The Karate Kid franchise is still going strong, with a fun new movie following the events of Netflix’s Cobra Kai.
Back in The Ring with a Fresh New Spin
Karate Kid: Legends is like bumping into an old friend who’s aged well and picked up a few new moves. With the franchise’s first movie reboot in 15 years, there was a lot on the line. But thanks to a solid mix of nostalgia, heartfelt storytelling, and good-natured humor, it manages to stick the landing. At the center is Li Fong, a recent Beijing transplant trying to navigate life in Manhattan while dealing with a complicated past and an unexpected new path in martial arts.
Played by Ben Wang, Fong is thrust into the spotlight when he steps in to help Victor, a local pizza maker deep in debt and desperate for a win in the boxing ring. When things go sideways during a crucial fight, Fong’s reaction stirs up painful memories of his brother’s death and sets off a chain of emotional rifts – with his mother, with Victor’s daughter Mia (played by Sadie Stanley), and even within himself.
A Classic Tale, Retold for a New Crowd
If you’ve followed the Karate Kid saga since Daniel LaRusso’s first crane kick, you’ll probably see the story beats coming a mile away. But that doesn’t make them any less enjoyable. Writer Rob Lieber leans into the underdog formula, adding emotional weight that feels very current. At a time when a lot of young people feel disconnected and overwhelmed, Legends gives them a hero who’s figuring it out as he goes – just like the rest of us.
Director Jonathan Entwistle ties all this together with a steady hand, making sure the movie appeals to both newcomers and longtime fans. Kids in particular seemed locked in at the Atlanta screening where much of the movie was filmed, while older viewers got a kick out of familiar callbacks and winks to the past.
Masters Reunited, and New Bonds Formed
The most exciting part for franchise lovers? Jackie Chan and Ralph Macchio sharing the screen. Chan returns as Mr. Han, Fong’s kung fu mentor and a carryover from the 2010 reboot, while Macchio steps back in as Daniel-san. Their dynamic could have been messy, but it works surprisingly well. Chan still knows how to land a punchline mid-fight, and there’s a standout scene involving an apartment break-in that feels straight out of Rush Hour – complete with his signature blend of chaos and grace.
Beyond the masters, the supporting cast shines too. Joshua Jackson plays Victor with unexpected charm, and Ming-Na Wen is spot-on as Fong’s protective mom. Meanwhile, Wyatt Oleff delivers some of the film’s biggest laughs as Alan, Fong’s slightly awkward tutor-turned-friend. Their interactions help ground the story, especially when the action gets a little too over the top. 🥋
It’s Not Flawless, But It’s Got Heart
That said, Legends isn’t immune to a few stumbles. Some of the villains feel more like placeholders than real threats, with Aramis Knight’s Conor never quite leaving a mark. A couple of fight scenes feel overly stylized – think more video game boss fight than real martial arts duel – and there’s one product placement moment that’s just plain awkward.
Still, these are small things in an otherwise charming package. Karate Kid: Legends knows what it is: a fun, family-friendly adventure with a warm core and just enough action to keep things moving. It celebrates legacy without getting stuck in the past and offers enough fresh energy to inspire the next generation of fans. Whether you’re here for the nostalgia or just looking for a feel-good martial arts flick, there’s something in it for everyone.
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