Karate Kid: Legends manages to revive a decades-old franchise while feeling completely fresh. It’s a fast, efficient, and thrilling 90-minute martial arts film that gets in, delivers, and leaves you energized. Clocking in with tight pacing and explosive energy, the film hits that sweet spot of being heartfelt, funny, action-packed, and never overstays its welcome.
It honors its roots while leaning hard into modern flair, combining the charming camp of the original films with the raw, kinetic intensity of contemporary action flicks. The storytelling may be a little simple and occasionally corny, but it all works because the tone is joyfully self-aware. It’s like watching a great ‘80s action movie with 2020s production value and fight choreography. It’s a combination that turns what could have been generic into something electric.
Ben Wang Steals the Spotlight
Ben Wang absolutely carries this film as Li. He’s a charismatic lead who delivers in both dramatic and action-packed moments. His presence is magnetic, pulling you into the story with ease. Whether he\’s navigating awkward teen moments, emotionally charged scenes, or breathtaking fight sequences, Wang commands attention.
But where he really shines is in the action. His fight scenes are reminiscent of classic Jackie Chan choreography: inventive, fast-paced, full of humor, and always grounded in character. His ability to make combat look both stylish and real cements him as a true breakout star and perfect martial arts hero for a new generation.
Aramis Knight And Rest of Karate Kid: Legends Cast Kicks Ass
Though Aramis Knight doesn’t get the same amount of screen time or character development, he leaves a massive impression. His fighting is a level above. Every one of his movements is sharp and deliberate, every strike telling a story. Even without many lines, Knight exudes an intensity that sells the stakes of every fight. His silent strength becomes a narrative in itself, raising the bar for martial arts films going forward.
The supporting cast also deserves praise. Even when the dialogue gets cheesy or a little too on-the-nose, the chemistry and performances keep it fun. There’s a contagious enthusiasm in every scene, and the surprisingly sharp humor, keeps things from feeling too heavy-handed. Arguably, it’s that same tone that allows for the few cheesier moments to feel charming rather than cringeworthy.
Ralph Macchio Adds Heart, If Not Heat
Ralph Macchio as Daniel LaRusso brings a familiar and lovable energy to the film, and his inclusion bridges the generations nicely. That said, the \”Miyagi legacy\” elements feel a bit forced, almost like the filmmakers were unsure whether to commit or let it go. Still, Macchio’s presence and commitment win you over. He doesn’t quite have the same action prowess as the rest of the cast (especially when compared to Chan), but he adds real heart and nostalgia.
Jackie Chan Is Back! And We Need More
One of the film’s most unexpectedly delightful elements is the evolution of Jackie Chan’s Mr. Han. Unlike his emotionally burdened and grieving portrayal in the 2010 Karate Kid, this version of Han is lighter, more centered, and refreshingly unburdened. He’s still wise, still disciplined, but carries himself with a playful ease that feels like a reward both for the character and for audiences who’ve followed Chan’s career for decades. Mr. Han’s mentorship here doesn’t just echo Mr. Miyagi’s wisdom, it reinterprets it through the lens of someone who has found peace without losing his edge. His joy in training and connection with the new generation adds warmth and humanity that balances the film’s more intense emotional moments.
And then there’s Jackie Chan being Jackie Chan, radiating charisma, comedy, and the kinetic brilliance that made him a global icon. Karate Kid: Legends doesn’t just use Jackie Chan; it unleashes him. From inventive fight choreography to small comedic beats woven into high-stakes action, we’re treated to the full spectrum of his talents. It’s the kind of performance that reminds you just how singular Chan’s presence is in cinema. It also reminds Western audiences how much we’ve been missing. This film proves not only that Jackie still has “it,” but that he never lost it! We just haven’t seen enough of it lately. Hollywood, take note: more Jackie Chan, please! And not just as a mentor or side character, but as the force of nature he clearly still is.
Karate Kid: Legends Action is Inventive, Improvised, and Inherently Jackie
The action in Karate Kid: Legends is an absolute masterclass in spirited, inventive fight choreography. It’s not just fighting for the sake of fighting, it tells stories, reveals character, and captures emotion with every movement. There’s a clear throughline of Jackie Chan’s DNA embedded in the film’s design. From the clever use of the environment – be it a chair, a water bottle, or a hanging sign – to the use of timing, rhythm, and physical humor, this is action that doesn’t rely on brute force but on improvisation, ingenuity, and personality.
Even more impressive is the vulnerability baked into the action. These aren’t invincible warriors gliding through combat without a scratch. The hits land, the mistakes matter, and the exhaustion is real. It’s emotionally charged and physically demanding, blending comedy and stakes in a way that pays homage to the greats while still carving out its own identity. The fights feel lived-in, chaotic, and above all, human. It’s like if someone who really cared was thrown into an impossible situation and had to fight their way through using everything around them. That’s pure Jackie Chan spirit, and it shines through every bruise, scramble, and perfectly timed slip.
A Ref Problem That Can’t Be Ignored Unlike a Previous Student
If there’s one misstep that actually hurts the story, it’s the bizarre officiating in one of the tournament scenes. The referee’s negligence leads to a moment that creates unnecessary trauma for the lead character, and it’s one of those plot mechanics that feels completely avoidable. It’s not just a nitpick, it messes with the logic of the moment and could have been written far more smoothly. That said, it’s a stumble, not a fall.
One of the more curious choices in Karate Kid: Legends (minor spoiler) is the complete absence of any mention of Jaden Smith’s character, Dre Parker, despite the fact that the film clearly draws from and honors the 2010 reboot. Mr. Han’s evolution as a mentor, along with several stylistic nods and narrative parallels, seem to be rooted in the legacy of his bond with Dre. It’s obvious that Dre’s influence shaped Han into the more open, joyful teacher we see in this film and it’s hard not to feel like the character deserved at least a passing mention. While the film wisely avoids forcing unnecessary nostalgia, the lack of acknowledgment feels like a missed opportunity to complete Mr. Han’s emotional arc. That said, the spirit of Dre lingers in every lesson Han imparts, serving as a quiet, but impactful, influence on the story.
A Triumphant Fusion of Past and Future
Karate Kid: Legends is a love letter to the franchise’s history and a thrilling promise of its future. With incredible fights, compelling leads, and the return of two franchise icons, it’s an exciting, satisfying ride that wears its heart on its sleeve. It may not be perfect, but it is undeniably entertaining and emotionally effective. Even with the camp, the clichés, and the WWE ref energy, it’s a movie you’ll want to see again. Now bring on the next round and give Jackie Chan a new franchise while you\’re at it.
A knockout comeback that honors its legacy while breaking new ground, I give Karate Kid: Legends an
8/10
Karate Kid: Legends releases in theaters May 30, 2025.
About Karate Kid: Legends
Release Date: May 30, 2025
Directed by: Jonathan Entwistle
Written by: Rob Lieber
Produced by: Karen Rosenfelt
Executive Producers: Jenny Hinkey, Ralph Macchio
Cast: Jackie Chan and Ralph Macchio, Ben Wang, Joshua Jackson, Sadie Stanley, Ming-Na Wen
Synopsis
Karate Kid: Legends unites the iconic martial arts masters of one of the most beloved film franchises of all time to tell a completely new story full of action and heart. When kung fu prodigy Li Fong (Ben Wang) relocates to New York City with his mother to attend a prestigious new school, he finds solace in a new friendship with a classmate and her father.
But his newfound peace is short-lived after he attracts unwanted attention from a formidable local karate champion. Driven by a desire to defend himself, Li embarks on a journey to enter the ultimate karate competition. Guided by the wisdom of his kung fu teacher, Mr. Han (Jackie Chan), and the legendary Karate Kid, Daniel LaRusso (Ralph Macchio), Li merges their unique styles to prepare for an epic martial arts showdown.
Are you ready to see Jackie Chan back in full force? Do you think Karate Kid: Legends live up to the legacy or rewrite it entirely? Which fight scene are you most excited for? Let me know your thoughts and theories — and who you want to see in the dojo next in the comments or @me!
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