“Karate Kid: Legends” is two movies in one.
1. As a movie enthusiast, I found the first one to be a delightful story, painted with the vivid hues that define this saga’s identity.
2. From a fan’s perspective, the second one was like a wave of nostalgia, sweeping through all the significant moments that have made this franchise iconic.
Tom Cruise never ran THIS fast.
Collectively, they make a captivating mix that both amuses and aggravates. Individuals unfamiliar with the show might ponder why there’s such a commotion.
In the beginning of the story, we meet Mr. Han (Jackie Chan), a Kung Fu instructor residing in Beijing, who bids farewell to his talented disciple, Li Fong (Ben Wang). Li’s mother (Ming-Na Wen) takes him away to New York City, where she dreams that he will leave behind his martial arts ways and lead a life of tranquility instead.
Because the Big Apple is all about peace, love and understanding.
In a brief instant, Li encounters an adorable chance encounter with Mia (Sadie Stanley), who’s the child of a rough pizza parlor owner (Joshua Jackson). Not long after, Li finds himself at odds with Connor (Aramis Knight), a local troublemaker who happens to be Mia’s former boyfriend and a karate prodigy.
Naturally.
1. The plot is predictable, but Wang gives it a unique twist. Stanley matches this strength, and her connection with Li introduces a “Rocky”-esque dynamic to the series. (86 characters)
2. Wang puts his own spin on the expected narrative flow. Stanley’s character mirrors that strength, while her bond with Li brings a touch of the Rocky franchise to the storyline. (95 characters)
3. The tale follows an anticipated path, yet Wang infuses it with originality. Stanley and Li share a connection that gives the series a hint of the Rocky movies’ dynamic. (100 characters)
4. The storyline is as expected, but Wang puts his own personal touch on it. Stanley and her bond with Li provide the series with an echo of the Rocky franchise’s emotional depth. (98 characters)
5. While the narrative progresses as you might expect, Wang gives it a unique flavor. The relationship between Stanley and Li offers a hint of the grit found in the Rocky movies within the story. (102 characters)
Is a crossover sequel on the horizon?
It’s just a question of when Li will join a local karate tournament to challenge Connor. To do this, he’ll require the guidance not only from his past mentor but also a renowned Californian master who was trained by Mr. Miyagi (we’ll see the late Pat Morita through old footage).
Absolutely, there I am, the classic cinephile, reminiscing about none other than Ralph Macchio as the original Daniel LaRusso from “The Karate Kid.” The moment when Mr. Han and Daniel crossed paths in that movie felt like it had just been penned a split second before director Jonathan Entwistle shouted, “Action!
What a waste.
It’s great that Daniel arrived late, as he seemed both at ease and proud of his connection to the franchise. However, his hurried entrance disrupted the rhythm set by Wang and the others.
In the final part, a rush job leaves us yearning for more, although it doesn’t match the writing quality seen earlier in the movie. Regrettably, overused clichés from this series only add to the disappointment.
1. Congratulations to Wang for handling the change smoothly, yet I find that even the necessary training sequences lack excitement. It’s perplexing how such a small and seemingly humanless figure as Connor could be outmatched by him, a veritable force of nature.
2. Wang deserves credit for managing the transition admirably, yet I find the required training scenes to be rather dull. It’s intriguing that a character like Connor, who seems devoid of humanity, could potentially be bested by him, a mere apprentice.
Wax on, wax off? Hardly.
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As a movie enthusiast, I’d say “Legends” distinguishes itself from the morally complex world of Netflix’s “Cobra Kai,” the hit spin-off of “The Karate Kid.” The antagonist in this film is as black and white as a WWE villain, while young Li is consistently portrayed in the most favorable light.
It’s alright, yet it seems like we may have overlooked a chance for something more. A well-crafted tale often benefits from a touch of unexpected twists and turns.
The movie “Legends” showcases exceptional martial arts fights, notably some that are so dynamic they border on unrealistic, yet the creators chose to take this daring gamble.
Smart.
In 1984, the first “Karate Kid” movie grossed $91 million. However, when it was remade in 2010 with Jackie Chan and Jaden Smith, its domestic earnings reached an impressive $176 million.
Despite its imperfections, the movie’s classic structure and an enthusiastic cast committed to the story of the underdog prevail.
The film’s shortcomings may be present, but they are overshadowed by a proven storyline and a dedicated cast who bring the tale of the underdog to life.
It might have been more effective for ‘Karate Kid: Legends’ if it hadn’t relied on the Mr. Han/Daniel LaRusso connections. Instead, keep these characters within the broader ‘Karate Kid’ universe, or rebrand it differently, and allow this new story to unfold independently.
Wang deserves a film to call his own.
The series ‘Karate Kid: Legends’ provides an enjoyable and slightly sentimental experience, but the narrative could have benefited from more space to unfold.
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2025-05-28 20:03