Film Review – Kung Fu Panda 4

DreamWorks Animation makes “Kung Fu Panda” movies, but they certainly take their time with them. “Kung Fu Panda 4” is the latest sequel in a saga that began in 2008, with the last chapter, “Kung Fu Panda 3,” released eight years ago. It felt like a franchise closer, the end of a trilogy for panda Po and his fighting ways, but the producers aren’t ready to give up on a good thing, bringing the Dragon Warrior back for a potential franchise reset that introduces new characters and reorganizes positions of power. Thankfully, the old “Kung Fu Panda” fun remains in the third sequel, with directors Mike Mitchell (“Shrek Forever After,” “Trolls”) and Stephanie Stine working to sustain action and silliness in the endeavor, which provides a nice reminder of series highlights while aiming to redirect focus in this universe of spiritual balance and overeating. “Kung Fu Panda 4” doesn’t feel tired, which is perhaps the greatest compliment the feature can receive, giving the now multi-generational audience a pleasant cinematic adventure. Read the rest at Blu-ray.com