Kung Fu Panda 4 (2024)

Director Mike Mitchell freshens up the characters with a new sidekick and strong villain performance from Viola Davis. Po's witty lines and knockabout energy keep the cursory plot engaging despite its simplicity.

The animated film melds wisecracking comedy and sprightly action sequences with a message of kindness and self-discovery. It is an enjoyable entry even if missing some of the pizazz of the earlier ones, with witty gags and a charming lead duo standing out.

The fourth entry in the animated action franchise finds Po at the top of his game but forced to hand over his title while dealing with a shape-shifting new villain and returns from past characters. It is colourful and satisfying, filled with visual jokes and tongue-in-cheek one-liners.

The film is a good time that doesn’t betray the series’ strengths but exhibits signs of struggling to justify its existence. Comedy is favored over emotionality and thematic depth, with fights remaining stylish but heart more muted than before.

The film delivers energetic slapstick and fight scenes but lacks the franchise's signature sweetness and charm. The lead voices of Jack Black and Awkwafina form a strong double act, though the story feels overfussy and fails to fully engage its young audience.

Though visually dazzling, the film shows a flabby franchise in need of punch as it coasts on elements that have worked before in a rushed and over-stuffed package. It is still a fun world to experience but virtues get short shrift and the dumpling is a little too light on the filling.

The critic finds that Po’s return has lost much of its creative spark and fails to prove itself worthy of cinematic inclusion. Jokes outweigh sentiments on personal evolution while Black’s vocal performance provides the main boost.

The film struggles to justify its existence and lacks the delicate artistry and warm wit of its predecessors. It is geared mainly toward younger audiences in ways that are frequently silly and insubstantial, with rushed pacing and missing elements like the notion of inner peace.

Martial arts master panda Po returns after an eight-year absence in a lacklustre sequel that is as colourful and energetic as its predecessors but lacks the sweet buoyancy that once made the franchise fun. There is little fresh about the character or world, resulting in a sporadically amusing animated action-comedy without much kick.

The latest instalment feels like going through the motions, wringing value from tired characters with uninspired adventure and pallid scripting. The animation is slick in places but overall unambitious compared to recent animated films.

The fourth chapter has all the things it is supposed to have but lacks surprise and good jokes, with Po going through the motions. The comic punch and sense of journey are gone, and the action lacks the surreal freedom animation makes possible.

The film is safe and fairly predictable but still a good time, offering reliable slick and pacy animated entertainment in the familiar style of the series. It works well as an action-buddy-comedy with sparky leads and big comedy set-pieces, though it is a step back in ambition from the previous entry.

The review describes it as a fun but largely unnecessary fourth outing in the wuxia-inspired animated franchise. Jack Black returns as the heaviest hero in a lightweight sequel.

The critic calls it a predictable but pleasant franchise entry where the moves are getting a bit rusty but there's still plenty of fun. Jack Black's hilarious vocal performance remains a highlight, well matched by Awkwafina.

It is a sprightly sequel that never leaves its comfort zone, with Jack Black and Awkwafina as a fun pairing. The film is unsurprising but amiable overall.

The critic finds the film a winning sequel that keeps the franchise vibrant and fresh. Jack Black's energetic voice work as Po and the superb visuals and production values are singled out for praise.

The film proves there's still plenty of juice left in the series by shifting to a buddy dynamic between Po and Zhen while introducing a compelling new villain. It succeeds in trying something new for the franchise but has some pacing issues in the back half.

The movie settles into formulaic mediocrity as a reliable but uninspired sequel that entertains children without much spark. It benefits from a change of setting and the Chameleon villain but feels canned compared to the earlier entries.

The critic finds the film entertaining with strong animation and action but criticizes it as an unnecessary sequel that treads water and sidelines the Furious Five. Praises the buddy-cop dynamic with Zhen and the action sequences.

The critic finds the sequel disappointing and lacking the heart and humor of prior entries, feeling like a generic product. The familiar story execution and absence of emotional depth or visual distinction are singled out for complaint.