Movie Review: "Karate Kid: Legends" – A Mixed Martial Arts Adventure
Grade: C
Karate Kid: Legends has arrived, and while it may boast some charming elements, it ultimately falls short of the heights reached by its predecessors. As an avid fan of both Cobra Kai and the original films, I was eager to dive into this fresh entry. Sony Pictures deserves credit for launching it shortly after the Cobra Kai series finale, seizing the opportunity when interest in the franchise is at its peak.
A Nostalgic Opening
The film kicks off with a nostalgic nod to the past, featuring a brief scene from the beloved Karate Kid Part II (1986). This flashback not only rekindles the magic of Mr. Miyagi, portrayed by the late Pat Morita, but also cleverly retcons the 2010 reboot. In this new narrative, Mr. Han, played by the ever-charismatic Jackie Chan, finds his place within the original Karate Kid universe rather than merely reinventing the beloved mentor.
Meet Young Li Fong
Following the nostalgic opener, we are introduced to Li Fong, portrayed by the promising newcomer Ben Wang. As a Kung Fu student training under Mr. Han, Li’s story unfolds against the backdrop of his stern mother’s disapproval. The talented Ming-Na Wen plays Li’s mother, who relocates her family to New York for a hospital position, effortlessly reminding audiences of her role in the classic series, E.R..
New Beginnings in the Big City
Moving to New York becomes a pivotal moment for Li as he struggles to adapt to a new lifestyle. Fortunately, he crosses paths with Mia, played by Sadie Stanley, who becomes a beacon of hope. However, the plot thickens when Li discovers Mia’s ex-boyfriend, Conor (portrayed by Aramis Knight), is a Karate bully filled with machismo. To prepare for an upcoming tournament, Li seeks the guidance of Mr. Han and a familiar face, Daniel LaRusso (ever-youthful Ralph Macchio).
A Mixed Bag of Storytelling
Directed by Jonathan Entwistle, Legends has its heart in the right place but often feels formulaic and disjointed. One curious subplot involves Li training Mia’s father, played charmingly by Joshua Jackson, for a boxing match against a loan shark. While well-acted, this story arc feels misplaced and detracts from the main narrative.
A Rushed Experience
The film’s pacing presents another hurdle. Consider this: Mr. Han jets back and forth from Beijing to New York and Southern California in a mere ten minutes, compressing timelines so tightly that it feels unrealistic.
Runtime plays a crucial role here, as Karate Kid: Legends clocks in at a swift 94 minutes. While brevity isn’t inherently an issue, it leads to a lack of essential character development. As a result, poignant moments—like the reasons behind Li’s PTSD—come across as mere footnotes rather than crucial plot beats.
Underwhelming Underdog Moments
As a tale of underdog perseverance, Legends fails to deliver the electrifying moments we’ve come to expect from the franchise. Despite some upgrade in fight choreography, including Li taking on multiple grown opponents, the film lacks the “stand up and cheer” vibe integral to the Karate Kid spirit. Unfortunately, even the climactic tournament feels rather anticlimactic.
A Cast that Shines
It’s important to highlight the film’s strengths: the talented cast. Ben Wang, Jackie Chan, Sadie Stanley, and Joshua Jackson bring considerable charm to their roles, making the viewing experience somewhat bearable. Fans should take note to stick around for the credits, which feature a delightful cameo that adds a bit of joy to the proceedings.
Final Thoughts
When it comes to ranking Karate Kid: Legends among its series siblings, it stands lower than the original films or the standout Cobra Kai. However, it slightly edges out Karate Kid Part III and The Next Karate Kid thanks to its engaging cast. Even though the film doesn’t quite hit the mark, one can hope it gains new life and context as the Karate Kid legacy evolves, similar to how Karate Kid Part III found new relevance in Cobra Kai.
While this installment features a mix of heart and humor, it’s clear it doesn’t quite measure up to the franchise’s finest. As we look ahead, here’s hoping that Karate Kid: Legends finds its place in pop culture history—even if it’s just as a curious footnote in the expansive Karate Kid universe.
