Kung Fu Panda 4

Our favorite panda, Master Po, is back for a particularly successful fourth adventure in this ever-inventive saga, with new characters, dynamic action scenes, the set of a big city, gags and the philosophy of kung-fu. The writers created a fourth adventure, full of twists and turns, with moments of emotion and humor.

The dragon warrior Po is now the spiritual leader of the Valley of Peace, with his wisdom stick. This evolution towards spirituality is not easy for him, especially since he must choose a new dragon warrior and give up playing this role. Change is the main theme of this film.

The success of a film is often linked to that of the villain. In this fourth episode, Po must face Chameleone, small lizard but formidable witch, who can transform into any creature, thanks to her magical powers. These metamorphoses give rise to impressive scenes. Chameleone rules the big city, Juniper City. She wants to strengthen her power by seizing Po's stick of wisdom. To fight her, Po will team up with Zhen, a fox, naturally cunning, mischievous and thief. At her side, the orphaned fox will discover kindness, goodness and friendship. But will she manage to change?

This adventure introduces new characters, as unexpected as they are comical, such as Grandma Boar, Thénardière manager, a trio of evil rabbits who are part of a gang of thieves who live underground in the city. Our panda discovers a new universe very different from his village: Juniper City, a megalopolis, dominated by the Palace of Chameleone. No one knows him there. It is in this universe that the battles take place, visually even more successful than the previous opuses thanks in particular to the evolution of technology.

Renew yourself while retaining the strong points of this saga: humor. The gags and lines fly. Two scenes are particularly tasty, when the gang of thieves interpret in their own way the philosophical reflections of the panda and the fox. These misinterpretations result in “a good action for a bad reason”. To meditate...
As with the previous opuses, Hans Zimmer composes thrilling music.

This new Kung Fu Panda adventure is a success, a fantastic family entertainment for young and old!

Kung Fu Panda 4
Directed by Mike Mitchell, Stephanie Stine
Written by Jonathan Aibel, Glenn Berger
Produced by Rebecca Huntley
Starring Jack Black (Po), Awkwafina (Zhen), Viola Davis (Caméléone), Dustin Hoffman (Shifu), James Hong (Ping), Bryan Cranston (Li), Ian McShane (Taï Lung), Ke Huy Quan (Han)
Edited by Christopher Knights
Music by Hans Zimmer, Steve Mazzaro
Production Company : DreamWorks Animation
Distributed by Universal Pictures
Release date : March 8, 2024 (United States), March 27, 2024 (France)
Running time : 94 minutes

Seen March 6, 2024 at Publicis Champs Elysées Salle 1 / French Version

Sabine's Mark:

As soon as Kung Fu Panda 4 was announced, expectations were divided. After three successful chapters, were we about to witness a creative feat or a sign that the franchise was running out of steam? DreamWorks Animation rises to the challenge with remarkable ease, demonstrating once again its ability to renew its iconic sagas with ingenuity and passion.

Po, animated cinema's most beloved panda, makes his grand return, carrying high the colors of joie de vivre and humor. Played with infectious vivacity by Jack Black in the original version and Manu Payer in the French version, Po retains all the charming clumsiness and heart of gold that have captivated audiences the world over. This time, Po's quest promises to be the most introspective and defining of his Dragon Warrior career. The introduction of new characters, notably Zhen the vixen, played by Awkwafina, brings a breath of fresh air and complexity to the plot, enriching the already dense universe of Kung Fu Panda.

The 4DX version of Kung Fu Panda 4 transcends the standard cinematic experience, offering total immersion that elevates every scene to a spectacle in itself. Dynamic seating, accompanied by wind and light effects, harmonize perfectly with the on-screen action, transforming every punch and flight through the majestic landscapes of ancient China into a palpable experience. This immersive technology doesn't just complement the film; it enriches it, making the battles more intense and the tender moments even more moving.

The script of Kung Fu Panda 4 shines in its ability to balance humor, action and emotion. Humor, a mainstay of the franchise, is given a new lease of life with pungent dialogue and inventive comic situations. The introduction of the villainous Chameleon, brilliantly played by Viola Davis in the original version, adds a layer of narrative complexity with an adversary equal to our hero. The film explores themes of leadership, friendship and the quest for self, offering life lessons wrapped up in spectacular action moments and deeply human interactions.

The French version of Kung Fu Panda 4 is distinguished by the exceptional quality of its dubbing. The French voices perfectly capture the essence and nuances of the characters, offering an interpretation that respects the original intention while adding a unique touch. This version suffers no comparison with the original, proving that the humor, adventure and universal emotions of Kung Fu Panda transcend language barriers. Manu Payet lends his voice perfectly to Po, much to the delight of viewers.

Kung Fu Panda 4 is not only an essential chapter in the franchise, but also a benchmark in the world of animation. Whether for the visual splendor enhanced by the 4DX experience, the emotional journey offered by the story, or the excellence of the French version, this film is a success on every level. DreamWorks Animation confirms its talent for creating stories that touch the hearts of young and old alike, while pushing back the boundaries of cinematic technology. Kung Fu Panda 4 is much more than an animated film; it's a celebration of perseverance, friendship and the power of self-belief.

Kung Fu Panda 4
Directed by Mike Mitchell, Stephanie Stine
Written by Jonathan Aibel, Glenn Berger
Produced by Rebecca Huntley
Starring Jack Black, Awkwafina, Viola Davis, Dustin Hoffman, James Hong,Bryan Cranston, Ian McShane, Ke Huy Quan
Edited by Christopher Knights
Music by Hans Zimmer, Steve Mazzaro
Production Company : DreamWorks Animation
Distributed by Universal Pictures
Release date : March 8, 2024 (United States), March 27, 2024 (France)
Running time : 94 minutes

Seen on march 27 2024 at Gaumont Opéra Capucines, Room 4DX, seat I6

Mulder's Mark: