{"id":11846,"date":"2024-03-11T17:01:00","date_gmt":"2024-03-12T00:01:00","guid":{"rendered":"https:\/\/www.kidsfirst.org\/kidsfirstnews\/?p=11846"},"modified":"2024-03-11T17:03:25","modified_gmt":"2024-03-12T00:03:25","slug":"kung-fu-panda-4-great-interaction-between-po-and-zhen-love-the-new-villain-chameleon","status":"publish","type":"post","link":"https:\/\/www.kidsfirst.org\/kidsfirstnews\/2024\/kung-fu-panda-4-great-interaction-between-po-and-zhen-love-the-new-villain-chameleon\/","title":{"rendered":"Kung Fu Panda 4 * Great Interaction Between Po And Zhen! Love The New Villain, Chameleon"},"content":{"rendered":"<div class=\"wp-block-image\">\n<figure class=\"alignleft size-medium is-resized\"><img data-recalc-dims=\"1\" loading=\"lazy\" decoding=\"async\" width=\"190\" height=\"300\" src=\"https:\/\/i0.wp.com\/www.kidsfirst.org\/kidsfirstnews\/wp-content\/uploads\/2024\/03\/KFP4.poster.jpg?resize=190%2C300&#038;ssl=1\" alt=\"\" class=\"wp-image-11858\" style=\"width:118px;height:auto\" srcset=\"https:\/\/i0.wp.com\/www.kidsfirst.org\/kidsfirstnews\/wp-content\/uploads\/2024\/03\/KFP4.poster.jpg?resize=190%2C300&amp;ssl=1 190w, https:\/\/i0.wp.com\/www.kidsfirst.org\/kidsfirstnews\/wp-content\/uploads\/2024\/03\/KFP4.poster.jpg?resize=647%2C1024&amp;ssl=1 647w, https:\/\/i0.wp.com\/www.kidsfirst.org\/kidsfirstnews\/wp-content\/uploads\/2024\/03\/KFP4.poster.jpg?resize=768%2C1215&amp;ssl=1 768w, https:\/\/i0.wp.com\/www.kidsfirst.org\/kidsfirstnews\/wp-content\/uploads\/2024\/03\/KFP4.poster.jpg?w=948&amp;ssl=1 948w\" sizes=\"auto, (max-width: 190px) 100vw, 190px\" \/><\/figure>\n<\/div>\n\n\n<p>After Po is tapped to become the Spiritual Leader of the Valley of Peace, he needs to find and train a new Dragon Warrior, while a wicked sorceress plans to re-summon all the master villains whom Po has vanquished to the spirit realm.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p>KIDS FIRST! Film Critic Selene S. comments, \u201cDon&#8217;t get your noodles in a twist because\u00a0<em>Kung Fu Panda 4<\/em>\u00a0is available now. For the first time in almost a decade, comedy icon Jack Black returns to his role as Po, the world&#8217;s acknowledged most unlikely kung fu master.\u00a0 Some familiar characters are here to support him on his\u00a0journey along with some new relationships which refresh this beloved franchise.\u201d Katherine S. adds, \u201c<em>Kung Fu Panda 4<\/em> is just the feel-good movie I needed this year. It\u2019s an incredibly entertaining family-friendly movie that seamlessly weaves humor and heartwarming messages.\u201d \u00a0Maica N. adds, \u201cWith a daring adventure and character development that gives the movie an appropriate pace, <em>Kung Fu Panda 4<\/em> is a new lighthearted film that I definitely enjoyed.\u201d Arjun N. wraps it up with, \u201cThe film\u2019s message is that violence never solves conflicts. Although the film is full of fisticuffs, Po goes to great lengths to first reach an understanding with his foes. Po\u2019s reluctant transformation from Dragon Warrior to Spiritual Leader is at the heart of this nonviolence; furthermore, it develops Po\u2019s brazenness into a source of peace.\u201d See their full reviews below. \u00a0 \u00a0 \u00a0<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p>Kung Fu Panda 4<br>By Selene W., KIDS FIRST! Film Critic, age 16<\/p>\n\n\n\n<figure class=\"wp-block-embed is-type-video is-provider-youtube wp-block-embed-youtube wp-embed-aspect-16-9 wp-has-aspect-ratio\"><div class=\"wp-block-embed__wrapper\">\n<span class=\"embed-youtube\" style=\"text-align:center; display: block;\"><iframe loading=\"lazy\" class=\"youtube-player\" width=\"640\" height=\"360\" src=\"https:\/\/www.youtube.com\/embed\/LarKQrZWiXc?version=3&#038;rel=1&#038;showsearch=0&#038;showinfo=1&#038;iv_load_policy=1&#038;fs=1&#038;hl=en-US&#038;autohide=2&#038;wmode=transparent\" allowfullscreen=\"true\" style=\"border:0;\" sandbox=\"allow-scripts allow-same-origin allow-popups allow-presentation allow-popups-to-escape-sandbox\"><\/iframe><\/span>\n<\/div><\/figure>\n\n\n<div class=\"wp-block-image\">\n<figure class=\"alignright size-medium is-resized\"><img data-recalc-dims=\"1\" loading=\"lazy\" decoding=\"async\" width=\"300\" height=\"127\" src=\"https:\/\/i0.wp.com\/www.kidsfirst.org\/kidsfirstnews\/wp-content\/uploads\/2024\/03\/KFP_00007-copy-601x255-ff48800.jpg?resize=300%2C127&#038;ssl=1\" alt=\"\" class=\"wp-image-11850\" style=\"width:220px\" srcset=\"https:\/\/i0.wp.com\/www.kidsfirst.org\/kidsfirstnews\/wp-content\/uploads\/2024\/03\/KFP_00007-copy-601x255-ff48800.jpg?resize=300%2C127&amp;ssl=1 300w, https:\/\/i0.wp.com\/www.kidsfirst.org\/kidsfirstnews\/wp-content\/uploads\/2024\/03\/KFP_00007-copy-601x255-ff48800.jpg?w=601&amp;ssl=1 601w\" sizes=\"auto, (max-width: 300px) 100vw, 300px\" \/><figcaption class=\"wp-element-caption\">Po (Jack Black) in Kung Fu Panda 4 directed by Mike Mitchell.<\/figcaption><\/figure>\n<\/div>\n\n\n<p>Don&#8217;t get your noodles in a twist because\u00a0<em>Kung Fu Panda 4<\/em>\u00a0is available now. For the first time in almost a decade, comedy icon Jack Black returns to his role as Po, the world&#8217;s acknowledged most unlikely kung fu master.\u00a0 Some familiar characters are here to support him on his\u00a0journey along with some new relationships which refresh this beloved franchise.\u00a0 \u00a0 \u00a0<\/p>\n\n\n<div class=\"wp-block-image\">\n<figure class=\"alignleft size-medium is-resized\"><img data-recalc-dims=\"1\" loading=\"lazy\" decoding=\"async\" width=\"300\" height=\"127\" src=\"https:\/\/i0.wp.com\/www.kidsfirst.org\/kidsfirstnews\/wp-content\/uploads\/2024\/03\/KFP_01215-600x254-d572aed.jpg?resize=300%2C127&#038;ssl=1\" alt=\"\" class=\"wp-image-11855\" style=\"width:220px\" srcset=\"https:\/\/i0.wp.com\/www.kidsfirst.org\/kidsfirstnews\/wp-content\/uploads\/2024\/03\/KFP_01215-600x254-d572aed.jpg?resize=300%2C127&amp;ssl=1 300w, https:\/\/i0.wp.com\/www.kidsfirst.org\/kidsfirstnews\/wp-content\/uploads\/2024\/03\/KFP_01215-600x254-d572aed.jpg?w=600&amp;ssl=1 600w\" sizes=\"auto, (max-width: 300px) 100vw, 300px\" \/><figcaption class=\"wp-element-caption\">(from left) Po (Jack Black) and Zhen (Awkwafina) in DreamWorks Animation\u2019s Kung Fu Panda 4, directed by Mike Mitchell.<\/figcaption><\/figure>\n<\/div>\n\n\n<p>Po, the Dragon Warrior (Jack Black) is about to experience a transition in his kung fu role in the Valley of Peace.\u00a0 Kung Fu Master Shifu (Dustin Hoffman) informs Po that he is needed to become a spiritual leader and to choose and train the next Dragon Warrior.\u00a0 This new role is a challenge for Po as he enjoys butt-kicking moves to counter villains and questions his fitness for a new cerebral role.\u00a0 While searching for inner peace we are reminded that for Po everything comes back to dumplings.\u00a0 Resisting his new role, Po determines it is necessary to first thwart a powerful new sorceress, Chameleon (Viola Davis), who can shapeshift and seeks total kung fu domination.\u00a0 He finds an unlikely partner in a tricky thief, Zhen (Awkwafina) who ends up teaching him that heroes can be found even in a den of thieves.<\/p>\n\n\n<div class=\"wp-block-image\">\n<figure class=\"alignright size-medium is-resized\"><img data-recalc-dims=\"1\" loading=\"lazy\" decoding=\"async\" width=\"300\" height=\"128\" src=\"https:\/\/i0.wp.com\/www.kidsfirst.org\/kidsfirstnews\/wp-content\/uploads\/2024\/03\/KFP-final-600x255-ff48800.jpg?resize=300%2C128&#038;ssl=1\" alt=\"\" class=\"wp-image-11849\" style=\"width:220px\" srcset=\"https:\/\/i0.wp.com\/www.kidsfirst.org\/kidsfirstnews\/wp-content\/uploads\/2024\/03\/KFP-final-600x255-ff48800.jpg?resize=300%2C128&amp;ssl=1 300w, https:\/\/i0.wp.com\/www.kidsfirst.org\/kidsfirstnews\/wp-content\/uploads\/2024\/03\/KFP-final-600x255-ff48800.jpg?w=600&amp;ssl=1 600w\" sizes=\"auto, (max-width: 300px) 100vw, 300px\" \/><figcaption class=\"wp-element-caption\">Po (Jack Black) in DreamWorks Animation\u2019s Kung Fu Panda 4, directed by Mike Mitchell.<\/figcaption><\/figure>\n<\/div>\n\n\n<p>The computer animation of this film is so beautiful that, in the beginning, it almost appears to be 3D.\u00a0 The backgrounds are stunning and you&#8217;ll love the various scenes in this wonton wonderland from DreamWorks Animation.\u00a0I really enjoyed the interaction between the unlikely duo of Po and Zhen and the comedy created between their two characters.\u00a0 I absolutely love the new villain Chameleon and Viola Davis really illustrates how small and stylish stature doesn&#8217;t impact the extent of evil evident in a character.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p>This film\u2019s message is that true change comes from within and that support from family and friends makes a great impact while helping to enable that change.\u00a0 After all, every step someone takes, no matter how large or\u00a0small\u00a0creates a footprint for others to follow.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p><em>Kung Fu Panda\u00a04 <\/em>gets5 out of 5 stars from me and I recommend it for ages 8 to 18, plus adults.\u00a0 This movie releases in theaters March 8, 2024 so go enjoy\u00a0this hilarious new chapter in a favorite action-comedy franchise!<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p>Kung Fu Panda 4<br>By Katherine S., KIDS FIRST! Film Critic, Age 16<\/p>\n\n\n\n<figure class=\"wp-block-embed is-type-video is-provider-youtube wp-block-embed-youtube wp-embed-aspect-16-9 wp-has-aspect-ratio\"><div class=\"wp-block-embed__wrapper\">\n<span class=\"embed-youtube\" style=\"text-align:center; display: block;\"><iframe loading=\"lazy\" class=\"youtube-player\" width=\"640\" height=\"360\" src=\"https:\/\/www.youtube.com\/embed\/oD4uklqUk_Y?version=3&#038;rel=1&#038;showsearch=0&#038;showinfo=1&#038;iv_load_policy=1&#038;fs=1&#038;hl=en-US&#038;autohide=2&#038;wmode=transparent\" allowfullscreen=\"true\" style=\"border:0;\" sandbox=\"allow-scripts allow-same-origin allow-popups allow-presentation allow-popups-to-escape-sandbox\"><\/iframe><\/span>\n<\/div><\/figure>\n\n\n<div class=\"wp-block-image\">\n<figure class=\"alignright size-medium is-resized\"><img data-recalc-dims=\"1\" loading=\"lazy\" decoding=\"async\" width=\"300\" height=\"127\" src=\"https:\/\/i0.wp.com\/www.kidsfirst.org\/kidsfirstnews\/wp-content\/uploads\/2024\/03\/KFP_00158-600x254-d572aed.jpg?resize=300%2C127&#038;ssl=1\" alt=\"\" class=\"wp-image-11857\" style=\"width:220px\" srcset=\"https:\/\/i0.wp.com\/www.kidsfirst.org\/kidsfirstnews\/wp-content\/uploads\/2024\/03\/KFP_00158-600x254-d572aed.jpg?resize=300%2C127&amp;ssl=1 300w, https:\/\/i0.wp.com\/www.kidsfirst.org\/kidsfirstnews\/wp-content\/uploads\/2024\/03\/KFP_00158-600x254-d572aed.jpg?w=600&amp;ssl=1 600w\" sizes=\"auto, (max-width: 300px) 100vw, 300px\" \/><figcaption class=\"wp-element-caption\">(from left) Shifu (Dustin Hoffman) and Po (Jack Black) in DreamWorks Animation\u2019s Kung Fu Panda 4, directed by Mike Mitchell.<\/figcaption><\/figure>\n<\/div>\n\n\n<p><em>Kung Fu Panda 4<\/em> is just the feel-good movie I needed this year. It\u2019s an incredibly entertaining family-friendly movie that seamlessly weaves humor and heartwarming messages.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p>When our favorite Dragon Warrior and Kung Fu fighting panda, Po (Jack Black), is chosen to become the spiritual leader of the Valley of Peace, he must step down and train a new Dragon Warrior. However, he isn\u2019t quite ready for that change and has no idea who to choose as his successor. To top it off, the Chameleon (Viola Davis), a powerful sorceress, has set her eyes on Po\u2019s Staff of Wisdom, so he must go on one last Dragon Warrior adventure to save the Valley of Peace with the help of the clever bandit corsac fox, Zhen (Awkwafina).<\/p>\n\n\n<div class=\"wp-block-image\">\n<figure class=\"alignleft size-medium is-resized\"><img data-recalc-dims=\"1\" loading=\"lazy\" decoding=\"async\" width=\"300\" height=\"127\" src=\"https:\/\/i0.wp.com\/www.kidsfirst.org\/kidsfirstnews\/wp-content\/uploads\/2024\/03\/KFP-TP_00036-600x254-d572aed.jpg?resize=300%2C127&#038;ssl=1\" alt=\"\" class=\"wp-image-11856\" style=\"width:220px\" srcset=\"https:\/\/i0.wp.com\/www.kidsfirst.org\/kidsfirstnews\/wp-content\/uploads\/2024\/03\/KFP-TP_00036-600x254-d572aed.jpg?resize=300%2C127&amp;ssl=1 300w, https:\/\/i0.wp.com\/www.kidsfirst.org\/kidsfirstnews\/wp-content\/uploads\/2024\/03\/KFP-TP_00036-600x254-d572aed.jpg?w=599&amp;ssl=1 599w\" sizes=\"auto, (max-width: 300px) 100vw, 300px\" \/><figcaption class=\"wp-element-caption\">(from left) Po (Jack Black) and Zhen (Awkwafina) in Kung Fu Panda 4 directed by Mike Mitchell.<\/figcaption><\/figure>\n<\/div>\n\n\n<p>Even though the target audience for this movie, based on its humor, is pretty young, this film is enjoyable for the whole family. Plus, it embeds some deep messages about change and redemption. The animation style and quality are top notch \u2013 reflecting exactly what we expect and more from DreamWorks. The animation style of the bunnies and pigs is so iconic and adorable, and I love seeing the new types of animals the movie introduces. I also love how they portray the energy coming from the Staff of Wisdom and the Chameleon\u2019s magic. One of my favorite duos in this movie is Mr. Ping (James Hong), who is Po\u2019s adoptive dad, and Li (Bryan Cranston), Po\u2019s biological dad. You can really tell how much they both care for Po and they make a great team. Awkwafina\u2019s distinct and unique voice really fits the personality of Zhen. It\u2019s so endearing to see her character grow and develop, and the contrast between her sneakiness and Po\u2019s genuineness makes them complementary partners. Of course, Jack Black never fails to make the audience laugh \u2013 he makes Po so lovable and relatable. There\u2019s a lot more star power in this film with voice actors like Viola Davis, Ian McShane, Dustin Hoffman, Mr. Beast, Seth Rogen and more. I only wish we got to see more of the Furious Five.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p>The film\u2019s messages include recognizing that even though change is hard, it isn\u2019t always bad, and it\u2019s never too late to do the right thing. Also, as with the previous Kung Fu Panda movies, we are reminded to never judge a book by its cover.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p><em>Kung Fu Panda 4<\/em> gets 4 of 5 stars from me and I recommend it for ages 8 to 18, plus adults. It comes out in theaters on March 8, 202<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p>Kung Fu Panda 4<br>By Maica N., KIDS FIRST! Film Critics, Age 16<\/p>\n\n\n\n<figure class=\"wp-block-embed is-type-video is-provider-youtube wp-block-embed-youtube wp-embed-aspect-16-9 wp-has-aspect-ratio\"><div class=\"wp-block-embed__wrapper\">\n<span class=\"embed-youtube\" style=\"text-align:center; display: block;\"><iframe loading=\"lazy\" class=\"youtube-player\" width=\"640\" height=\"360\" src=\"https:\/\/www.youtube.com\/embed\/jXl0ffs7Z-g?version=3&#038;rel=1&#038;showsearch=0&#038;showinfo=1&#038;iv_load_policy=1&#038;fs=1&#038;hl=en-US&#038;autohide=2&#038;wmode=transparent\" allowfullscreen=\"true\" style=\"border:0;\" sandbox=\"allow-scripts allow-same-origin allow-popups allow-presentation allow-popups-to-escape-sandbox\"><\/iframe><\/span>\n<\/div><\/figure>\n\n\n<div class=\"wp-block-image\">\n<figure class=\"alignright size-medium is-resized\"><img data-recalc-dims=\"1\" loading=\"lazy\" decoding=\"async\" width=\"300\" height=\"127\" src=\"https:\/\/i0.wp.com\/www.kidsfirst.org\/kidsfirstnews\/wp-content\/uploads\/2024\/03\/KFP_00800-600x254-d572aed.jpg?resize=300%2C127&#038;ssl=1\" alt=\"\" class=\"wp-image-11853\" style=\"width:220px\" srcset=\"https:\/\/i0.wp.com\/www.kidsfirst.org\/kidsfirstnews\/wp-content\/uploads\/2024\/03\/KFP_00800-600x254-d572aed.jpg?resize=300%2C127&amp;ssl=1 300w, https:\/\/i0.wp.com\/www.kidsfirst.org\/kidsfirstnews\/wp-content\/uploads\/2024\/03\/KFP_00800-600x254-d572aed.jpg?w=600&amp;ssl=1 600w\" sizes=\"auto, (max-width: 300px) 100vw, 300px\" \/><figcaption class=\"wp-element-caption\">Po (Jack Black) in DreamWorks Animation\u2019s Kung Fu Panda 4, directed by Mike Mitchell.<\/figcaption><\/figure>\n<\/div>\n\n\n<p>Exciting. Dynamic. Captivating. Our favorite panda, Po is BACK in the fourth installment of <em>Kung Fu Panda<\/em>. With a daring adventure and character development that gives the movie an appropriate pace, <em>Kung Fu Panda 4<\/em> is a new lighthearted film that I definitely enjoyed.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p><em>Kung Fu Panda 4<\/em> focuses on Dragon Warrior Po (Jack Black), who has been promoted to the spiritual leader of the Valley of Peace. This means that he now has to select and train a new warrior. In his process, he discovers that the evil shapeshifter Cameleonul (Viola Davis) is trying to steal his Staff of Wisdom. Joining forces with a witty and sly fox named Zhen (Awkwafina), Po has to try to stop Cameleonul\u2019s plan.\u00a0<\/p>\n\n\n<div class=\"wp-block-image\">\n<figure class=\"alignleft size-medium is-resized\"><img data-recalc-dims=\"1\" loading=\"lazy\" decoding=\"async\" width=\"300\" height=\"169\" src=\"https:\/\/i0.wp.com\/www.kidsfirst.org\/kidsfirstnews\/wp-content\/uploads\/2024\/03\/KFP.0124-601x338-1eef9ce.jpg?resize=300%2C169&#038;ssl=1\" alt=\"\" class=\"wp-image-11854\" style=\"width:220px\" srcset=\"https:\/\/i0.wp.com\/www.kidsfirst.org\/kidsfirstnews\/wp-content\/uploads\/2024\/03\/KFP.0124-601x338-1eef9ce.jpg?resize=300%2C169&amp;ssl=1 300w, https:\/\/i0.wp.com\/www.kidsfirst.org\/kidsfirstnews\/wp-content\/uploads\/2024\/03\/KFP.0124-601x338-1eef9ce.jpg?w=601&amp;ssl=1 601w\" sizes=\"auto, (max-width: 300px) 100vw, 300px\" \/><figcaption class=\"wp-element-caption\">Po (Jack Black) in DreamWorks Animation\u2019s Kung Fu Panda 4, directed by Mike Mitchell.<\/figcaption><\/figure>\n<\/div>\n\n\n<p>This animated film is geared toward a younger audience and with that in mind, the plot is a bit predictable. The viewers can sense the plot twists and changes throughout the movie. Despite this, the fast paced scenes like the chase in the town, keep you engaged the whole time. The animation pays great attention to detail, which helps move the story forward while keeping the audience interested. One of the biggest examples of captivating animation is when Cameleonul is shape shifting. Audiences anticipate what she will turn into next, big or small, and what vibrant colors are coming. One of the characters that stands out is Zhen, voiced by Awkwafina. Her delivery and comedic timing is on point, and she fits the character perfectly. Her banter with Po creates a friendly relationship that audiences can invest in. <em>Kung Fu Panda 4 <\/em>is perfect for a family movie night, and has an important message that all audiences can relate to.\u00a0<\/p>\n\n\n<div class=\"wp-block-image\">\n<figure class=\"alignright size-medium is-resized\"><img data-recalc-dims=\"1\" loading=\"lazy\" decoding=\"async\" width=\"300\" height=\"126\" src=\"https:\/\/i0.wp.com\/www.kidsfirst.org\/kidsfirstnews\/wp-content\/uploads\/2024\/03\/KFP_00026-602x253-56ff1d9.jpg?resize=300%2C126&#038;ssl=1\" alt=\"\" class=\"wp-image-11848\" style=\"width:220px\" srcset=\"https:\/\/i0.wp.com\/www.kidsfirst.org\/kidsfirstnews\/wp-content\/uploads\/2024\/03\/KFP_00026-602x253-56ff1d9.jpg?resize=300%2C126&amp;ssl=1 300w, https:\/\/i0.wp.com\/www.kidsfirst.org\/kidsfirstnews\/wp-content\/uploads\/2024\/03\/KFP_00026-602x253-56ff1d9.jpg?w=601&amp;ssl=1 601w\" sizes=\"auto, (max-width: 300px) 100vw, 300px\" \/><figcaption class=\"wp-element-caption\">Three bunnies in DreamWorks Animation\u2019s Kung Fu Panda 4, directed by Mike Mitchell.<\/figcaption><\/figure>\n<\/div>\n\n\n<p>The film\u2019s message is that, while it may not be easy, change is what builds character and makes you the best version of yourself. Po doesn\u2019t know who he is, if not the Dragon Warrior, but he eventually realizes that passing wisdom down and helping others succeed is one of the greatest accomplishments he can achieve.&nbsp;<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p><em>Kung Fu Panda 4 <\/em>gets 4 out 5 stars from me and I recommend it for ages 5 to 18, plus adults. You can find <em>Kung Fu Panda 4 <\/em>in theaters on March 8, 2024. Make sure you check it out!<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p>Kung Fu Panda 4<br>By Arjun N., KIDS FIRST! Film Critic, age 22 <\/p>\n\n\n\n<figure class=\"wp-block-embed is-type-video is-provider-youtube wp-block-embed-youtube wp-embed-aspect-16-9 wp-has-aspect-ratio\"><div class=\"wp-block-embed__wrapper\">\n<span class=\"embed-youtube\" style=\"text-align:center; display: block;\"><iframe loading=\"lazy\" class=\"youtube-player\" width=\"640\" height=\"360\" src=\"https:\/\/www.youtube.com\/embed\/_inKs4eeHiI?version=3&#038;rel=1&#038;showsearch=0&#038;showinfo=1&#038;iv_load_policy=1&#038;fs=1&#038;hl=en-US&#038;autohide=2&#038;wmode=transparent\" allowfullscreen=\"true\" style=\"border:0;\" sandbox=\"allow-scripts allow-same-origin allow-popups allow-presentation allow-popups-to-escape-sandbox\"><\/iframe><\/span>\n<\/div><\/figure>\n\n\n<div class=\"wp-block-image\">\n<figure class=\"alignright size-medium is-resized\"><img data-recalc-dims=\"1\" loading=\"lazy\" decoding=\"async\" width=\"300\" height=\"169\" src=\"https:\/\/i0.wp.com\/www.kidsfirst.org\/kidsfirstnews\/wp-content\/uploads\/2024\/03\/KFP.0124-601x338-1eef9ce.jpg?resize=300%2C169&#038;ssl=1\" alt=\"\" class=\"wp-image-11854\" style=\"width:220px\" srcset=\"https:\/\/i0.wp.com\/www.kidsfirst.org\/kidsfirstnews\/wp-content\/uploads\/2024\/03\/KFP.0124-601x338-1eef9ce.jpg?resize=300%2C169&amp;ssl=1 300w, https:\/\/i0.wp.com\/www.kidsfirst.org\/kidsfirstnews\/wp-content\/uploads\/2024\/03\/KFP.0124-601x338-1eef9ce.jpg?w=601&amp;ssl=1 601w\" sizes=\"auto, (max-width: 300px) 100vw, 300px\" \/><figcaption class=\"wp-element-caption\">Po (Jack Black) in DreamWorks Animation\u2019s Kung Fu Panda 4, directed by Mike Mitchell.<\/figcaption><\/figure>\n<\/div>\n\n\n<p><em>Kung Fu Panda 4<\/em> may not pack the punch of earlier <em>Kung Fun Panda<\/em> movies, but the breathtaking animation, frenetic fights and well-placed humor more than deliver. Families must check this out for fun pandemonium that both adults and kids can enjoy.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p>This film starts a new journey for Dragon Warrior Po (Jack Black) once he is commanded by Master Shifu (Dustin Hoffman) to find a replacement Dragon Warrior and complete his transformation as the Spiritual Leader of the Valley of Peace. Unfortunately, Po knows little of spiritual learning, preferring a good fight and dumplings; worse yet, he runs into a mysterious thief Zhen (Awkwafina), who really gets under his fur. Worst of all, a sinister, shapeshifting sorceress Chameleon (Viola Davis) seeks to usurp Po\u2019s Staff of Wisdom to lead and re-summon the spirit realm that is littered with Po\u2019s finest foes. Desperate times call for desperate measures from Po as he trains and relies on Zhen. Can Po once again save the day and make a Dragon Warrior out of Zhen?<\/p>\n\n\n<div class=\"wp-block-image\">\n<figure class=\"alignleft size-medium is-resized\"><img data-recalc-dims=\"1\" loading=\"lazy\" decoding=\"async\" width=\"300\" height=\"127\" src=\"https:\/\/i0.wp.com\/www.kidsfirst.org\/kidsfirstnews\/wp-content\/uploads\/2024\/03\/KFP-01131-600x254-d572aed.jpg?resize=300%2C127&#038;ssl=1\" alt=\"\" class=\"wp-image-11852\" style=\"width:220px\" srcset=\"https:\/\/i0.wp.com\/www.kidsfirst.org\/kidsfirstnews\/wp-content\/uploads\/2024\/03\/KFP-01131-600x254-d572aed.jpg?resize=300%2C127&amp;ssl=1 300w, https:\/\/i0.wp.com\/www.kidsfirst.org\/kidsfirstnews\/wp-content\/uploads\/2024\/03\/KFP-01131-600x254-d572aed.jpg?w=600&amp;ssl=1 600w\" sizes=\"auto, (max-width: 300px) 100vw, 300px\" \/><figcaption class=\"wp-element-caption\">Zhen (Awkwafina) in DreamWorks Animation\u2019s Kung Fu Panda 4, directed by Mike Mitchell.<\/figcaption><\/figure>\n<\/div>\n\n\n<p>The cast is full of hilarious talent that work well off each other. Jack Black, as Po, picks up his character compellingly since he last picked up the mantle. Black\u2019s liveliness is always present, but here, he also gets to show off his emotional chops while coming to terms with change. Po might be at a career crossroads, but thankfully Master Shifu (Dustin Hoffman) is here to help with his elderly wisdom. The Furious Five might leave a void in their absence but thankfully Awkwafina, as Zhen, naturally fills that void with Po as their hunt for the Chameleon turns into a buddy-cop spectacle. I can\u2019t think of a better complement for Po as the duo bond over their similarities and weaknesses; furthermore, it\u2019s Zhen\u2019s inner struggle with her inherent shadiness that remains most compelling. For that reason, Zhen\u2019s inclination to improve and do the right thing is a memorable and honorable character arc. Viola Davis, as Chameleon, absolutely carries the foe\u2019s presence with her commanding, sinister voice. Sadly, the Chameleon is the weakest antagonist in the franchise. Her underdeveloped, generically villainous endgame does not bring the nuances and complexities of Po\u2019s previous rogue gallery. Last but not least, Po\u2019s parents Mr. Ping (James Ping) and Li (Bryan Cranston) undergo a wholesome quest to find Po; Cranston, in particular, comedically shines in a recurring subplot where he must fool enemies into thinking he\u2019s Po. Mike Newell aptly directs the animation with stylistic choices that allow for breathtaking world building and fluid, stadium-like fights.<\/p>\n\n\n<div class=\"wp-block-image\">\n<figure class=\"alignright size-medium is-resized\"><img data-recalc-dims=\"1\" loading=\"lazy\" decoding=\"async\" width=\"300\" height=\"127\" src=\"https:\/\/i0.wp.com\/www.kidsfirst.org\/kidsfirstnews\/wp-content\/uploads\/2024\/03\/KFP_00591.jpg?resize=300%2C127&#038;ssl=1\" alt=\"\" class=\"wp-image-11847\" style=\"width:220px\" srcset=\"https:\/\/i0.wp.com\/www.kidsfirst.org\/kidsfirstnews\/wp-content\/uploads\/2024\/03\/KFP_00591.jpg?resize=300%2C127&amp;ssl=1 300w, https:\/\/i0.wp.com\/www.kidsfirst.org\/kidsfirstnews\/wp-content\/uploads\/2024\/03\/KFP_00591.jpg?w=700&amp;ssl=1 700w\" sizes=\"auto, (max-width: 300px) 100vw, 300px\" \/><figcaption class=\"wp-element-caption\">(from left) Po (Jack Black) and Zhen (Awkwafina) in DreamWorks Animation\u2019s Kung Fu Panda 4, directed by Mike Mitchell.<\/figcaption><\/figure>\n<\/div>\n\n\n<p>The film\u2019s message is that violence never solves conflicts. Although the film is full of fisticuffs, Po goes to great lengths to first reach an understanding with his foes. Po\u2019s reluctant transformation from Dragon Warrior to Spiritual Leader is at the heart of this nonviolence; furthermore, it develops Po\u2019s brazenness into a source of peace. Despite the film\u2019s child-friendliness, parents should be aware of mild violence. A few characters unfortunately die, but thankfully the deaths are comically unfocused and mostly implied.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p><em>Kung Fu Panda 4 <\/em>gets4 out of 5 stars and from me and I recommend it for ages 8 to 18, plus adults. The film releases on March 8, 2024 in theaters. Be sure to check it out in theaters.<\/p>\n","protected":false},"excerpt":{"rendered":"<p>After Po is tapped to become the Spiritual Leader of the Valley of Peace, he needs to find and train a new Dragon Warrior, while a wicked sorceress plans to re-summon all the master villains whom Po has vanquished to the spirit realm.<\/p>\n<p>KIDS FIRST! Film Critic Selene S. comments, \u201cDon&#8217;t get your noodles in a twist because Kung Fu Panda 4 is available now. For the first time in almost a decade, comedy icon Jack Black returns to his role as Po, the world&#8217;s acknowledged most unlikely kung fu master.  Some familiar characters are here to support him on his journey along with some new relationships which refresh this beloved franchise.\u201d Katherine S. adds, \u201cKung Fu Panda 4 is just the feel-good movie I needed this year. It\u2019s an incredibly entertaining family-friendly movie that seamlessly weaves humor and heartwarming messages.\u201d  Maica N. adds, \u201cWith a daring adventure and character development that gives the movie an appropriate pace, Kung Fu Panda 4 is a new lighthearted film that I definitely enjoyed.\u201d Arjun N. wraps it up with, \u201cThe film\u2019s message is that violence never solves conflicts. Although the film is full of fisticuffs, Po goes to great lengths to first reach an understanding with his foes. Po\u2019s reluctant transformation from Dragon Warrior to Spiritual Leader is at the heart of this nonviolence; furthermore, it develops Po\u2019s brazenness into a source of peace.\u201d <\/p>\n","protected":false},"author":13,"featured_media":0,"comment_status":"closed","ping_status":"closed","sticky":false,"template":"","format":"standard","meta":{"jetpack_post_was_ever_published":false,"_jetpack_newsletter_access":"","_jetpack_dont_email_post_to_subs":false,"_jetpack_newsletter_tier_id":0,"_jetpack_memberships_contains_paywalled_content":false,"_jetpack_memberships_contains_paid_content":false,"footnotes":"","jetpack_publicize_message":"","jetpack_publicize_feature_enabled":true,"jetpack_social_post_already_shared":true,"jetpack_social_options":{"image_generator_settings":{"template":"highway","default_image_id":0,"font":"","enabled":false},"version":2}},"categories":[15,14],"tags":[1097,68,7518,7513,7514,7517,7511,2545,4737,7510,2551,5436,2708,7519,7516,116,7509,7515,398,7512,1336],"class_list":["post-11846","post","type-post","status-publish","format-standard","hentry","category-feature-film-reviews","category-film-screenings","tag-awkwafina","tag-bryan-cranston","tag-darren-lemke","tag-david-lindsay-abaire","tag-dustin-hoffman","tag-glenn-berger","tag-ian-mcshane","tag-jack-black","tag-james-hong","tag-james-murray","tag-james-sie","tag-jonathan-aibel","tag-ke-huy-quan","tag-lillian-yu","tag-lori-tan-chinn","tag-mike-mitchell","tag-mr-beast","tag-ronny-chieng","tag-seth-rogen","tag-stephanie-stine","tag-viola-davis"],"jetpack_publicize_connections":[],"jetpack_featured_media_url":"","jetpack_shortlink":"https:\/\/wp.me\/paS5I2-354","jetpack_sharing_enabled":true,"_links":{"self":[{"href":"https:\/\/www.kidsfirst.org\/kidsfirstnews\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/posts\/11846","targetHints":{"allow":["GET"]}}],"collection":[{"href":"https:\/\/www.kidsfirst.org\/kidsfirstnews\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/posts"}],"about":[{"href":"https:\/\/www.kidsfirst.org\/kidsfirstnews\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/types\/post"}],"author":[{"embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/www.kidsfirst.org\/kidsfirstnews\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/users\/13"}],"replies":[{"embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/www.kidsfirst.org\/kidsfirstnews\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/comments?post=11846"}],"version-history":[{"count":4,"href":"https:\/\/www.kidsfirst.org\/kidsfirstnews\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/posts\/11846\/revisions"}],"predecessor-version":[{"id":11862,"href":"https:\/\/www.kidsfirst.org\/kidsfirstnews\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/posts\/11846\/revisions\/11862"}],"wp:attachment":[{"href":"https:\/\/www.kidsfirst.org\/kidsfirstnews\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/media?parent=11846"}],"wp:term":[{"taxonomy":"category","embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/www.kidsfirst.org\/kidsfirstnews\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/categories?post=11846"},{"taxonomy":"post_tag","embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/www.kidsfirst.org\/kidsfirstnews\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/tags?post=11846"}],"curies":[{"name":"wp","href":"https:\/\/api.w.org\/{rel}","templated":true}]}}