Karate Kid: Legends delivers a punch of nostalgia and fresh energy by bringing together iconic characters from both branches of the franchise — Daniel LaRusso and Mr. Han. With fast-paced action, heartfelt moments, and impressive martial arts choreography, this film finds its strength in legacy and emotion, though it stumbles slightly in its rush to juggle multiple storylines.
The story revolves around Li Fong (Ben Wang), a talented kung fu student who, after a family tragedy, moves from Beijing to New York with his mother (Ming-Na Wen). Struggling to adapt and haunted by his past, Li finds himself unwillingly pulled into schoolyard conflicts. When a new friend needs his help, Li steps into a karate competition — but raw talent isn’t enough.
That’s when Mr. Han (Jackie Chan), Li’s Beijing mentor, calls in karate master Daniel LaRusso (Ralph Macchio) to train the young fighter. Together, they help Li blend kung fu and karate for a unique fighting style that leads to a climactic martial arts showdown.
Directed by Jonathan Entwistle, the film also features Joshua Jackson as Victor Lipani — a former boxing champion turned pizza shop owner — and a brief but impactful appearance by Aramis Knight as Li’s fierce rival.
Review
The film cleverly unites elements from The Karate Kid (1984) and the 2010 reboot, building on Li Fong’s grief and vow to avoid violence after his brother’s tragic death. As he trains Victor in boxing while preparing for his own karate bout, the story branches into an exploration of friendship, identity, and legacy.
While the film impressively blends martial arts styles — with training scenes that are equal parts intense and inspiring — the 95-minute runtime makes it feel rushed in parts. The film doesn’t spend enough time developing some emotional arcs or background conflicts. Discipline, a key theme in previous Karate Kid entries, takes a backseat to flashy techniques here, slightly shifting the tone.
Still, the action choreography shines. The film’s throwback aesthetic — simple sets, grounded drama, and retro scoring — evokes the charm of the original, distinguishing it from modern CGI-heavy action flicks.
Ben Wang stands out with an emotionally grounded and physically demanding performance. His agility and restraint make Li an empathetic lead. Jackie Chan and Ralph Macchio’s dynamic adds warmth and humor, especially during their playful mentor battles. Joshua Jackson brings an unexpected layer to the film with his role as a reluctant fighter, while Aramis Knight’s limited screen time still leaves a strong impression.
Final Words
Karate Kid: Legends is a heartfelt salute to the franchise, enriched by a mix of old and new. It’s not a perfect film — with a few storytelling hiccups — but the emotional stakes, charismatic cast, and spectacular martial arts action make it a worthy addition to the legacy.
