48 reviews
I read other reviews, and while I do think some points are exaggerated in their quality, I understand where people are coming from. Dreamworks had hyped up Jack Black being on the project a lot, portraying this show as an unofficial Kung Fu Panda 4, when in reality this was just another generic kids show based on a Dreamworks property.
Are all Netflix Dreamworks shows bad? No, their other action shows like Kipo are one of my favorites as a matter of fact, but this show does little to stand out from others in its genre. The characters aren't doing anything for me despite having good backstories. Blade, for example, has a neat backstory regarding her brother, but her personality is the by-the books hardened and stoic type. Po is a lot less endearing and more annoying, but this isn't a complete character assassination (although the way he handles his status really irks me). As always, Mr. Ping is the best character.
The animation is pretty inconsistent. If the show aired 5-10 years earlier, it would be alright, but it didn't. The lighting and set design look really good and are the highlight visually. The new character designs suck and the villains especially look dog****. The actual animation feels off. IDK if it's because it's animated on twos or somsthing, but it felt less impactful.
Overall, a pretty average show that a 7 year old might like, but nothing beyond that. They could've executed this better.
Are all Netflix Dreamworks shows bad? No, their other action shows like Kipo are one of my favorites as a matter of fact, but this show does little to stand out from others in its genre. The characters aren't doing anything for me despite having good backstories. Blade, for example, has a neat backstory regarding her brother, but her personality is the by-the books hardened and stoic type. Po is a lot less endearing and more annoying, but this isn't a complete character assassination (although the way he handles his status really irks me). As always, Mr. Ping is the best character.
The animation is pretty inconsistent. If the show aired 5-10 years earlier, it would be alright, but it didn't. The lighting and set design look really good and are the highlight visually. The new character designs suck and the villains especially look dog****. The actual animation feels off. IDK if it's because it's animated on twos or somsthing, but it felt less impactful.
Overall, a pretty average show that a 7 year old might like, but nothing beyond that. They could've executed this better.
- gamergunk42
- Jul 19, 2022
- Permalink
Show progresses slowly. Animation is good for a DreamWorks TV show and voices original actors such as Jack black. Story is similar to Avengers: Infinity War. Po was tasked to get the Gaunlet but two bad guys attempt to steal it first. Their plans backfire but Po accidently let them get away with the town surrounding the gaunlet being destroyed, leaving people injured. Po is then not loved anymore and no one is his fan anymore. The emperor of China even revokes Po's title of Dragon Master. Po meets an English Knight who is tasked to retrieve the gaunlet to save England. Po sees this as an opportunity to team up with the knight to save the gaundlet in order to reclaim his title for Dragon master and to be loved again. The story is too simple however and feels as if it drags on. The episode feels like it could be 11 minutes instead of 22. Plot is good but the pacing of the plot is too slow. Acting is good animation is good directing is good. For some reason Po is seen as gullible and dull here but in the movies he was stronger and had developed to be a true master. I wonder why he had been downgraded in this show. The movies had already been a great ending for the franchise as Po had fully developed and became a perfect person. Otherwise, it is worth watching. 7/10.
- thismayverywellbea
- Jul 13, 2022
- Permalink
Po is undeniably an audience favorite and a spin-off series with Po voiced by the legendary Jack Black sounds like a good idea. But is it? The animation is poor with a few good-looking frame. You get used to it after a while and it's definetly watchable. Kids will like it.
The story is basically Infinity War. The trilogy was already perfect and it showed Po grow into a true master, and now this is what he acts like? It's however not the biggest deal since there's been Kung Fu Panda spin-offs before. It's a fun watch but nothing close to the movies, but kids will enjoy it.
The story is basically Infinity War. The trilogy was already perfect and it showed Po grow into a true master, and now this is what he acts like? It's however not the biggest deal since there's been Kung Fu Panda spin-offs before. It's a fun watch but nothing close to the movies, but kids will enjoy it.
- lovemichaeljordan
- Jul 13, 2022
- Permalink
The animation seem somehow bleak and cheap, trying to make the scenes as curtailed and limited, no detailed background teaming with life and color. The now supposedly master has reverted a few steps back into buffonery with jokes that will not make anyone but a small child smile. In general one feels like watching once favourite characters do their thing again and jump up and down the screen but in quickly put together , subaverage plot with recycled jokes so that kids can maybe smile at seeing them again and ask their parents to watch it again. Thats it at best, for kids and the cut off age low.
This show is just about making money , nobody seemed to care to make it also good.
This show is just about making money , nobody seemed to care to make it also good.
- sumtim3s00n
- Jul 14, 2022
- Permalink
Tired of seeing a dragon master as weak and helpless
We want him as a proper teacher not a cry baby
Give him cool chi powers of oogway
Story is good except weak po but too long
Poor animstions 2008 movie is better
No budget for fight choreography?
"Kung Fu Panda: The Dragon Knight" (S01, 11 eps, 24-mins, Netflix) is a disappointing sequel series to KFP: Legends of Awesomeness (2011-16). First, you'd think Jack Black voicing Po would be great, but I really prefer Mick Wingert who voiced Po in Legends and other KFP series and video games. In fact, Jack Black is an EP for this series and he seems to have banished Mick and the others that voiced the Furious Five. The only carryover character is Po's "father" Mr Ping still voiced by the same guy. Anyway, there's new villainess "Veruca" the weasel who's voiced with an annoying Cockney accent so you despise her even more. Though the series lacks supporting characters - only Luthera really, and lacks the "heart" of Legends, the animation is still excellent, and the story is pretty decent with a good hook for its sophomore season as Po continues his evolution from Dragon Warrior and Dragon Master to Dragon Knight.
- TheTruthofItIs
- Aug 5, 2022
- Permalink
People are judging it like it's a movie which should fill there kung fun panda 4 hole.
Characters design : 6/10. Bears look terrible might be good for children but not for long fans
Story :9/10 t gets better and interesting after 5th episode when they get to the island it's good from there unless you fell asleep not perfect but noice Voice acting : 8/10 its good people are getting triggered by "Dragon master" title but he gets that title after KFP 3 where he trains whole village or china he is there master which is interesting but show doesn't seem to recognize it or connects it with the event where he gets is which is kinda heart breaking .
Overall it's worth keep watching I can't degrade something that is certainly good side story.
EDIT: SEASON 2 IS COMPLETELY GARBAGE THEME DOESN'T SUIT PO & HIS FRIENDS AT ALL WITH NO FORESHADOWING OR GOOD FIGHTS (Dropping stars from 8 TO 6)
Characters design : 6/10. Bears look terrible might be good for children but not for long fans
Story :9/10 t gets better and interesting after 5th episode when they get to the island it's good from there unless you fell asleep not perfect but noice Voice acting : 8/10 its good people are getting triggered by "Dragon master" title but he gets that title after KFP 3 where he trains whole village or china he is there master which is interesting but show doesn't seem to recognize it or connects it with the event where he gets is which is kinda heart breaking .
Overall it's worth keep watching I can't degrade something that is certainly good side story.
EDIT: SEASON 2 IS COMPLETELY GARBAGE THEME DOESN'T SUIT PO & HIS FRIENDS AT ALL WITH NO FORESHADOWING OR GOOD FIGHTS (Dropping stars from 8 TO 6)
- muddser-81914
- Aug 15, 2022
- Permalink
Story progresses so slow that if you miss several of the middle episodes still it will create no impact on the storyline. PO is so strong in movies and here he's shown very weak and immature. Kids will definitely love it but as a kung fu panda trilogy fan I didn't liked it at all.
All the other reviews are correct too, I didn't start watching this series because I wanted to but because I had nothing else to watch and yes the animation is of lower quality, the first season kind of feels like okay-ish, Po seems weak and the Villains have no strength but if you manage to push through to the 2nd season and then the 3rd, the Villain (I don't want to name them to avoid any spoilers) shows a strong character and the adventures kind of start gripping you, you kind of start admiring the team and by the end of it, I was sad it was over, this was a lot of fun and I wish they had invested a little more into this series.
- shrubsnout
- Aug 25, 2022
- Permalink
This series is terrible. The way it's told is so bad i could not enjoy watching it
And the animation extremely cheap and look awful.
Only two of the characters from the movies was in the series (Poe and his dad).
I really hope this is not the future of Kung Fu Panda.
Only two of the characters from the movies was in the series (Poe and his dad).
I really hope this is not the future of Kung Fu Panda.
- Metern-Chaao19
- Jul 23, 2022
- Permalink
If you take this seriously you will not enjoy it - a good laugh with a fun action packed story line and some silly humor. Looking forward to season 2!
- bestorpoketrainor
- Jul 22, 2022
- Permalink
Kung Fu Panda: the dragon knight is the newest Kung Fu Panda tv show, it tells the story of Po going on a journey with a British knight Luthera. The animation is absolutely awful probably the fault of the small budget which is a shame because I think the storyline in the show is pretty good and it is interesting to see how everything is connected and jokes are pretty funny - the same humour as in the movies. I don't know if I wanted more Po but this wasn't bad as animation quality would make it seam. All in all Kung Fu Panda: the dragon knight is very unnecessary cartoon and it would probably work better as a movie but this show is fairly watchable especially if you're a fan of Kung Fu Panda franchise.
- marksspricis
- Aug 28, 2022
- Permalink
Another Franchise fallen. Empty (where are the pandas), soulless character assassination of Po the Dragon Master. An Incompetent, useless, stupid Dragon Master Po that seems to have come from before the first movie.
Of course he also lost to a girl knight right at the get go for good measure.
Watch "Paws of Destiny" if you haven't yet.
Of course he also lost to a girl knight right at the get go for good measure.
Watch "Paws of Destiny" if you haven't yet.
- kariverson
- Jul 14, 2022
- Permalink
7 is a more generous rating (more accurately like a 6.5), but I will say this show has gotten more hate than it deserves.
First to quickly address the elephant in the room for fans of the movie trilogy when watching this, this does a lousy job fitting anywhere in the story. Supposedly takes place after Kung fu Panda 3, but Po has the skills and maturity of maybe post Kung fu Panda 1. Even then, how competent or mature Po is is determined by how mature or immature the story *needs* him in the moment. No Shifu, no furious five, none of that.
SO, with that being said, if you disregard this as a continuation of the story, and moreso just a fun side spin off with elements and certain characters from this IP (like a certain spin off show of this IP from the past), it gets rather enjoyable.
The first season (especially the first few episodes) are hard to sit through. It took me awhile to get through them just because there wasn't much substance. The animation was terrible, voice acting was phoned in, the plot was paper thin, it was hard to watch.
However, if you make it through that, you are rewarded with better animation (not amazing, but no longer displeasing to the eye), better voice acting, a more engaging (yet somewhat convoluted) story, improvements to the characters, better music, and an overall fun experience that even made me a bit sad it was over by the end. The same feeling I would have gotten if I had just finished playing at a friends house as a kid, and was told I had to go home.
It's not amazing, and I would not blame anyone for not picking it up because that first season is indeed pretty bad. However, there are surprisingly some more intense scenes than I would have expected, and some moments that were more emotionally charged than I would have initially given this show credit for.
For some reason, it seemed like the creators of this show began putting effort into its creation in the last two seasons, where as the first definitely reads "cash-grab".
Long story short, if you want more Kung Fu Panda, and you don't mind parting this in your mind as its own separate thing from the movies, this show *becomes* an enjoyable experience after the first season. Especially for kids. Whether or not you feel that is worth sitting through a very lack-luster almost annoying first season is up to you.
First to quickly address the elephant in the room for fans of the movie trilogy when watching this, this does a lousy job fitting anywhere in the story. Supposedly takes place after Kung fu Panda 3, but Po has the skills and maturity of maybe post Kung fu Panda 1. Even then, how competent or mature Po is is determined by how mature or immature the story *needs* him in the moment. No Shifu, no furious five, none of that.
SO, with that being said, if you disregard this as a continuation of the story, and moreso just a fun side spin off with elements and certain characters from this IP (like a certain spin off show of this IP from the past), it gets rather enjoyable.
The first season (especially the first few episodes) are hard to sit through. It took me awhile to get through them just because there wasn't much substance. The animation was terrible, voice acting was phoned in, the plot was paper thin, it was hard to watch.
However, if you make it through that, you are rewarded with better animation (not amazing, but no longer displeasing to the eye), better voice acting, a more engaging (yet somewhat convoluted) story, improvements to the characters, better music, and an overall fun experience that even made me a bit sad it was over by the end. The same feeling I would have gotten if I had just finished playing at a friends house as a kid, and was told I had to go home.
It's not amazing, and I would not blame anyone for not picking it up because that first season is indeed pretty bad. However, there are surprisingly some more intense scenes than I would have expected, and some moments that were more emotionally charged than I would have initially given this show credit for.
For some reason, it seemed like the creators of this show began putting effort into its creation in the last two seasons, where as the first definitely reads "cash-grab".
Long story short, if you want more Kung Fu Panda, and you don't mind parting this in your mind as its own separate thing from the movies, this show *becomes* an enjoyable experience after the first season. Especially for kids. Whether or not you feel that is worth sitting through a very lack-luster almost annoying first season is up to you.
This is a fine spinoff animation series for all viewers to watch. The series is different and unique but it could have been better. The crew could have added a bit more strength in creating this spinoff animation series. The storyline of this spinoff animation series needed something else. The cast selection was good enough. They really committed to their respective characters. The chemistry that Jack Black and Rita Ora display between each other is strong. This spinoff animation series reveals to viewers the lengths everyone can go for teamwork. I have never been a part of a real team so I do not know what it is like. This is an alright spinoff animation series for everyone to watch.
After a failed attempt to stop a gang of weasels from stealing the WuGao Gauntlet goes bad, Po's reputation is destroyed and he is stripped of his status as Dragon Master. Now he must go on a quest to recover the gauntlet and restore his reputation, gaining help from a new character named Luthera, a female bear who is a knight from the land of. Landreth who is also after the weasels, Klaus and Veruca, coming all the way from England by order of the Queen.
Okay, as a fan of the Kung Fu Panda movies, even I have to ask what the purpose of this series is other than to milk money off a classic franchise whose third movie gave Po's story a great ending? Here, the first episode basically puts Po's character through character assassination, as he is devoid of the power and character development he got throughout the movies and nerfed to the point where he cannot defeat Landreth. I mean, really, he has gone up against evil threats like Tai Lung and Kai, but he is easily defeated by a female knight who does not have supernatural powers or kung fu training? Also, he is only in this to restore his title and honor, which is way off character, as Po is portrayed as a good-hearted panda in the movies.
Also, on the note of Landreth, she feels like she does not belong in the Kung Fu Panda series, as being a knight and all, it makes her look like she walked into the wrong cartoon. She's basically a Mary sue, as she seems to be more of the hero while Po is somewhat demoted to comic relief (plus seeing her makes me think this is the result of turning Astrid from How to Train Your Dragon into a Kung Fu Panda character), and feels like this show was originally going to be a new IP before some Dreamworks big wig decided to slap the Kung Fu Panda name and its hero into it, which shows as other than Po and Mr. Ping, his adopted father, no other character from the movies or past series make an appearance. No Shifu, no Furious Five, not even the four pandas introduced in Paws of Destiny (which was a better show that continued the story compared to this cheap cash grab).
Also, the writing is so horrible, as the stories for the episodes sound like they were written by people who either never watched the movies or didn't care about continuity, as it basically replaces Po with Landreth as the main hero (and making her a loner who attacks Po for any misunderstanding), and the weasels are good villains, although the WuGao Gauntlet, one of the four McGuffins of this entire series, sounds like Dreamworks decided to rip off the Infinity Gauntlet from the MCU. Also, the animation feels like it was made on a Playstation 2, as it is not exciting.
Now, I get this was made for kids, but let me tell you, kids deserve better cartoons than this cheap attempt to continue milking money off a franchise that had a perfect ending. The only good thing is Jack Black returning to voice Po, but sadly, not even the wonder boy of Tenacious D can use his power of rock to save this spin off from the mucky muck of horrible movie-based shows. If this had just been about Landreth and her quest to stop the weasels from gathering the gauntlet and the other three weapons, without any connection to the Kung Fu Panda universe, then Dreamworks could have had a fresh new IP. But with character derailment, bad writing, dated animation, and lack of returning characters, Kung Fu Panda: The Dragon is nothing but a cheap, horribly written attempt to continue to milk money off a franchise that should have ended with Kung Fu Panda 3, which was already the perfect way to end Po's story. Avoid this even if you are a fan of the movies.
Okay, as a fan of the Kung Fu Panda movies, even I have to ask what the purpose of this series is other than to milk money off a classic franchise whose third movie gave Po's story a great ending? Here, the first episode basically puts Po's character through character assassination, as he is devoid of the power and character development he got throughout the movies and nerfed to the point where he cannot defeat Landreth. I mean, really, he has gone up against evil threats like Tai Lung and Kai, but he is easily defeated by a female knight who does not have supernatural powers or kung fu training? Also, he is only in this to restore his title and honor, which is way off character, as Po is portrayed as a good-hearted panda in the movies.
Also, on the note of Landreth, she feels like she does not belong in the Kung Fu Panda series, as being a knight and all, it makes her look like she walked into the wrong cartoon. She's basically a Mary sue, as she seems to be more of the hero while Po is somewhat demoted to comic relief (plus seeing her makes me think this is the result of turning Astrid from How to Train Your Dragon into a Kung Fu Panda character), and feels like this show was originally going to be a new IP before some Dreamworks big wig decided to slap the Kung Fu Panda name and its hero into it, which shows as other than Po and Mr. Ping, his adopted father, no other character from the movies or past series make an appearance. No Shifu, no Furious Five, not even the four pandas introduced in Paws of Destiny (which was a better show that continued the story compared to this cheap cash grab).
Also, the writing is so horrible, as the stories for the episodes sound like they were written by people who either never watched the movies or didn't care about continuity, as it basically replaces Po with Landreth as the main hero (and making her a loner who attacks Po for any misunderstanding), and the weasels are good villains, although the WuGao Gauntlet, one of the four McGuffins of this entire series, sounds like Dreamworks decided to rip off the Infinity Gauntlet from the MCU. Also, the animation feels like it was made on a Playstation 2, as it is not exciting.
Now, I get this was made for kids, but let me tell you, kids deserve better cartoons than this cheap attempt to continue milking money off a franchise that had a perfect ending. The only good thing is Jack Black returning to voice Po, but sadly, not even the wonder boy of Tenacious D can use his power of rock to save this spin off from the mucky muck of horrible movie-based shows. If this had just been about Landreth and her quest to stop the weasels from gathering the gauntlet and the other three weapons, without any connection to the Kung Fu Panda universe, then Dreamworks could have had a fresh new IP. But with character derailment, bad writing, dated animation, and lack of returning characters, Kung Fu Panda: The Dragon is nothing but a cheap, horribly written attempt to continue to milk money off a franchise that should have ended with Kung Fu Panda 3, which was already the perfect way to end Po's story. Avoid this even if you are a fan of the movies.
- jeremycrimsonfox
- Jul 17, 2022
- Permalink
I really ejoyed Kung Fu Panda: The Dragon Knight. It was a beautiful and compelling story of most famous Panda. Kung Fu Panda is just not an animated show but more than it. It has everything that needs to get entertained and keep you hooked into continuing watching the story. The only thing that stood out and probably not for the best, was the animation. It looked like it was made in a game engine which was from the 2005-2010 era but it didn't stop anyone that liked the story to quit. Animation could have been better even since it comes from a great animation studio like Dreamworks and it seems that every Kung Fu Panda movie or short movie which is out of the main line of Kung Fu Panda series doesn't get much attention to animation. I hope only for that we could have something better.
Just because animation is not good it should not stop anyone to not love this masterpiece!
Just because animation is not good it should not stop anyone to not love this masterpiece!
- cowthecows
- Oct 3, 2023
- Permalink
Script was very disappointing. Watched the season with a lot of expectation that did not meet at all. Too much stupidity shown in the characters. Unnecessary scenes and dialogues. Do not spoil the dragon warrior's fame please.
- only-kader
- Jul 14, 2022
- Permalink
For everyone that's shtting on this show because of the artstyle. Just appreciate the show for real. I mean I get the frustration but I was happy that there was a new chapter in the Kunf Fu Panda saga so I started watching the show with mixed feelings. I get the hate on buget artstyle but still I gave it a fair chance. As happy as I was that they dropt new Kung Fu Panda content. As happy I was after I wachted everything. Say what you want but this show has a great old school Kung Fu Panda vibe with excellent deepness and story building. I watch a lot of shows and never leave feedback but this show needs way more love then it gets. Please give us a Season 2 !!
Sorry for bad English.
Sorry for bad English.
- cspadafino
- Jul 16, 2022
- Permalink
I felt this was a major step back from the original films. Jack Black is great as ever but the rest of the cast just take this to a different level, in a bad way ... the original films had some seriousness to them with a great cast and were easy and very fun to watch as an adult. This feels like it should be on CBeebies with some of the voice acting and animations, as it seems more tailored for children rather than the audience that enjoyed the original films.
Also ... why have they made the Kung Fu Panda far less powerful? It really annoyed me during this that everything he learned from the films was lost!
Also ... why have they made the Kung Fu Panda far less powerful? It really annoyed me during this that everything he learned from the films was lost!
I have been watching this franchise since I was kid and I admired Po's tenacity, inner strength and the love he held in his heart. All the characters went through development and at the end none of them were as they used to be at start. Even the Antagonists were realistic and relatable.
And then they basically took all that butchered it, chewed it and spit it out in the garbage. None of Po's aura from the first movie was in there.
Hell he even lost to a basic knight after going head to heat with the likes of Tai Lung, Shen and General Kai AND mastering Chi on top of that.
Where is all that development?
Where is Master Shifu and The Furious Five who were with him every step of his journey. Dreamworks just thrashed all these important characters.
And they replaced Tigress with this cheap copycat character of Luthera the Wandering Blade. Po and Tigress's friendship dynamic was one of my favourite things about this franchise and now it's ruined. We will never get Po's legends of awesomeness back.
Thankyou Dreamworks for ruining another of my childhood favourite franchises.
And then they basically took all that butchered it, chewed it and spit it out in the garbage. None of Po's aura from the first movie was in there.
Hell he even lost to a basic knight after going head to heat with the likes of Tai Lung, Shen and General Kai AND mastering Chi on top of that.
Where is all that development?
Where is Master Shifu and The Furious Five who were with him every step of his journey. Dreamworks just thrashed all these important characters.
And they replaced Tigress with this cheap copycat character of Luthera the Wandering Blade. Po and Tigress's friendship dynamic was one of my favourite things about this franchise and now it's ruined. We will never get Po's legends of awesomeness back.
Thankyou Dreamworks for ruining another of my childhood favourite franchises.
It's apparently not canon but takes from the original so it's best to watch like you barely remember anything of the series... Which is yeah basically what I did. I watched the films as they got released growing up from a kid lol so barely remember much
Was wondering why the five aren't here but maybe that'll be explained next season - still enjoyable though imo even if that was a bit confusing as to why the five didn't appear
Got a lot of laughs from me, Po's dad took the damn spotlight in the last few episodes imo - really liked how they handled loss and grief briefly as well in the other episodes. I felt like it was all appropriately done - the characters and plot are interesting and honestly did not see some of things that ended up happening! Pleasantly surprised
Can't wait for the next season, and yeah utter nostalgia - Needed that thanks.
Was wondering why the five aren't here but maybe that'll be explained next season - still enjoyable though imo even if that was a bit confusing as to why the five didn't appear
Got a lot of laughs from me, Po's dad took the damn spotlight in the last few episodes imo - really liked how they handled loss and grief briefly as well in the other episodes. I felt like it was all appropriately done - the characters and plot are interesting and honestly did not see some of things that ended up happening! Pleasantly surprised
Can't wait for the next season, and yeah utter nostalgia - Needed that thanks.
- sollenavion
- Aug 6, 2022
- Permalink
- eladamittai
- Jul 14, 2022
- Permalink
- bhailogkaadda
- Jul 31, 2022
- Permalink