Po the panda is back and largely on his own in Kung Fu Panda 4, an entertaining continuation of the popular series that may not elevate the franchise but will nonetheless appeal to all the children (and parents) who love Kung fu-fighting animals. 

Jack Black returns to voice the Dragon Warrior and Awkwafina joins the cast to play Zhen, a feisty fox. Viola Davis is the villainous The Chameleon. 

It’s been eight years since Kung Fu Panda 3, and there isn’t a whole lot new for this franchise to do or say. The animation is solid though hardly industry disruptive; the story is your typical “bad guy wanting to take over the world/China” stuff; and Po is… Po. 

But Kung Fu Panda 4 has plenty to like. There is lots of creative action, some good set pieces, and imaginative characters. It’s moderately funny. And of course it has the energy, pace, and color to captivate the kids. My five-year-old was hooked immediately. 

That’s more than enough.

Review by Erik Samdahl unless otherwise indicated.