Release Date: May 30, 2025
Director: Jonathan Entwistle
Cast: Jackie Chan, Ralph Macchio, Ben Wang, Joshua Jackson, Sadie Stanley, Ming-Na Wen
Genre: Martial Arts, Drama, Action
Rating: 3/5
Synopsis of the story
‘Karate Kid: Legends’ is the sixth film in the Karate Kid franchise, which tells the story of Lee Fong (Ben Wang), a teenage kung fu prodigy who moves from Beijing to New York City. After the tragic death of his brother, Lee moves to New York with his mother (Ming-Na Wen), where his mother strictly instructs him to stay away from violence and martial arts. But Lee faces troubles trying to fit in the new place, especially when he befriends Mia (Sadie Stanley), whose ex-boyfriend Connor (Aramis Knight) is a local karate champion. To save Mia’s father from loan sharks, Lee competes in the Five Boroughs Tournament, which has a prize of $50,000. With the help of his kung fu teacher Mr. Han (Jackie Chan) and Karate Kid’s original protagonist Daniel LaRusso (Ralph Macchio), Lee learns a unique martial arts style.
Performances and acting
Ben Wang gives a charming and sympathetic performance as Lee Fong, effectively depicting the struggles and growth of a teenager. Jackie Chan brings his distinctive charming style as Mr. Han, though his screen time is limited. Ralph Macchio brings a tinge of nostalgia for fans as Daniel LaRusso, but his late entry may be somewhat disappointing. Joshua Jackson and Sadie Stanley give solid performances in supporting roles, while Ming-Na Wen adds emotional depth as a concerned mother. However, the villain Connor’s character seems a bit one-dimensional.
Direction and technical aspects
Jonathan Entwistle’s direction maintains the original spirit of the franchise, with an emphasis on martial arts and mentor-student relationships. The cinematography beautifully captures the vibrant and diverse atmosphere of New York City, especially in the rooftop training scenes. The martial arts choreography is impressive, especially the scenes showcasing a blend of kung fu and Miyagi-Do karate. However, the climax of the story feels somewhat rushed, and some viewers may find it repetitive and full of cliches. The soundtrack is fine, but it’s not memorable.
Strong and weak sides
The film’s biggest strengths are its martial arts choreography and the Jackie Chan-Ralph Macchio pairing, which adds a tinge of nostalgia for fans. Ben Wang’s performance and the New York setting add freshness to the story. However, the film’s weakness lies in its predictable story and rushed climax. Some characters, like Connor, don’t get to develop fully, and Daniel LaRusso’s limited screen time may disappoint fans. The short duration of 94 minutes makes it a quick wrap, but it also highlights the lack of emotional depth.
Themes and messages
‘Karate Kid: Legends’ touches on themes of friendship, family, and self-growth. It shows how martial arts are not just for fighting, but also for building discipline and confidence. Lee’s relationship with his mother and the story of him dealing with the loss of his brother add emotional depth. The film also shows that different martial arts styles can be combined to create something new, as shown in the blend of kung fu and karate. However, these themes don’t feel entirely new, as the franchise has explored them before.
Is it worth watching?
If you are a fan of the Karate Kid franchise or Cobra Kai, ‘Karate Kid: Legends’ can be a fun experience for you, especially for its action sequences and the Jackie Chan-Ralph Macchio pairing. It is also suitable for kids and families, as it is rated PG-13 and has positive messages. However, if you want something new and deeper, this film may disappoint you, as it repeats the old recipe of the franchise. Overall, it is an entertaining but average film.
Rating: 3/5
Why watch: Spectacular martial arts sequences, a fresh performance by Ben Wang, and a tinge of nostalgia.
What to skip: Predictable story and a rushed climax.
