KARATE KID: LEGENDS
TWO WORLDS COLLIDE: KARATE KID LEGENDS IS THE ULTIMATE MARTIAL ARTS MULTIVERSE!
I just saw the premiere of KARATE KID: LEGENDS and my jaw is still on the floor! This isn’t just a sequel; it’s a legendary crossover we never thought possible. Seeing Jackie Chan (Mr. Han) and Ralph Macchio (Daniel LaRusso) sharing the screen to mentor a new student is the ultimate nostalgia trip that actually works!
The new kid, Li Fong (played by Ben Wang), is a total powerhouse. The way he blends Mr. Han’s gritty Kung Fu with Daniel-san’s classic Miyagi-Do Karate is pure cinematic magic. The fight choreography in the New York streets is next level—fast, brutal, yet full of heart.
Whether you’re a die-hard fan of the 84’ original or loved the 2010 reboot, this movie honors the legacy while kicking off a brand-new era. Get your tickets now because the final tournament scene will have you screaming in your seat!
Karate Kid: Legends is one of the most anticipated martial arts films of 2025, attempting to merge two iconic worlds: the Kung Fu style of Mr. Han (Jackie Chan) from the 2010 remake and the Karate of Daniel LaRusso (Ralph Macchio) from the original films and Cobra Kai series. The sheer sight of these two legendary figures sharing the screen delivers an instant shot of pure, undiluted nostalgia!
Plot and Performances
The story follows Li Fong (Ben Wang), a Chinese teenager who moves to New York and becomes the target of relentless bullying. Reluctantly, he turns to martial arts for self-defense and to help a friend. Under the combined, and often clashing, tutelage of Mr. Han and Daniel LaRusso, Li Fong must learn to harmonize the two opposing disciplines to face a powerful rival in a major tournament.
Ben Wang as Li Fong is a charming and promising newcomer, successfully portraying the character’s likability and internal struggle.
The return of Jackie Chan and Ralph Macchio is the film’s main selling point. However, their screentime and interaction felt somewhat “diluted” and “disjointed.” While their arguments over teaching philosophies provide fun, bright moments, their legendary status doesn’t quite get the deep dive or focus fans were hoping for.
Action and Pacing
The film boasts a fast and engaging pace, clocking in at just about 94 minutes, which keeps the story moving. The action sequences, particularly Li Fong’s street fights, are well-choreographed and visually impressive. However, many of the fighting scenes, especially the final tournament, are over-edited with too many quick cuts. This prevents the strikes and blocks from landing with the necessary impact and power, sadly not living up to the high action standards set by Cobra Kai.
Overall Verdict
Karate Kid: Legends is an enjoyable, “feel-good” movie that successfully captures the spirit of the franchise’s 80s roots and delivers a self-contained story for the new generation. That said, the colossal expectations for this iconic crossover might leave many long-time fans feeling slightly underwhelmed. The film gets caught between introducing a new story for the youth and satisfying the demands of long-standing fans, causing it to lean heavily on the same old formula without enough exciting innovation.
It received a mixed reception from critics (Metacritic 51/100) but was better received by the general audience (CinemaScore A-). If you are a fan of the franchise, it’s still a must-see for the novelty alone, thanks to the presence of Chan and Macchio.
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