Karate Kid: Legends – A Charming Yet Predictable Journey
The week following Memorial Day typically sees a lull in new movie releases, but this year, audiences are treated to two noteworthy entries: Karate Kid: Legends and A24’s gripping horror flick, Bring Her Back. Buckle up as we dive into both reviews and also take a glance at The Last Rodeo.
Karate Kid: Legends
Karate Kid: Legends proves to be a delightful yet flawed film. The ultimate question is: how much can you overlook its shortcomings? If you’re a fan of the classic Karate Kid storyline, you might find yourself surprisingly enchanted.
A Familiar Beat
The film revolves around Ben Wang, who delivers a commendable performance as a teenager navigating life in a new city. He faces the age-old tale of battling against the sinister forces of a villainous dojo in a karate tournament. While this plot may feel a tad too familiar, Wang’s charisma encourages viewers to root for him.
Joshua Jackson (of Pacey fame) adds warmth as the owner of a local pizza parlor. Despite its absurdity, his character is both charming and relatable.
Misleading Marketing
One aspect to note is the film’s misleading promotional campaign. Ralph Macchio, a beloved figure from the original franchise, only appears in the third act. Audiences might find themselves surprised to see far more of Jackson than Jackie Chan. Furthermore, despite being set in bustling New York City, the same characters seemingly cross paths too frequently—proof that the plot doesn’t quite escape its silliness.
Despite its flaws, I wholeheartedly recommend this film. For devoted fans of the franchise, the joy of revisiting this world eclipses the narrative’s predictability.
Final Thoughts
Karate Kid: Legends might not be a cinematic masterpiece, but it will tug at the heartstrings of those who cherish the original.
Rating: B-
Bring Her Back – A Haunting Experience
Shifting gears, let’s delve into Bring Her Back, a horror film that showcases the remarkable talent of Sally Hawkins in a role that deserves Oscar consideration.
A Disturbing Narrative
This well-crafted film lingers long after the credits roll, evoking a sense of unsettling dread. While it excels in delivering emotional depth, it also explores shocking themes of violence, particularly involving children, which I found quite challenging to digest. Even seasoned horror aficionados may find themselves uneasy.
The film intertwines elements of psychological torture, pushing the boundaries of discomfort. It’s a film that demands attention but isn’t easy to endure—some may even feel compelled to look away.
Craftsmanship Meets Controversy
How does one critique a film like this? On one hand, it brilliantly achieves its narrative goals, yet its troubling content makes it a tricky recommendation. I’m inclined to endorse Bring Her Back for its craftsmanship—albeit with a cautionary note.
Rating: B-
The Last Rodeo – Charming Chemistry Amidst Flaws
Lastly, we turn to The Last Rodeo, a film that struggles against the odds with its shaky direction and disjointed editing.
Performance-Driven
Despite its production shortcomings, the film benefits from the natural chemistry between Neal McDonough and Mykelti Williamson. Their camaraderie brings vitality to this Angel Studios release, which awkwardly integrates religious themes into its narrative.
While the film isn’t of theatrical caliber, it may serve as a light-hearted option when it surfaces on streaming platforms.
Rating: C
Conclusion
In summary, this week’s offerings range from the charmingly flawed Karate Kid: Legends to the hauntingly powerful Bring Her Back, ultimately revealing a cinematic landscape ripe with opportunities for storytelling—albeit with a blend of charm and absurdity.
For more about the Karate Kid franchise, check out this article on Screen Rant, and to delve deeper into the horror genre, visit Rotten Tomatoes’ horror section.
