Film Review: The student becomes the unwilling teacher in Kung Fu Panda 4

Jack Black and Awkwafina in Kung Fu Panda 4.

• Kung Fu Panda 4
• ★★★☆☆
• Cinema release

It has been 16 years since Jack Black karate chopped his way across the big screen as hapless panda Po in the animated family adventure Kung Fu Panda.

Channelling his inner Bruce Lee, Po fulfilled his destiny of becoming the Dragon Master and joined an ancient band of warriors, the Furious Five. 

Four films and over $2bn dollars in box office returns later, Po is back in Kung Fu Panda 4 (PG), and this time, seeking a worthy successor for his Dragon Master mantle.

The problem is that Po isn’t ready to retire, but his mentor, Shifu (Dustin Hoffman), insists that he pass on his sacred Staff of Wisdom.

While Po half-heartedly sets out to find a successor, an evil Chameleon (Viola Davis) sets her sights on the Staff of Wisdom. 

The Chameleon wants to use the staff to harvest the strength of deceased warriors, making her all-powerful. 

Po teams up with a young thief, Zhen (Awkwafina), to prevent the dastardly plan, but can they stop her?

The previous films were full of humour, lacking here, but there are plenty of fights and slapstick to keep little ones entertained. Awkwafina brings a lot of spark to the franchise.