54
Metascore
33 reviews · Provided by Metacritic.com
- 70Screen RantRachel LaBonteScreen RantRachel LaBonteThough following a familiar formula that's running the risk of wearing thin, Kung Fu Panda 4 still finds heart in the reliable Dreamworks franchise.
- 70ColliderRoss BonaimeColliderRoss BonaimeKung Fu Panda 4 is a film all about deciding to not do the easy thing of remaining stagnant and comfortable, but rather, trying something new and hopefully finding the greatness in the new opportunity. Kung Fu Panda 4 similarly does this, attempting a new approach to this world and mostly finding success, while also potentially setting up the future of where this series could go.
- 67IndieWireWilson ChapmanIndieWireWilson ChapmanA fun but largely unnecessary fourth outing.
- 65Paste MagazineJesse HassengerPaste MagazineJesse HassengerIt will entertain children, and it will inspire another sequel. Call it DreamWorks zen.
- 60Total FilmMatt MaytumTotal FilmMatt MaytumIt never feels particularly different to what you’ve seen before, and doesn’t push any boundaries visually or narratively in the way its DWA stablemate Puss in Boots: The Last Wish did.
- 60SlashfilmEthan AndertonSlashfilmEthan AndertonGranted, the story leaves something to be desired, and it's missing one of the franchise's signature traits, but as someone who was underwhelmed by the trailers teasing Po's return, I walked away feeling adequately entertained.
- 57PolygonPetrana RadulovicPolygonPetrana RadulovicAfter four movies, it isn’t really a surprise that the Kung Fu Panda machine is running out of steam — thankfully, though, it has just enough power left to churn out some genuine laughs at the end.
- 50The PlaylistGregory EllwoodThe PlaylistGregory EllwoodFor kids, the film is watchable because Black still finds ways to boost the movie with genuine charisma through his vocal talents alone (so much so you wonder why he isn’t working more in live action) and, for adults, something is reassuring in the glorious exasperation that accompanies everyone of Hoffman’s line readings. Still, it all feels a little too by the book.
- 38Movie NationRoger MooreMovie NationRoger MooreDreamworks built its animation empire out of smart-mouthed, sight-gagged character comedies like “Shrek” and “Puss in Boots” and “Madagascar.” It’s not shocking that they came back to the “Kung Fu Panda,” as, like Pixar, they’ve hit the wall when it comes to new ideas. But even they’d have to admit that cashing-in on a time-tested intellectual property may make business sense, and that Po and Co. deserved better than this.
- 38RogerEbert.comChristy LemireRogerEbert.comChristy LemireIt lacks both the delicate artistry and warm wit of its predecessors. The subtle sense of spirituality is long gone; in its place are frantic action sequences. Whereas the previous movies operated on various levels to resonate with adults and entertain kids, this one is geared mainly toward younger audiences in ways that are frequently silly and insubstantial.