Karate Kid: Legends Unites Generations for Epic Martial Arts Showdown!

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In the latest addition to the Karate Kid series, it’s clear that you don’t need to be associated with Marvel or DC to develop a multiverse of your own. Fans who loved Ralph Macchio in the original Karate Kid didn’t hesitate when Cobra Kai debuted on Netflix, because Karate Kid: Legends was already announced. As promised by the marketing campaign, Jackie Chan reappears, following his introduction in the 2010 remake of The Karate Kid. In this version, Mr. Han is a new interpretation of Mr. Miyagi, but director Jonathan Entwistle (The End of the Fing World) and screenwriter Rob Lieber (Goosebumps 2) cleverly address any inconsistencies by revealing that Han has a long-standing connection with Miyagi.

In an engaging manner, the film Legends sets up a compelling narrative where Johnny LaRusso and Han meet, leading to the creation of an electrifying karate family that audiences will eagerly anticipate. The movie exhibits common tropes found in Young Adult films, such as stereotypical characters and performances that may not leave a lasting impression. However, this new installment of The Karate Kid triumphs by broadening the franchise, acknowledging its roots, and cleverly reversing one conventional plot twist.

Kung Fu Meets Boxing and Karate

Karate Kid: Legends

In this action-packed movie lasting just 94 minutes, the story unfolds swiftly. As audience members anticipate the arrival of a familiar face, we meet Li Fong (Ben Wang), a prodigy from Beijing, already mastering kung fu under his teacher Mr. Han (Chan). However, his mother, Dr. Fong (played by Ming-Na Wen, known for her role in The Book of Boba Fett), disapproves of fighting due to a tragic event that occurred the previous year, a tournament brawl that led to Li’s older brother’s death. In an effort to protect Li from further harm, Dr. Fong relocates them both to the United States, specifically New York City, offering new opportunities. Once they are settled, Li accidentally discovers a neighborhood pizzeria owned by former boxer Victor (portrayed by Joshua Jackson, a welcome return of a nostalgic figure).

In this storyline, we find Victor, a character reminiscent of a rogueish charm, having a daughter Li’s age named Mia (portrayed by Sadie Stanley from The Goldbergs). Mia develops an interest in Li’s distinctive talents, particularly his Mandarin language proficiency and bargaining abilities at the local store. Victor, too, seeks Li’s skills, but in the context of combat: He’s a struggling restaurant owner in debt to menacing loan shark O’Shea (Tim Rozon, portraying an overly dramatic villain). O’Shea manages both the threatening Demolition Gym and a loan shark operation.

In this gym, we find another promising talent named Connor (Aramis Knight, known as the latest Karate Kid’s antagonist). When he’s not trying to win back his ex-girlfriend Mia at school, he trains at Demolition Gym. However, when O’Shea sends his karate henchmen after Victor, Li steps in to defend him with his kung fu abilities.

This is where the series, Legends, takes an unusual twist, flipping the traditional student/teacher dynamic as young Li agrees to train the older Victor to regain his fighting prowess. If Victor can reclaim his boxing glory and win a few fights, he may be able to pay off O’Shea and free himself from the loan sharks for good.

Spill Some For Miyagi

Thankfully, Director Entwistle swiftly skips over training sequences, such as the occasional spat between Li and Connor about their mutual affection for Mia. The humor is quick too, and before you even have a chance to catch your breath, the movie’s climactic act begins. Victor’s dream of rescuing the day through boxing doesn’t last long, so Li steps up to handle things: There’s an approaching karate tournament, but can his kung fu skills measure up? Han feels his help is needed all the way from Beijing and promptly flies into the U.S., making a brief stop in California to encourage a specific Miyagi disciple to return to the East Coast (perhaps you can guess who).

In the movie “Legends,” scenes that pack a punch are powered by wisdom shared between Li and two Karate Kid veterans, making for a captivating watch (excluding Jackson’s submission to Wang during earlier training sessions in The Mighty Ducks). Just like Cobra Kai, Legends skillfully incorporates popular rock tunes into its soundtrack. Reminiscent of the Karate Kid universe, Legends cleverly sets up a multiverse that leaves fans yearning for more. However, it’s box office performance that will determine if another sequel is in store.

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2025-05-28 17:03