Karate Kid Legends Review: Ben Wang, under the guidance of Jackie Chan, delivers a nostalgia-filled kick with familiar punches

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Plot

In a nutshell, young martial arts phenomenon Li Fong (Ben Wang), along with his mother Ming-Na Wen, translocates from the bustling cityscape of Beijing to New York City following a sorrowful family incident. Finding it challenging to blend in, Li forms an alliance with Mia (Sadie Stanley), the child of pizzeria proprietor Victor (Joshua Jackson), who’s grappling with financial troubles. As Li’s martial arts abilities garner attention, he’s embroiled in a rivalry with Connor (Aramis Knight), a prominent karate practitioner and Mia’s former lover, who harbors envy towards her newfound friendship. To assist Victor and conquer his own apprehensions, Li decides to participate in the Five Boroughs karate competition under the tutelage of Mr. Han (Jackie Chan) and Daniel LaRusso (Ralph Macchio).

To discover if Li Fong triumphs over his apprehensions, beats Connor, and helps Victor escape from debt, tune into Karate Kid: Legends.

What Works for Karate Kid: Legends

The martial arts scenes in the movie are visually captivating, with each fight, particularly Li’s dragon kick, being both aesthetically pleasing and exhilarating to watch. The action choreography is flawless, while the humor provides a cozy, nostalgic feel akin to early 2000s family films, complete with goofy training montages and light-hearted dialogues that will put a smile on your face. The cinematography skillfully portrays New York’s bustling streets and rooftop battles with style, while the background music maintains an enjoyable, lively tempo. Jackie Chan as Mr. Han is simply brilliant, his charisma and warmth radiate even when he’s not on screen much. Lastly, at just 94 minutes long, the film avoids being overly prolonged.

What Doesn’t Work for Karate Kid Legends

The narrative of “Legends” seems to falter as it follows a well-trodden path, closely adhering to the Karate Kid template. It’s predictable, lacking originality and leaving little room for suspense or surprise. The plot could have been more complex, exploring deeper themes such as Li’s grief or the cultural challenges he faces during his relocation. Instead, it opts for familiar tropes without introducing innovative elements. Moreover, the character Connor appears shallow, serving primarily as a stereotypical antagonist without much depth or development. Lastly, Jackie Chan’s appearance is enjoyable, but his limited screen time seems to squander an opportunity for more extensive involvement.

Watch the Karate Kid: Legends Trailer

Performances in Karate Kid: Legends

Ben Wang shines like Li Fong, he’s endearing and it’s hard not to cheer for him. Jackie Chan is naturally captivating as Mr. Han, even though his limited screen time leaves you craving more. Ralph Macchio delivers a great performance as Daniel LaRusso, sharing nostalgic delight in scenes with Jackie Chan. Joshua Jackson brings warmth and humor to his role as Victor. Sadie Stanley portrays Mia charmingly and connects well, but her character’s development falters in the second half. Aramis Knight gives a solid performance as Connor, though the script fails to give him much substance. Ming-Na Wen plays Li’s mother effectively, yet the character seems too plain to engage deeply.

Final Verdict of Karate Kid: Legends

Karate Kid: Legends offers an enjoyable, nostalgic journey filled with impressive karate stunts and humor reminiscent of the early 2000s. Ben Wang does a great job portraying the new protagonist, while Jackie Chan’s appearance is a delight, though his role seems limited. The story feels somewhat repetitive, the characters lack depth, and the antagonist’s arc is not engaging. However, it remains a strong addition to the series with its heartwarming vibe, although it doesn’t offer much in terms of innovation.

You can watch Karate Kid: Legends at a theatre near you.

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2025-05-30 07:38