You have to respect a franchise that can produce four films over the course of 16 years. The Kung Fu Panda franchise has done just that, with a new adventure released for audiences in theaters today.

In the latest installment of the Jack Black-led franchise, change is brewing. Po (Black) is the Dragon Warrior, and he’s got the staff of wisdom. He’s content to kick butt and use his celebrity to help his fathers—Ping (James Hong) and Li (Bryan Cranston) with their business. But master Shifu (Dustin Hoffman) knows it’s time for Po to break free of his comfort zone.

While he’s the dragon warrior now, his destiny is to move to the next level and become the great Spiritual Leader, training another to take his place. Po auditions candidates but he can’t find one that feels right. In the meantime, he learns of a new threat to the realm.

With the Furious Five away on other business, Po decides to meet this challenge. To aid his search, he enlists a crafty fox, Zhen (Awkwafina), who knows where this new shape-shifting villain (Viola Davis) resides. But is Po strong enough to overcome a villain who wants to use sorcery to become the greatest warrior of all time?

As noted, it’s impressive when a franchise has popularity and staying power. No matter what, that’s true of this franchise, which began in 2008. It remains popular with younger viewers through its fourth installment. I screened the film in a theater full of younger viewers, many of whom laughed and cheered throughout the 90-minute film.

Black does a nice job in the lead role, and this has a strong voice cast. The addition of Awkwafina was fun, while Davis was solid as the villain. I’ve also always enjoyed Hoffman’s master Shifu.

These are brightly colored films with an easy-to-follow story and some humor. They are enjoyable enough while you’re watching them, but they don’t stick with me beyond that. This latest installment is similar. The story is good enough, the characters and the look are fun, but my interest in it largely ends at the credits.

So far, we haven’t gotten a lot of family-friendly fare in theaters in 2024. It’s nice to have a good, animated option for younger viewers, many of whom will be delighted that Po is back in action. For the rest, this is a fine watch but little more than that.

Kung Fu Panda 4 opens nationwide in theaters today.

Matthew Fox is a graduate of the Radio, Television and Film program at Biola University, and a giant nerd. He spends his free time watching movies, TV, and obsessing about football. He is a member of the FSWA. You can find him @knighthawk7734 on Twitter and as co-host of the Fantasy Football Roundtable Podcast.