There’s a point in Karate Kid Legends where we found ourselves surprised. The trajectory it took initially felt refreshingly different from the formulaic nature of past films in the franchise. But alas, this didn’t last long, as the film returned to familiar territory in its second half. It feels like two movies in one. One fresh and promising, the other weighed down by nostalgia. The legends’ return, while crowd-pleasing, ultimately stifles what could have been a great film into just a good one.
Li Fong (Ben Wang) finds a new home in New York City with his mother, Dr. Fong (Ming-Na Wen). Her only condition: avoid fighting and stay away from his kung fu roots. But when he clashes with the local karate champion, Li Fong turns to his uncle, Mr. Han (Jackie Chan), for guidance who enlists none other than Daniel LaRusso (Ralph Macchio). Merging both karate and kung fu, the two trainers prepare him for the ultimate martial arts showdown.
Over a decade since the last entry, we didn’t expect much from Karate Kid Legends. But surprisingly, it brings back the same adrenaline and joy through its kick-ass fights and choreography. Ben Wang is fun and kinetic as the new Karate Kid, bringing his own spark to the role. The film’s first half shines with its unique setup which is making Wang’s character the mentor to his girlfriend’s father. This fresh twist worked well in our opinion, but the story eventually backpedals into predictable territory. Unfortunately, the legends themselves, Mr. Han and Daniel, feel more like nostalgic cameos than essential parts of the story. Still, if you set aside expectations and just enjoy the ride, Karate Kid Legends delivers solid entertainment and satisfying martial arts action.
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Karate Kid Legends (2025) Movie Review: Legendary Block
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