Kung Fu Panda 4 is mild. It has superficial themes of change, some setup/payoff, a running symbol, and an adequate side character arc. However, there's blunt exposition, pointless threads, thin motivations, flat villains, digressions, and forced comedy. The script lacks the intimate heart, witty enthusiasm, and spiritual insight to elevate its formulaic plot. Its voice acting offers suitable charisma and humor, but mediocre range, vulnerability, and chemistry. None of the dialogue, relationships, conflicts, or growth feels particularly inspired or consequential. As a result, Kung Fu Panda 4 is more or less competent yet fairly expendable. Generally, it's diminishing returns.
Technically, Kung Fu Panda 4 flashes energy and apathy. Its direction supplies muddled tones, filler, brief surrealism, and action. The imagery uses motion, lighting, color, and depth. Its editing offers split screens, slick transitions, bloated sequences, and rushed pacing. The sound adds genre elements, echoes, split cuts, and muffling. Its indifferent music establishes general senses of location and mood. The production design creates setting, catchy characters, and painterly backdrops. Its underutilized cast has recognizable names but inconsistent fit. The CGI animation provides detail in line with typical studio releases. Overall, Kung Fu Panda 4 is inoffensively superfluous.
Writing: 4/10
Direction: 6/10
Cinematography: 7/10
Acting: 6/10
Editing: 7/10
Sound: 8/10
Score/Soundtrack: 6/10
Production Design: 8/10
Casting: 7/10
Effects: 8/10
Overall Score: 6.7/10
Comments