3 Things Parents Should Know about Kung Fu Panda 4

The series was built around comedian and actor Jack Black, whose first movie in the franchise -- 2008's Kung Fu Panda -- told the story of an overweight, nonathletic panda bear named Po who works for his goose father (Mr. Ping) in a Chinese restaurant but dreams of becoming a great warrior. To everyone's surprise, he succeeds. In 2011's Kung Fu Panda 2, Po joins forces with four other kung fu fighters (together, they're the Furious Five) to protect China from an evil villain. In 2016's Kung Fu Panda 3, Po goes on a journey to find his biological father, Li Shan, while opposing another nemesis.

All three movies grossed more than $140 million. (The first film topped $200 million.). Meanwhile, Kung Fu Panda and Kung Fu Panda 2 each were nominated for an Oscar.

Photo credit: ©DreamWorks; used with permission.

As the adage goes, "Father Time" is undefeated. Po learns that in Kung Fu Panda 4 as he struggles with the idea of retirement. Master Shifu (Dustin Hoffman) tells Po that the next stage of life is important -- you'll be "passing along wisdom and aspiring hope" as the spiritual leader! But Po is nevertheless reluctant. The film echoes the themes of Cars 3, another animated movie that saw its main character turning the page to the next chapter in life. Eventually, Po considers Zhen for that role.

Director Mike Mitchell said the overarching theme of the film is embracing change. Children, he noted, face change when they transition from elementary school to junior high and to high school or when they move from one town to the next.

"Change doesn't have to be a bad thing," Mitchell told Crosswalk. "You're not leaving behind who you were. You're just growing and possibly becoming something greater than you already were."

Photo credit: ©DreamWorks; used with permission.

Change isn't the only theme. Redemption and adoption are also major focuses. The franchise's newest character, Zhen, gets two chances at redemption: first after a life of crime -- that's when she meets Po -- and a second time after she commits a transgression late in the film that puts Po's life in danger. She and Po's common background -- they were both orphans -- helps them bond. (Although, unlike Po, Zhen was not adopted.)

"I guess we both got lucky," Po says. (Po, throughout the film, often references his "two dads" -- a phrase that may confuse new viewers who don't know his background.)

The film contains no sexuality or coarse language, although its infusion of magic and violence may trouble some families. Chameleon is a sorceress who practices black magic. More than once, she changes into ugly-looking creatures that may frighten young viewers. (The official PG rating mentions "scary images"). Toward the end of the film, she and Po have, essentially, a magic battle. (Imagine an animated Doctor Strange.) Of course, the movie promotes an East Asian worldview, with Shifu telling Po to "ask the universe for answers."

That said, Po is often a solid role model. He goes out of his way to pay for a meal at a tavern when Zhen tries to steal it. He encourages Zhen to live a good life, telling her, "It's never too late to do the right thing."

Kung Fu Panda 4 includes a few pitfalls for families, but its message is solid. Black's humor and cadence carry the film. The plot is solid, especially for a fourth film in a franchise. Fans of the series likely will be pleased.

Rated PG for martial arts action/mild violence, scary images and some mild rude humor.

Entertainment rating: 3.5 out of 5 stars.

Family-friendly rating: 4 out of 5 stars.

Photo credit: ©DreamWorks; used with permission.