NEW YORK, June 15, 2025
The Karate Kid franchise, a staple of pop culture, has spawned numerous sequels and spin-offs. The latest installment, Karate Kid Legends, attempts to merge characters from different Karate Kid iterations, promising an epic, nostalgia-fueled adventure.
Karate Kid Legends: A Nostalgic Throwback?
Can this new film truly be legendary, or will it fall short?
- Karate Kid Legends aims to unite various franchise elements.
- Ben Wang shines in the lead role.
- The film blends different fight styles, including nods to 80s karate films.
Is Karate Kid Legends worth watching? The film, which introduces characters from classic and contemporary Karate Kid properties, attempts to capture the spirit of an “Avengers: Endgame” within the martial arts world. The film is attempting to build a shared universe with the classic Karate Kid franchises.
The Familiar Plot
The core narrative of Karate Kid remains: a teenager navigates a new environment, faces bullying, and discovers belonging through martial arts. In Karate Kid Legends, Li Fong (Ben Wang), a high-schooler from Beijing, relocates to New York City. He befriends Mia (Sadie Stanley) and her father, Victor (Joshua Jackson), a former boxer turned pizza maker. When trouble brews with a local bully, Li must learn under two masters, defend his new friends, and confront his past.
A Fresh Twist
The film attempts to reinvent the classic “student and master” trope. The first half of Karate Kid Legends focuses on Li Fong teaching Mia’s dad, Victor, how to box, incorporating Kung Fu techniques. This subplot is fresh and engaging.
Dynamic Action Sequences
The fight choreography in Karate Kid Legends is entertaining, successfully blending various fighting styles. Viewers will find echoes of classic 80s karate films, energetic Kung Fu, and even nods to American boxing movies, including the training montages from the Rocky franchise.
The Cast’s Performance
The ensemble cast of Karate Kid Legends brings considerable talent to the screen. Jackie Chan and Ralph Macchio bring their respective talents to the film. Sadie Stanley is charming, Wyatt Olef is a delight, and Joshua Jackson is endearing as the washed-up boxer. Ben Wang, in the lead, captivates with his charisma and martial arts skills. The film does a good job of including many of the past actors from the Karate Kid franchises.
The Karate Kid Universe Expands
Karate Kid Legends cleverly connects different Karate Kid iterations, creating a shared universe. The film uses a light touch, referencing characters and concepts without heavy-handed exposition. For example, Mr. Han is introduced as Li Fong’s Kung Fu teacher, but there’s no mention of Dre Parker or the events of the 2010 Karate Kid.
The Movie’s Challenges
While the initial setup of Karate Kid Legends is enjoyable, the film struggles as it expands the universe. The editing becomes disjointed, and the villains lack depth. The chemistry between Danny Laruso (Ralph Macchio) and Mr. Han (Jackie Chan) feels awkward. The absence of a key moment from the original Karate Kid during the final fight diminishes the impact of the ending.
Who Should Watch?
Karate Kid Legends may not be the instant hit that studios hope for, but it offers an enjoyable experience, especially for fans of the franchise. The film’s biggest achievement may be how it leaves the viewers feeling about the final fight. If you can forgive some shortcomings, the film is worth the watch.
