relentless pursuit of power underscores the film’s profound message: genuine success is born from sincere commitment, not deceitful manipulation. Awkwafina injects her trademark energy into the character of Zhen, a mischievous fox, providing both Po and audiences with a delightful glimpse into the bustling metropolis of Juniper City and its diverse inhabitants.
As Kung Fu Panda 4 broadens its scope, Jack Black delivers a tour de force performance, guiding Po’s evolution from a spirited youth to a sage mentor embracing his role in preserving peace for future generations. This installment showcases the remarkable artistry of voice acting, a departure from conventional animated fare.
For die-hard fans and newcomers alike, Kung Fu Panda 4 promises a pulse-pounding continuation of the beloved saga. With its compelling narrative, vibrant characters, and breathtaking animation, this latest installment is an absolute must-see for audiences of all ages.
BONUS FEATURES:
-Dueling Dumplings – In this original short introduced by Jack Black and Awkwafina, Po and Zhen battle over whose dumplings reign supreme.
-Mastering the Dumpling – Jack Black learns how to make dumplings with influencers Phil and Helen of WongFu Productions.
-Bad Bunny Review – The Bad Bunnies give their unedited opinion on some scenes from the film. Set up as a “Screening Room” style piece, the Bad Bunnies add their own commentary.
-Deleted Scenes
Dads on the Trail
Mahjong
-Kung Fu Talking – Voicing an animated movie takes time, time spent in a small booth being spoken to through headphones as you try to inhibit a character that might not actually exist beyond a few simple sketches and under that pressure, crazy things often happen! And we’ve captured them, put them to music and serves them up for your pleasure in this hilarious montage of off mic moments!
-Meet the Cast – From the Dragon Warrior himself to newcomer, Zhen, and a full cast of amazing characters in between, we get to know the voices behind some of our favorite roles in this series of short featurettes. Discover what attracted them to the role, what their motivation was and what parts of the character they took away with them after recording had finished.
-Kung Fu Panda 4 All!! – Join us as we go behind the scenes to see how the fourth installment in the franchise was brought to life, what makes it different from the previous films and where we find Po and the gang in this new escapade. Featuring interviews with the filmmakers and cast as well as a plethora of concept art, storyboards, animation tests and ADR footage.
-How to Draw – Enter our virtual dojo and join one of DreamWorks Animation’s talented artists as they show fans of the film “How to Draw” some of the characters in the film, and then watch in amazement as they come to life before your very eyes in a Shadow Puppet Theater.
-Shadow Puppet Theater – Using the amazing illustrations from the “How to Draw,” we will teach fans of the film how to create their very own Shadow Puppet Theater so they can bring Po and the gang to life and continue their many adventures.
-Feature Commentary with Director Mike Mitchell, Co-Director Stephanie Ma Stine, Production Designer Paul Duncan, Head of Story Calvin Tsang, and Head of Character Animation Sean Sexton
