Karate Kid: Legends Review
The Karate Kid franchise has consistently proven its freshness and excitement from other action-based franchises. From the original 1984 to the highly popular Cobra Kai show, this series continues to keep itself on its feet with its iconic characters and fast-paced fighting. Yet, in a way, it may feel like the franchise reached its highest point with Cobra Kai recently ending a few months ago. However, Sony Pictures looks to make a return through Karate Kid: Legends, which seeks to honor its predecessors while offering something refreshing for fans.
Karate Kid: Legends combines the worlds of the original three movies and the 2010 remake together though the story of Li Fong (Ben Wang), a quiet and reserved student of Mr. Han (Jackie Chan). When his mother (Ming-Na Wen) gets a new job offer, Li moves to New York, trying to adjust to this new life. While he finds solace in a new friend, Mia (Sadie Stanley), Li ultimately finds himself at odds with Mia’s previous boyfriend and kung fu champion, Conor (Aramis Knight). With the help of Mr. Han and a returning Daniel LaRusso (Ralph Macchio), Li must overcome his doubts to become the best fighter he can be.
While Chan and Macchio’s presences were heavily featured throughout the trailers, let’s make it clear: this is Wang’s time to shine and it shows. The American Born Chinese star is simply so charming and sweet as Li, perfectly infusing happiness, dread, and so many other emotions into the character. The more emotional moments, like Li having doubts about moving forward, mostly work to a tee with Wang’s performance. However, the comical scenes involving his training and his interactions with several characters give this film so much life.
This especially goes for his interactions with Han and Daniel, who work hand-in-hand to help train Li despite their differing methods. Chan brings this mischievous, yet compassionate “old man” vibe when it comes to Han, which works well enough with Daniel’s more down-to-earth, straight man-esque personality. Though we don’t get much of the two until the final act of Karate Kid: Legends, Chan and Macchio provided some good performances as the returning icons. Plus, there’s one other that certainly proves Cobra Kai is officially canon!
As for Karate Kid: Legends’s other characters, they’re all given various amounts of development that either make or break them. Particularly, there’s a lot of complications around Mia, who’s essentially treated to be Li’s version of Ali Mills. The way that Li and Mia’s relationship develops feels very quick as it reaches soft highs and lows like a rollercoaster. Still, the dynamic that these two share is sweet to see.
Mia’s father, Victor (Joshua Jackson) is probably the most wholesome father figure you’ll find in this franchise. However, the way that the film implements his need to return to boxing with Li’s growth as a student and teacher can also feel rushed. It’s clear that he’s too cut out for a high stakes sport, but it doesn’t necessarily have the weight when compared with what Li’s going through. This isn’t even counting Li’s mom, who cares, but doesn’t necessarily have much emphasis on Li being a normal kid instead.
The biggest problem with Karate Kid: Legends revolves around the quick pacing of its story, which lets moments only have that foundational basis. It feels somewhat clear that director Jonathan Entwistle wanted to do more with the family aspect of Li’s arc. This is made clear with those flashbacks to Li and his brother, who passed away in a harrowing incident post-tourney and is the cause of Li’s worries.
However, when looking at everything, from Li’s personal relationship with Mia to the nostalgic factors of Han and Daniel, the film tries to fit in what it can. As such, it’s forced to pull back on making things complex, like shaping Conor as a strong antagonistic rival for Li.
Where Karate Kid: Legends somewhat falters with its story, it makes up for in its action. The choreography and stunts are impeccable as always, with Wang and Knight proving their skills in unbelievable ways. They show that they can take hard hits and recover in an instant and that’s something to always be amazed by. From the intense close combat scenes to the animated montages that connect with each set piece, the action really makes this film all the more entertaining. Justin Brown’s cinematography and Dana E. Glauberman’s editing also helps in bringing all of the action to life, capturing the best moments of each one with reverence.
Karate Kid: Legends is an enjoyable watch that respects the stories from the films and Cobra Kai, with Ben Wang successfully proving his potential as a lead. While it may feel like this film pulls from elements of similar underdog stories within the franchise, it does just enough to make itself stand out while being nostalgic enough for fans to appreciate.
Karate Kid: Legends releases in theaters on May 30.
Rating: ★★★½
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Christopher Gallardo is a freelance entertainment writer and critic. While not running The Reel Roller, Chris can be found writing reviews and breakdowns on all things films and TV. Outside of entertainment writing, he’s currently taking classes for a Bachelor’s of Science with a minor in Digital Media & Journalism. Plus, he loves Percy Jackson, animated films and shows, and Fallout! Follow Christopher on Instagram & X.