The Karate Kid: Legends hype was real, and we absolutely get it, as it’s the sixth movie in the franchise. It takes place three years after the hit show Cobra Kai and introduces Ben Wang as the new kid. With a new main lead, I was curious as well as excited to see how it would assemble. Hence, with my popcorn in hand, I watched this new adventure full of kicks and old-school vibes, and here’s what I think about this fun martial arts film! Read on.
Plot
Karate Kid: Legends revolves around Li Fong, a kung fu prodigy who moves to New York City with his mom. He’s a teenager trying to start over, but his past clings to him like a shadow. New York’s fast pace and unfamiliar faces make it hard for Li to fit in at school. His kung fu skills, which he trained hard for in China, don’t exactly help him gel up with his classmates. He’s quiet, guarded, and struggling to find his place.
However, the tables turn when Li befriends Mia. Well, Mia needs help, and Li sees a chance to step up. He signs up for a local karate competition to support his friend, with hopes that his kung fu will give them an edge. But the competition is tough, with skilled fighters who test Li’s limits. His moves are impressive, but they’re not enough to win on their own.
That’s where Mr Han, played by Jackie Chan, and Daniel LaRusso, the original Karate Kid, come in. They guide Li, teaching him to mix kung fu’s style with karate’s sharp strikes. Li trains hard, learning new techniques while dealing with his inner doubts. We get flashes of his past, a tragedy that still haunts him. The story builds toward a big tournament where Li faces a tough rival. What happens next? Don’t worry; I’m not the one who spoils everything.
Performance
The cast does a solid job bringing the story to life. Ben Wang shines as Li Fong and channels that classic Karate Kid underdog vibe. His kung fu moves are smooth, and he nails the emotional scenes and makes you root for him. Joshua Jackson, former boxer and Mia’s father, adds a relatable and down-to-earth energy. Jackie Chan’s Mr Han is wise and charming, but we wanted more of him. Ralph Macchio’s Daniel LaRusso feels like a treat for fans, even though his role is minimal. The supporting cast, including Li’s mom, Mia, played by Sadie Stanley, and Aramis Knight as Conor Day, deliver.
There are too many cut scenes and subplots—like Li’s school struggles, his mom’s worries, and random side characters—that make the story feel scattered. Instead of a tight narrative tying past and present, it feels like the movie’s trying to do too much. The predictable storyline and corny tone don’t help, leaning into clichés that feel more cheesy than heartfelt compared to the balanced storytelling of earlier Karate Kid films.
Verdict: The Film Falls Short Of Its Epic Potential!
Karate Kid: Legends is a fun, light watch if you’re looking for martial arts action and a dose of nostalgia. The choreography is good, as Li Fong’s Kung Fu and Karate mix was fun to watch. Ben Wang owns the role, and it screamed Karate Kid energy. The punchlines hit as hard as the fight moves. But it’s not perfect. The pacing is rushed, and the story feels underwhelming. The plot starts fresh with Li teaching a boxer kung fu, but it falls back into the same old formula. At moments, it’s predictable and leans too hard into a cheesy tone that might not click with everyone. The plot tries to balance action, emotion, and nostalgia, but it stumbles.
Another issue with the plot was that it felt messy due to too many subplots. It felt like the movie was trying to do too much, but it doesn’t quite land because they were rushed. Talking about rushed, the first half was too slow, but it’s okay since it’s to build the story, but the rest felt like the makers were just trying to get over it and finish everything. With rushed scenes, the impact weakens. Also, I craved more scenes of Mr Han and Daniel mentoring Li. Furthermore, just like everyone – what a great ending it would have been if there had been more cameos. It would have been legendary to watch! Honestly, there was so much potential. The idea of mixing kung fu and karate, plus the star power of Jackie Chan and the Cobra Kai wave, could’ve made this a standout. It feels half-baked and a rushed story that misses the heart and soul of the franchise. Lastly, Karate Kid: Legends is a decent watch for fans wanting action mixed with a bit of nostalgia. But be prepared for some predictable elements and here-or-there storylines. For the unversed, directed by Jonathan Entwistle, it hit theatres on May 30, 2025.
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Are you going to watch it?