Is Kung Fu Panda 4 safe for kids? Is Kung Fu Panda 4 OK for kids? Read the Kung Fu Panda 4 Movie Review | Safe for Kids?, an honest parents guide and mom review of the all-new DreamWorks animated film sequel Kung Fu Panda 4 2024, starring Jack Black as Po, Awkwafina, Viola Davis, Dustin Hoffman, Bryan Cranston, James Hong, Ian McShane, and Ke Huy Quan. No spoilers! #KungFuPanda #KungFuPanda4 May contain commissioned links.
Kung Fu Panda 4 Movie Review | Safe for Kids? Parents Guide
Ok, who asked for a Po sequel?
It’s been about 8-years since the last Kung Fu Panda movie release. Foundational as one of the highest grossing film franchises in DreamWorks history at over $1.8 billion – Kung Fu Panda has been the bread and butter of DreamWorks Animation success. But following a sad Ruby Gillman original animated release (only about $43 million), desperate times call for desperate animated film measures. DreamWorks is reaching deep into their dumplings to see if audiences will favor old franchise favorites over original ideas.
Coming off a Bowser high – Jack Black is back and better than ever. But does this tenacious (*cough* D *cough*) animated film voice actor still have what it takes to bring an old Kung Fu Panda back to his glory days?
With a spin-off television series, a new DreamWorks theme park area opening this summer 2024, and tons of merchandise – is Universal trying to squeeze every last drop of panda goodness from this franchise? Or should this Kung Fu Panda franchise have been ska-dooshed a long time ago?
In this Kung Fu Panda 4 Movie Review | Safe for Kids?, I’m breaking down the visuals, the story, a full PG age rating explanation for violence, adult themes and language, and what kids’ age recommendation is suggested to watch in this new 2024 Kung Fu Panda 4 parents guide to the new DreamWorks Animation animated film. A no-spoiler parent review of Kung Fu Panda 4 2024, is this film just as good as the other Kung Fu Panda movie sequels? Or is this sequel going to be the un-BEAR-able one that breaks the Kung Fu Panda’s back?
The Visuals
And I thought the original 2008 Kung Fu Panda visuals were impressive. Per usual, DreamWorks know what they’re doing in the animation department – with bright colored visuals, crisp details, (down to single strands of fur) sweeping camera effects, and beautiful landscapes reflective of ancient China. While not a massive upgrade from the 3 other Kung Fu Panda films there’s something comforting in seeing a familiar old panda friend on screen again.
Photosensitivity Warning. For viewers prone to epilepsy and photosensitivity, there are some scenes of bright flashing or strobing lights – including scenes with fireworks being set off, bright flashes of lightning, and bright animation effects from the use of Po’s staff of wisdom. There are also a few scenes with dizzying and fast spinning camera movements that could be nausea inducing for some – including spinning rooms and spinning tables of food.
The Story
The 4th installment of iconic DreamWorks animated film franchise Kung Fu Panda is directed by Mike Mitchell (“Trolls“), co-directed by Stephanie Ma Stine (“How to Train Your Dragon: The Hidden World“), and produced by Rebecca Huntley (“The Bad Guys“). The all-star cast includes Jack Black (“The Super Mario Bros Movie“) returning to voice the lovable panda Po, Awkwafina (“Shang Chi and the Legend of the Ten Rings“) as new character Zhen, Viola Davis (“The Hunger Games: The Ballad of Songbirds & Snakes“) as Chameleon, Dustin Hoffman (“Rain Man“) returning as Master Shifu, James Hong (“Turning Red“) returning as Po’s adoptive father Mr. Ping, Bryan Cranston (“Breaking Bad,” “Argylle“), Ian McShane (the “John Wick” franchise) returning as Po’s birth father Tai Lung, and Ke Huy Quan (“Everything Everywhere All At Once“) as new character Han.
The best part about the story of Kung Fu Panda 4 is that you do NOT need to be familiar with the entire Kung Fu Panda franchise in order to follow along. While there are some nods and Kung Fu Panda Easter Eggs to previous films, the plot and pacing allows for new and old fans to join Po’s journey in a simple yet action-packed animated movie that keeps the energy flowing.
There’s never a slow point or dull moment as DreamWorks expertly works their panda magic – fostering yet another entertaining iteration of familiar family movie tropes. But weaving in new characters and important life lessons about new challenges, accepting change, and trust – Po yet again speaks to the hearts of Kung Fu Panda lovers everywhere.
All this to say – that doesn’t mean that DreamWorks kept this Kung Fu Panda 4 sequel as wholesome as some of the other sequels.
Kung Fu Panda 4 PG Rating Explained
Is Kung Fu Panda 4 safe for kids? A DreamWorks animated film rated PG? Are we talking another crude Shrek or a milder How to Train Your Dragon? Should parents be concerned? It’s no secret that I am highly skeptical of all MPAA ratings (um hello, Star Wars: The Rise of Skywalker not disclosing any language??). And as we know, not all movie and TV age ratings are the same. As a parent, it’s been rather heartbreaking to witness how ratings have shifted over the years with a G-rating no longer an option to help guide parents.
PG ratings now oscillating between Turning Red intense to Christopher Robin calm, and even PG-13/TV-14 age ratings teetering on the edge of R or MA ratings (Moon Knight and Werewolf by Night, I see you!), there’s a wide range between the age of 0-14 years old for parents to consider. Having fully disclosed parent guidelines can help parents determine if a movie or show is kid friendly – and safe for the whole family to watch together.
Why is Kung Fu Panda 4 rated PG? In this Kung Fu Panda 4 Movie Review | Safe for Kids?, this 2024 animated film sequel from Universal Pictures and DreamWorks Animation is rated PG for “martial arts action/mild violence, scary images and some mild rude humor.” With film and TV ratings also unpredictable these days, having fully disclosed parent guidelines can help determine if a movie or television show like Kung Fu Panda 4 is kid friendly. Is Kung Fu Panda 4 too crude for kids? Is Kung Fu Panda 4 OK for kids? Let’s breakdown that PG age rating in this Kung Fu Panda 4 parents guide.
Violence/Suspense. Per Kung Fu Panda style – it wouldn’t be a Kung Fu Panda film without the martial arts fighting and violence Keeping things light and kid friendly with the help of bright and colorful animation styling, the kicking and punching fight scenes are overall very enhanced and unrealistic. One cut scene implying an animal spitting out multiple children animals. There are use of weapons ranging from swords and spears to crossbows and chains. Imprisonment and being caged is a common theme. There are also sounds of “whip” noises – but nothing seen.
Is this the scary images section of the Kung Fu Panda 4 movie review? While I wasn’t remotely creeped out by the villain in this film (maybe some darker images used to portray who the villain is – but overall not scary compared to other kids films) I will say that there are some mystical/magical sorcery used in scenes referring to the spiritual realm (aka where the dead go) and crossing over from life to death and death to life that may be somewhat creepy – kind of similar to witchcraft. However – that’s not even close to what scared me in Kung Fu Panda 4.
In a strange choice of film humor, there are scenes of “child” animals acting upon and promoting violence. From biting butts and nipples to cheering “Violence! Violence!” to putting fireworks in someone’s pants and lighting them to distorted facial features – while meant for laughs is also kind of creepy and disturbing – more than say the villain in this Kung Fu Panda 4 sequel.
No blood or gore in Kung Fu Panda 4 – with the focus being more on the action, story and comedy. There are multiple scenes of teeth being spit out (implied loss during action sequences) Mild peril and suspense are also present.
Adult Themes. There is a mild to moderate amount of alcohol content in Kung Fu Panda 4 – including visiting a tavern/bar with tankards of beer and characters gulping, sometimes pouring alcohol down their throats (with a funny punchline). There is presence of gambling with playing mahjong for money in the tavern setting as well. There is also one notable scene of two characters sipping from tropical “punch” drinks. No one acts drunk. No other drug or alcohol references of note.
Hello “mild rude humor” section of this Kung Fu Panda 4 review. As per kid-humor standards there are multiple references to “butts.” From verbal references of “kicking butts” to visuals of characters biting butts to one visual of gas expelling from a butt (through pants – but the visual and sound effects are ALL there) – Kung Fu Panda 4 keeps the kid “butt” laughs flowing throughout the film. There are also multiple scenes showing animals biting the nipple area of other animals. This may be disturbing.
Did somebody say Kung Fu Panda nudity? While there are no sex scenes or sexual content of note in Kung Fu Panda 4 the sensual innuendo is not completely clean either. There is one scene of implied nudity – with a main character missing his pants and holding a strategically placed piece of pottery over his naked front region. This is a short scene overall, meant for laughs. There are A LOT of “two dads” jokes – kind of over the top and unnecessary. Take that as you will.
Language. Does Kung Fu Panda 4 have language? While there are no foul language phrases and swear words in this Kung Fu Panda sequel, milder bad language phrases and insults in Kung Fu Panda 4 include: “butt,” “idiot,” “rejects,” “mangy,” “scamps,” “runts,” “screwed up,” “screw up,” “that’s a lot of bull,” “freaking out,” and “oh my gosh.”
Kung Fu Panda 4 Age Rating for Kids
With a runtime of 1 hour 34 minutes, this Kung Fu Panda 4 2024 film sequel is right in the hour and a half wheelhouse of all of the other Kung Fu Panda movies. With brightly colored animation plenty of action and martial arts fighting and an easy-to-follow but evenly paced kid-friendly story – DreamWorks hits every checkbox for making yet another kid friendly and family friendly movie sequel.
Keep the vibe very similar to the other Kung Fu Panda film iterations – with a few added crude humor jokes on par with the likes of Shrek – DreamWorks has done it again.
Kung Fu Panda 4 is most like the DreamWorks Kung Fu Panda animated film franchise including Kung Fu Panda (2008), Kung Fu Panda 2 (2011), and Kung Fu Panda 3 (2016).
This 2024 animated film sequel from Universal Pictures and DreamWorks Animation is rated PG for “martial arts action/mild violence, scary images and some mild rude humor” by the MPAA.
Yes, Kung Fu Panda 4 does have one end credit scene that happens at the beginning of the credits (aka as the credits START to roll). There are no other end credit scenes – no reason to wait until the very end. Go ahead and head home right after.
Based on my Kung Fu Panda 4 parents guide and mom review above, I would not recommend Kung Fu Panda 4 to kids younger than the age of 6-7 years old.
With multiple disturbing scenes depicting butt biting and nipple butting, Kung Fu Panda 4 is an animated kids film that plays to “strange violence” and crude humor choices that may be questionable for parents – making this Kung Fu Panda 4 sequel one level above the original Kung Fu Panda 2008 film. I advise parents to prescreen the film for violence and humor.
Considering the full PG age rating breakdown above, this parent movie reviewer would not recommend Kung Fu Panda 4 to kids younger than the age of 6-7 years old. This Kung Fu Panda 4 PG rating is pretty spot on and easily comparable to the Kung Fu Panda movie franchise ratings. 
The Overall
There’s a reason that Po has been a foundational hero of the DreamWorks Animation franchise – beyond cute and cuddly this Kung Fu Panda knows how to make a butt-kicking yet entertaining sequel again and again and again.
Kung Fu Panda 4 is a little bit of panda-monium but has all of the bear necessities for another DreamWorks sequel success. With enough dumpling filling of story, humor, and familiar characters – it’s not quite time to say ska-doosh to Jack Black and his iconic panda role. But the real question is will DreamWorks continue to keep playing their trump Panda card every time an original idea belly flops?
Follow Kung Fu Panda 4 on social media:
- Website: https://www.dreamworks.com/movies/kung-fu-panda-4
- Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/KungFuPanda
- TikTok: https://www.tiktok.com/@DreamWorks
- Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/KungFuPanda
- #KungFuPanda
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Kung Fu Panda 4, the all-new animated film sequel from DreamWorks and Universal Pictures is kicking into theaters starting Friday March 8, 2024. Will your family be watching?
I was invited to screen the DreamWorks Animation and Universal Pictures’ new animated film sequel Kung Fu Panda 4 2024 in exchange for this Kung Fu Panda 4 Movie Review | Safe for Kids? Parents Guide. All photos courtesy of Universal Pictures/DreamWorks. Be sure to follow Raising Whasians for more movie reviews, television updates, celebrity interviews, entertainment, and behind-the-scenes info!
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