OLD MOVES, NEW SPIRIT

The Karate Kid franchise has long thrived on cinematic purpose and nostalgic charm, revolving around the central theme of young protagonists trained in martial arts by seasoned mentors, enabling them to confront bullies or assert themselves in challenging circumstances. Originating with the iconic 1984 film, The Karate Kid laid the groundwork by chronicling Daniel LaRusso’s transformative journey under the guidance of Mr. Miyagi. The subsequent sequels, The Karate Kid: Part II (1986) and The Karate Kid: Part III (1989), continued LaRusso and Miyagi’s adventures, deepening the series’ lore. In 1994, the franchise pivoted with The Next Karate Kid, maintaining Miyagi as the mentor but introducing a new protagonist. A 2010 remake, also titled The Karate Kid, reimagined the narrative with new characters and shifted the martial arts discipline to kung fu, set against a backdrop in China. Beyond the movies, the franchise has extended into video games, animation, and assorted merchandise. Notably, the television series Cobra Kai, which debuted in 2018 and ran for six successful seasons, reignited widespread interest by continuing the stories of several original characters three decades later. Now, riding the wave of Cobra Kai’s finale, Sony Pictures and director Jonathan Entwistle unveil the next chapter, Karate Kid: Legends. Does this latest entry earn its place among martial arts cinema, or is it finally time to sweep the leg on this beloved franchise?

THE STORY

Struggling to move beyond her grief over the loss of her eldest son, Dr. Fong (Ming-Na Wen) seizes an opportunity for a fresh start by relocating from Beijing to New York City. She reluctantly uproots her younger son Li (Ben Wang) from his life and kung fu training with Mr. Han (Jackie Chan), making Li promise to avoid fighting in their new home. In New York, Li struggles to adjust until he crosses paths with Mia Lipani (Sadie Stanley) and her father, Victor Lipani (Joshua Jackson), an ex-boxer who owns a financially troubled local pizzeria. However, Li soon attracts unwanted attention from Connor Day (Aramis Knight), a cocky karate champion and Mia’s jealous ex-boyfriend, determined to torment the newcomer. Circumstances eventually force Li back into action, showcasing his kung fu skills, defying Connor’s bullying, helping Victor regain his fighting spirit, and worrying his mother. When Mr. Han visits to check on his student, he recognizes Li’s need for additional training and enlists the help of Daniel LaRusso (Ralph Macchio) to teach Li the “Miyagi” karate style in preparation for the prestigious “Five Boroughs” martial arts tournament, where Connor is heavily favored to win.

THE GOOD / THE BAD

Personally, I’ve always had a strong affinity for The Karate Kid franchise. Its straightforward narrative, combining teenage angst, bullying, martial arts, and themes of inner courage, might sound a bit jarring on paper, yet it consistently delivers compelling entertainment. Of course, my favorite remains the original The Karate Kid, a film permanently etched in my memory thanks to my dad. It truly is the best of the series, laying down the core concepts, themes, characters, and action sequences that became the franchise’s cornerstone. The two immediate sequels are also enjoyable in their own right, not as strong or memorable as the original, but still worthy follow-ups continuing Daniel LaRusso’s journey.

Like many fans, I consider The Next Karate Kid to be the franchise’s lowest point. On its own, it’s watchable, I appreciated Hilary Swank stepping into the lead role and the return of Pat Morita’s iconic Mr. Miyagi, but it lacks the unique spark that made the previous films so endearing. The 2010 remake, The Karate Kid, felt like a mixed bag. Some appreciated the updated story, and Jackie Chan brought charm to his version of the Miyagi-like role, but overall, it missed the finesse and emotional depth that made the original films resonate. Of course, I’d be remiss not to mention Cobra Kai, a series I thoroughly enjoyed. Though occasionally repetitive and stretched thin over its six-season run, it consistently delivered fun and nostalgia. By fleshing out beloved characters from the first three films and bridging the generational gap with a new younger cast, Cobra Kai struck an ideal balance, appealing to both long-time fans and new viewers alike.

Overall, the enduring charm of The Karate Kid franchise lies in its simple yet heartfelt formula: martial arts action wrapped neatly within coming-of-age storytelling. With the success and conclusion of Cobra Kai, it’s clear there’s still significant interest in breathing new life into this beloved series.

This brings me back to Karate Kid: Legends, the 2025 martial arts drama and sixth entry in The Karate Kid franchise. I remember when this film was first announced, right between seasons five and six of Cobra Kai, once again highlighting the enduring popularity of this iconic 80s series and its resurgence among modern viewers. Honestly, the announcement came as a bit of a surprise, particularly with actors Ralph Macchio and Jackie Chan attached, reprising their respective roles. The news naturally generated excitement, marking the first time the original protagonist and the remake’s master sensei would share the screen for an entirely new adventure. Yet, a lingering question remained: would the new movie live up to expectations?

Soon enough, the film’s marketing campaign began to ramp up, with trailers appearing both online and in theaters. These previews alone heightened my anticipation, emphasizing the intriguing balance of two martial arts styles while introducing an appealing new protagonist. Of course, I didn’t expect the film to drastically alter the established formula; rather, after the success of Cobra Kai, which smartly expanded upon beloved heroes and villains, I was hoping for something a bit fresher in a few key areas.

As you can imagine, I eagerly awaited the film’s release and caught it on its opening day, May 29th, 2025, even taking my parents along for the ride to go see it. I purposely waited a couple of weeks before writing my review, needing to complete some other film reviews first. Now, having gathered my thoughts, I’m ready to share my impressions. And what did I ultimately think? Well, I enjoyed it. Though the film occasionally brushes too close to familiar territory and rushes through its narrative a bit briskly, Karate Kid: Legends still proves to be a solid, entertaining addition to the franchise. It doesn’t reinvent the “karate kid” wheel, but reinforces a proven formula, introducing a few fresh elements along the way while delivering reliably enjoyable martial arts action and youthful determination.

Karate Kid: Legends is directed by Jonathan Entwistle, whose previous directorial credits include The End of the F**king World, I Am Not Okay with This, and Hello Tomorrow!. Given his background in smaller-scale projects, mostly rooted in television, Entwistle might seem like an unconventional choice to helm a new Karate Kid film. However, he proves more than capable, channeling the same excitement, emotional sincerity, and entertainment value that defined the earlier entries. He not only expands the franchise with a new lead character and updated relevance but also shows a clear respect for its legacy.

As with the previous installments, Legends leans heavily into the franchise’s foundational themes—morality, self-worth, resilience, and the battle against bullies. These values are usually explored through a young protagonist who learns life lessons through martial arts and personal discipline. Entwistle hits those familiar notes early, presenting a new character who’s adjusting to life with a single parent, facing a major transition, and trying to fit into a new environment. It’s familiar ground, perhaps even predictable, but it’s also the franchise’s “bread and butter,” and Entwistle embraces that while giving it renewed energy.

To his credit, the film’s first half stands out for its balance of nostalgia and subtle reinvention. The screenplay, written by Rob Lieber and franchise veteran Robert Mark Kamen, brings in fresh material while honoring tradition. A major theme involves trauma and grief, adding a surprisingly grounded emotional depth to the story. This, paired with the idea that the main character, Li, is already trained in martial arts, offers a fresh twist on the typical “beginner-to-champion” arc. While he hasn’t mastered his craft, Li’s existing kung fu knowledge allows him to mentor someone else (Victor), which cleverly subverts expectations without veering too far off course. The result is a film that honors the formula while finding room to evolve, if only slightly.

Entwistle also keeps the film moving at a brisk pace, with a runtime that avoids overstuffing or dragging out subplots. Some may argue the film moves a little too quickly, but its straightforwardness is refreshing. Entwistle knows the story he wants to tell and doesn’t waste time in doing so.

Unsurprisingly, the action sequences are a key highlight. The choreography is fluid, intense, and well-executed, delivering the kind of energized martial arts spectacle fans expect. In addition, the movie offers several fun callbacks to previous entries in the series, including visual references, key phrases, and cameos that are sure to satisfy longtime viewers. These nostalgic touches are woven naturally into the film and help tie Legends into the greater Karate Kid universe.

Overall, Entwistle turns in an admirable effort, creating a likable, wholesome, and engaging chapter that feels like a natural continuation of the series. The film may not revolutionize the franchise, but it reinforces what works and paves the way for potential future stories.

On the production side, Legends delivers a grounded and effective presentation. It doesn’t rely on exotic locales or grand set pieces, instead using the gritty texture of New York City as its sandbox. Entwistle gives the setting character and life, making it feel immersive and distinctive from previous films. The production design by Maya Sigel, the set decorations from Geneviève Boivin, Jean-Charles Claveau, Louis Deschênes, Charlotte Lee, and Charles-Olivier Tremblay, and the costume designs by Mirren Gordon-Crozier all help create an authentic urban atmosphere. Likewise, the art direction by Frédéric Berthiaume-Gabbino, Elise de Blois, Marie-Soleil Dénommé, and Félix Larivière-Charron adds further texture and realism to the backdrop.

The cinematography by Justin Brown is visually striking, lending the film a cinematic edge that elevates both its dramatic and action-driven moments. His work gives the fight sequences a sense of fluid movement and theatrical flair. The sound editing and mixing are sharp and impactful, capturing everything from intimate dialogue to explosive punches with precision. And Dominic Lewis’s musical score hits all the right beats, emotionally resonant when needed and punchy during key training and fighting moments. The modern song selections throughout also help enhance the film’s energy and lend authenticity to its contemporary setting.

While Karate Kid: Legends is undeniably entertaining and enjoyable, I did come away with a few criticisms. Nothing major enough to derail the entire experience, but a handful of issues were certainly noticeable. Chief among them is the film’s adherence to the familiar, something that feels like the proverbial “elephant in the room.”

Like many long-running franchises, be it Rocky, Terminator, Scream, or Fast & Furious, the Karate Kid series thrives on a tried-and-true formula. Audiences have come to expect certain beats in a Karate Kid project: the underdog setup, the mentor relationship, the bully antagonist, the training montage, and the climactic final match. Legends follows this formula to a tee, and while there are a few new flourishes and updated themes, the overall narrative plays out almost exactly as you’d expect. Personally, I was fine with that, it comes with the territory, but others may be more critical of the film’s predictable and “paint-by-numbers” approach, citing a lack of originality.

A more pressing issue for me, however, lies in the film’s brisk pacing, particularly in the second half. At just 94 minutes, Legends is the shortest entry in the franchise, even shorter than The Next Karate Kid (which ran 107 minutes). While a lean runtime can be a positive in avoiding narrative bloat, here it works against the film. Some storylines feel glossed over or abandoned altogether, and several characters are reduced to broad archetypes rather than fully fleshed-out individuals.

There’s genuine potential within Legends that could’ve been expanded upon, especially in its back half. The emotional stakes, character arcs, and tournament buildup could’ve benefited from more breathing room. Instead, the film often feels rushed, as if a longer cut once existed but was trimmed significantly in post-production to meet a tight runtime. It’s not a deal-breaker by any means, but it’s a missed opportunity. A slightly longer, more developed version of this story might’ve elevated the film from solid to standout.

What helps Legends rise above its familiar beats and criticisms is its cast. The selected ensemble brings charisma and sincerity to their roles, making the characters feel engaging even when the writing occasionally leans into predictability. While some character archetypes feel recycled from earlier entries in the franchise, the performances are often strong enough to make those tropes feel a tad fresh.

Leading the cast is Ben Wang as main protagonist hero Li Fong, a young Chinese teen trained in kung fu by his shifu, Mr. Han. Known for his roles in Mean Girls, American Born Chinese, and Sight, Wang may not yet be a household name, but his performance here makes a strong case for him as a rising star. He brings an immediate likability to the role, with a grounded, earnest charm that makes Li easy to root for. While the character’s journey follows the familiar Karate Kid template, Wang’s affable screen presence adds warmth and emotional resonance, helping to elevate the story.

One of the biggest draws of Legends is the return of franchise veterans actors Jackie Chan (Rush Hour and Police Story) and Ralph Macchio (The Karate Kid and The Outsiders), reprising their roles as Mr. Han (from the 2010 Karate Kid) and Daniel LaRusso (from the original trilogy and Cobra Kai), respectively. Both characters serve as mentors to Li as he prepares for the Five Boroughs tournament. Between the two, Chan has more prominent role, serving as Li’s primary teacher. While Mr. Han doesn’t receive the same level of character depth as in the 2010 film, Chan injects his trademark energy and comedic timing into the role, offering shades of his Rush Hour persona. He’s clearly enjoying the opportunity to return, and his chemistry with Wang gives the film a fun, dynamic edge.

As for Daniel LaRusso, his role is more of an extended cameo, entering the story well past the halfway mark. His inclusion feels more about narrative continuity than character exploration, especially given how thoroughly his arc was explored in both the original trilogy as well as in the recent Cobra Kai series. That said, Macchio’s presence is still a welcome one, and it’s genuinely enjoyable to see him share the screen with Chan and Wang. A few additional scenes between the three could have helped flesh out the second half of the film, but his appearance remains a nostalgic highlight.

Behind those three main leads, actress Sadie Stanley (Cruel Summer and Dead to Me) plays Mia Lipani, Victor’s daughter and Li’s love interest. As a character, Mia largely fits the expected mold of the supportive girlfriend figure, reminiscent of Ali Mills from the original film. While not particularly groundbreaking, Stanley handles the role well and has solid chemistry with Wang, making their budding relationship feel natural and believable. She also serves as a connector between several of the main characters, which gives her more narrative weight than just being a romantic subplot.

A standout surprise in the film is actor Joshua Jackson Dawson’s Creek and The Mighty Ducks) as Victor Lipani, a former boxing champ, Mia’s father, and the owner of Marco’s Pizzeria. Jackson brings a charismatic swagger and emotional nuance to the role, portraying Victor as a well-meaning, down-on-his-luck figure who becomes a mentee of sorts under Li. While the character isn’t heavily explored, the mentorship dynamic adds a fresh layer to the narrative, and Jackson’s performance helps ground the film’s emotional undercurrent.

Next, actress Ming-Na Wen (Mulan and The Joy Luck Club) also delivers a solid performance as Dr. Fong, Li’s mother and Mr. Han’s niece. Her character, grappling with the loss of her eldest son and concerned about Li’s involvement in martial arts, is played with poise and emotional depth. While her arc is fairly straightforward and expected, Wen lends gravitas to her scenes and elevates a role that might have otherwise felt routine.

The film’s weakest character is unfortunately its main antagonist, Conor Day, who is played by actor Aramis Knight (Ender’s Game and Into the Badlands). Conor, a cocky karate prodigy and Mia’s ambiguous ex-boyfriend, fits the standard Karate Kid rival template, akin to Johnny Lawrence, Chozen Toguchi, Mike Barnes, and Cheng, but lacks the depth or backstory to make him memorable. He’s aggressive, skilled, and mean, but beyond that, the film offers little insight into his motivations. Knight does what he can with the material and I do like him in the role, but Conor ultimately feels underdeveloped, a victim of the film’s rushed pacing.

Similarly, actor Tim Rozon (Wynonna Earp and Gray), who plays the role of O’Shea, a mafioso-like loan shark and Conor’s sensei, feels like a half-formed character. There’s some promise in his swagger and presence, but he never becomes as impactful as previous villainous mentors like John Kreese or Terry Silver. Like Conor, O’Shea suffers from limited screen time and minimal development, which undercuts his potential as a meaningful antagonist.

The supporting cast rounds out the ensemble nicely. Actor Wyatt Oleff (IT and Guardians of the Galaxy) appears as Alan, Li’s tutor and friend; actor Oscar Ge makes his debut as Li’s late brother Bo Fong; actor Nicholas Carella (Under the Banner of Heaven and Joy Ride) plays “Fat Jerry,” a friend of Victor’s; and actress Shaunette Renée Wilson (Black Panther and The Resident) appears as Ms. Morgan, Li’s schoolteacher. While these roles are small, each actor adds personality and purpose to their scenes, whether for comedic relief, emotional resonance, or simple continuity. Their presence helps flesh out the world of Legends, adding texture and life to the supporting environment without overwhelming the main narrative.

FINAL THOUGHTS

Coming to America and adjusting to life as the “new kid,” Li Fong navigates the challenges of New York City, making new friends, clashing with enemies, and finding the strength to face his past, with the guidance of two legendary martial arts masters in Karate Kid: Legends. Director Jonathan Entwistle’s latest entry in the beloved Karate Kid franchise seeks to introduce a fresh face to carry the torch while paying homage to the legacy that made the series a pop culture staple. The result is largely what you’d expect from a story like this, familiar, heartfelt, and ultimately a fun and entertaining ride from start to finish. Yes, the film leans heavily on well-worn beats, and the rushed pacing in the back half is certainly noticeable. However, the movie still manages to be a wholesome and satisfying crowd-pleaser, thanks to Entwistle’s solid direction, engaging martial arts sequences, nostalgic callbacks, a relatable coming-of-age journey, and a committed cast that brings charm and sincerity to their roles. Personally, I really enjoyed this movie. I knew going in that it wasn’t going to break the mold or reinvent the formula, but it still feels like a worthy addition to the Karate Kid saga. The setting was vibrant, the characters were endearing, and while the story played it safe, it still hit all the right notes for a classic underdog tale. So, where does Karate Kid: Legends rank within the broader franchise? I’d place it somewhere in the middle, not quite on the level of the original film or Cobra Kai, but certainly ahead of the 2010 remake and The Next Karate Kid. Maybe even better than Karate Kid: Part II and Part III. It’s hard to decide fully. Still, it’s a great watch. As such my recommendation for this movie would be a strong “highly recommended” for both longtime fans and newcomers alike. Those who grew up with the series will appreciate the nostalgic touches and returning characters, while newer audiences, especially those introduced through Cobra Kai, will find plenty to enjoy in this new cinematic chapter. With the film’s ending leaving the door open for future stories, there’s definite potential to explore more of Li’s journey, whether that means new rivals, fresh challenges, or crossovers with younger Cobra Kai characters. And honestly? If the next chapter builds on what Legends started, I’ll be more than happy to return to the dojo. Because when the legacy is this strong, there’s always another story waiting to be told. In the end, Karate Kid: Legends doesn’t radically change the game, but it plays it with heart and martial arts appeal, honoring its roots while breathing just enough new life to keep the legacy kicking.

4.3 Out of 5 (Highly Recommended)

The Official Website for Karate Kid: Legends Link: HERE

Released On: May 30th, 2025

Reviewed On: June 9th, 2025

Karate Kid: Legends  is 94 minutes long and is rated PG-13 for martial arts violence and some language

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