*Spoiler Warning*

   Hey everyone! With the release of Kung Fu Panda 4 last Friday一which happened to land on my birthday—I wanted to talk about the movie after seeing it in theaters.

Storyline

   If you haven’t watched the first three movies of the Kung Fu Panda franchise, I would watch them first, because Kung Fu Panda 4 is a continuation of the franchise. It’s not a great beginning for newcomers who are unfamiliar with the existing lore.  Po (Jack Black) must train a new warrior when he’s chosen to become the spiritual leader of the Valley of Peace. However, when a powerful shape-shifting sorceress (Viola Davis) sets her eyes on his Staff of Wisdom, he suddenly realizes he will need some help. Teaming up with a quick-witted corsac fox named Zhen(Awkwafina), Po soon discovers that heroes can be found in the most unexpected places.

I really like the storyline, so I would give it a 10/10. 

Casting

   The casting was well done once again, I like how Jack Black (Mario Movie) plays Po, the Dragon Warrior. James Hong (Everything Everywhere All At Once)  did an excellent job with Mr. Ping, Po’s adopted father. , Bryan Cranston (Breaking Bad) did just as excellent another excellent job as with Li, Po’s biological father. I have to say, I’m impressed with the villain this time. Viola Davis (Ballad of Songbirds and Snakes) plays the main antagonist, The Chameleon. I also liked how Awkwafina (Little Mermaid remake) portrayed  Zhen, who eventually becomes Po’s apprentice. For Casting, I would rate it as a 10/10.

Cinematography

I like the cinematography of the movie. The battle scenes all reminded me of Puss in Boots: The Last Wish. Juniper City looked great and reminded me a bit of the Lego Ninjago Series (don’t worry, we will get to that next article). I like how the Staff of Wisdom is so small compared to Po and the main purpose of bringing villains back from the afterlife is so cool. I enjoyed the aura around each villain as they return to the living because it shows that there is a different color besides white and green which represents the afterlife. I would give cinematography a 10/10.

Humor

I’m adding this category to the franchise because there were a lot of funny parts in the movie. I’m giving it a 10/10.

   I was so happy when hearing Jack Black’s version of “Hit Me Baby One More Time” at the end credits. I guess you can say, he’s more than his other song “Peaches” in the Super Mario Movie.

    Some people say that Kung Fu Panda 4 is the finale of the Kung Fu Panda series, but it’s not. There are two more movies left in the series before it comes to a close and I’m sure there will be more Jack Black shenanigans (if he is willing to go for a fifth movie). Kung Fu Panda 4 is officially in theaters in case you feel like watching it. See you all next time when we get into one of my favorite series as a kid: The Lego Ninjago Series.