The new sequel to the series started in 2008 lacks the grace of the first two and the emotion of the third. It is a production that stretches a story that had been perfectly closed.
The panda Po lived in China very happy, he ate and wandered incessantly, until the red panda Shifu took him into his care and made him well. At his command, the wagon bear became a warrior capable of confronting any quarrelsome creature that threatened the peace of the town and the entire valley. That counted “Kung Fu Panda,” which was a global hit, generating millions of dollars, abundant merchandising and, of course, a second film.
After which came the third, which in addition to adding new adventures and fights put the emphasis on a delicate sentimental question, or identityhowever you want to say it: the bear, adopted son of a cook goose, He met his biological father, and went to meet his loved ones., on a trip that also included his father at heart. Not just laughter, but good emotion and teachings, he had that part. Thus the story closed, and a beautiful trilogy was made to remember.
But now the fourth film appears. Was it necessary? Its producers think so, to continue making money. Do they deserve to win it? Honestly no. The jokes are few, the fights happen so quickly that they cannot be fully understood or enjoyed, and the bear has lost a lot of his grace (but not his fatness). It just passes the time, nothing more.
As for the story, this time the panda must face a powerful and very evil female chameleon who seeks absolute power. We already know that the fight will be agonizing and we know who is going to win, but on the sidelines there is something perhaps more interesting: the parents come to their aid, worried about their son, and, although they are not prepared for the fight, they are going to fight (at his way, of course). That’s nice, it’s a shame it doesn’t move. Another interesting fact is the appearance of a very light fox, very skilled at theft and deception. The evolution of that character is commendable, but, as the story develops, it is also to be feared that at any moment “Kung Fu Bitch” or something like that will be announced. That’s how things go.
Libretos, Jonathan Aibel, Glenn Berger (creators of “Kung Fu Panda”) and three other meddlers. Director, Stephanie Stine, who comes from the “She-Ra” series and Mike Mitchell, responsible for “The Great Lego Adventure 2”, “Alvin and the Chipmunks 3” and “Schrek 4”, an accomplished rehatter. Original voices, Jack Black, Awkwafina, Dustin Hoffman (Master Shifu), Viola Davis (the Chameleon). Dubbing, Omar Chaparro, Verónica Toussaint, Octavio Rojas, Marcela Páez, Mexicans but in neutral.
“Kung-Fu Panda 4” (USA, 2024); Dir.: Mike Mitchell & Stephanie Stine. Animation.
Source: Ambito
I am an author and journalist who has worked in the entertainment industry for over a decade. I currently work as a news editor at a major news website, and my focus is on covering the latest trends in entertainment. I also write occasional pieces for other outlets, and have authored two books about the entertainment industry.
