LaKesha Raynor

I was so eager to see Kung Fu Panda 4 because I absolutely love the first three films, but, unfortunately, this installment felt just...meh. Initially, I was upset about not catching it on opening day, but after watching it the Monday after opening weekend, I'm somewhat relieved. My husband fell asleep during the movie, and honestly, I'm glad I didn't have to justify why we didn't just wait for it's stream release. It felt more like made for TV rather than a full-blown movie. I can't wrap my head around Zhen becoming the Dragon Warrior after her deceit. Where's the integrity in that? Also, Shifu seemed uncharacteristically pushy even for Shifu. Po's rush into becoming a spiritual leader felt as premature as his quick transition to teaching as a master in the third film—both instances of rushed character development that don't sit right with me. The treatment of the villains also puzzled me. Tai Lung, Lord Shen, and Kai seemingly made no effort to escape returning to the spirit realm, which feels like a missed opportunity for complexity. And the absence of Chameleon's struggle with the overwhelming Kung Fu power, unlike Kai with chi, was a noticeable oversight. But most disappointing, though, was the lack of the Furious Five. I mean how can you not have the Furious Five say anything just make a visual cameo in the end!! Their absence left a void that the movie struggled to fill. If this is the best that could be offered for the fourth installment, then it's a real letdown. I'm a huge fan of Kung Fu Panda, but this installment left me feeling underwhelmed. Now will I still watch it multiple times when it comes out on streaming video? Of course! I am a Kung Fu Panda junky!! But knowing that makes me no less disappointed 😞.

Absolutely loved this. I have watched it at least 6 times, heck, twice today and 3 times the first day I watched it. I love the music, the storyline, and LIN-MANUEL MIRANDA!! Such a fan! He did an excellent job. And so many Hamilton-esque features. I gotta keep watching to catch them all. My hubby said, oh Lord, something else you will be going to sleep to. What can I say? 🤷🏾‍♀️ I'm a big kid at heart.

I love all of the installments of Kung Fu Panda. If I had to rank them it would be 1, 3, 2. I had to learn to love 2. I guess more so because right now it's the only one on cable. I love 1 because it started it all. But I love 3 for bringing everything full circle. After watching all of them, I can see how the story was so interwoven. I can go to sleep to any one of these each night. They put me at peace. My hubby knows when I'm restless, he can put this on and I'm good!