Combine the four films of the classic “Karate Kid” series, mix in aspects from the 2010 remake, and season with elements from the Netflix show “Cobra Kai,” and you get the hybrid continuation of the franchise called “Karate Kid: Legends.” Although it’s hard not to appreciate the continued appearances of the timeless actors Ralph Macchio as Daniel LaRusso and Jackie Chan as Mr. Han, this new installment fails to offer anything fresh in terms of storyline. The tried-and-true formula remains effective, providing a comfortable viewing experience. However, it’s not much more than that.
In this Jonathan Entwistle-directed movie, Li Fong, portrayed by Ben Wang (of “American Born Chinese” fame), takes center stage. He’s a gifted young kung fu practitioner who’s been deeply traumatized by witnessing his older brother’s murder. His mother, played by Ming-Na Wen and working as a doctor, disapproves of Li continuing martial arts training under the tutelage of Mr. Han. When an unexpected job offer in New York City arises for her, she decides to relocate, setting one condition for Li: he must refrain from engaging in fights.
It’s quite obvious that the rule will be broken swiftly. Upon entering town, Li begins a budding relationship with Mia (Sadie Stanley), the daughter of a nearby pizza shop owner. This doesn’t sit well with Mia’s overprotective ex-boyfriend Connor (Aramis Knight, exuding villainy as if he was born in the Karate Kid manor). In response, Connor delivers a nasty punch, leaving Li with a black eye.
However, there’s more than one factor compelling Li to disobey his mother’s command. Mia’s father Victor (portrayed by Joshua Jackson, who seems to have modeled his character after old Bowery Boys movie actors), a former boxing champion, is deeply indebted to the martial arts academy’s master where Connor trains. When a group of thugs arrive menacingly to claim their payment, Li uses his skills to defend himself, catching Victor’s attention. So impressed is Victor that he believes the only way to repay his debt is by stepping back into the ring once more, with Li serving as his unconventional coach.
Indeed, I’ve stepped into the role of the sensei, even if just temporarily – and you can bet there’ll be a peculiar training sequence coming up next! My protégé, Victor, is being drilled in the art of karate, it seems, on what appears to be the least busy subway cars across all of New York City.
In response to Victor’s opponent deceitfully harming him during their fight (since all opponents in this series are underhanded), Li devises a plan to settle his debt by participating in a citywide tournament offering a $50,000 reward. At this point, Mr. Han unexpectedly appears and begins training Li. However, as Mr. Han specializes in kung fu instead of karate, he travels to California and enlists Daniel’s aid. Their bond with the late Mr. Miyagi serves as an incentive for Daniel to join forces. This triggers the second unusual training sequence, where a significant portion takes place on a rooftop garden overlooking the Chrysler Building, with the two Karate Kid veterans subjecting Li to various exercises such as putting his jacket on and taking it off, reminiscent of the 1984 original.
This 94-minute movie, complete with credits, is packed to the brim. Unfortunately, its storyline is a jumble of tired tropes, leaving you barely able to suppress laughter before another one catches you off guard. By the time the film reaches its grand finale on yet another open-air rooftop boasting an impressive city skyline (conveniently, it never rains in New York), any goodwill generated by the actors has long since faded away.
As a devoted fan, I can’t help but feel a sense of nostalgic excitement while diving into the world of “Karate Kid: Legends.” True to its name, it gracefully honors its roots, even opening with a snippet from the 1986 classic, “The Karate Kid Part II,” starring a young Ralph Macchio and Pat Morita. The film is rich with references to past chapters, and the closing credits treat us to a surprise appearance by another franchise icon. At one poignant moment, Daniel reflects on his late guide, saying, “Every opportunity I have to carry on a piece of his legacy is never a mistake.” The executives who backed this project would undoubtedly concur with Daniel’s sentiment.
Read More
- CRK Boss Rush guide – Best cookies for each stage of the event
- Fortress Saga tier list – Ranking every hero
- Glenn Greenwald Sex Tape Leak: Journalist Cites “Maliciously Political” Motives
- Mini Heroes Magic Throne tier list
- Grimguard Tactics tier list – Ranking the main classes
- Cookie Run Kingdom Town Square Vault password
- Castle Duels tier list – Best Legendary and Epic cards
- How to Prepare and Dominate the Awakened Hollyberry Cookie Update
- Hero Tale best builds – One for melee, one for ranged characters
- Overwatch Stadium Tier List: All Heroes Ranked
2025-05-28 16:24