Rated: PG
My Raiting: 6.5/10
It’s been nearly four decades since The Karate Kid first crane-kicked its way into pop culture history. The original 1984 film, with its perfect balance of grit, heart, and underdog charm, went on to inspire sequels, reboots, a hit Netflix series (Cobra Kai), and now, in 2025, yet another entry into the dojo: Karate Kid: Legends. While this new instalment brings back fan-favourites Jackie Chan and Ralph Macchio, and introduces a fresh face in Ben Wang, it also delivers a lighter, goofier tone that might leave long-time fans feeling a little… waxed off.
Let’s get this out of the way: Karate Kid: Legends is not a bad film. It’s energetic, funny, and easy to watch. It’s also a family-friendly, nostalgia-fuelled crowd-pleaser that doesn’t take itself too seriously. But therein lies the catch, this isn’t really The Karate Kid as we remember it. If you’re hoping for the depth and emotional weight of the original or even the darker, more character-driven stories of Cobra Kai, you might be disappointed. This is a much breezier ride, almost like a Disney Channel version of a franchise that once taught us that balance and discipline were everything.
The Story (or what’s left of it)
Set in modern-day New York City, Karate Kid: Legends introduces us to Li Fong (played by Ben Wang), a talented young kung fu student from Beijing who relocates to the U.S. after a personal tragedy shakes his family to its core. Struggling to adapt to life in America and still grieving the loss of his older brother, Li finds himself a stranger in a strange land, battling both culture shock and high school politics. Naturally, it doesn't take long before he catches the attention of Connor Day (Aramis Knight), a cocky local karate champion and resident bully, who just so happens to be the ex of Li’s new friend and maybe-crush Mia Lipani (Sadie Stanley).
As Li’s conflicts escalate and the threat of physical confrontation looms, he finds guidance from none other than Mr Han (Jackie Chan), reprising his role from the 2010 reboot. Mr Han, recognising Li’s raw potential and emotional baggage, reaches out to a familiar face for help: Daniel LaRusso (Ralph Macchio), the original Karate Kid himself. While the two mentors hail from very different martial arts philosophies, Han with his serene kung fu wisdom, and Daniel with his tried-and-true Miyagi-Do teachings, they come together with one goal: to prepare Li for the Five Boroughs Karate Tournament.
What follows is a mash-up of old and new, East and West, comedy and legacy. Training montages ensue, complete with the occasional philosophical lesson, noodle-based metaphors, and yes, a few cheeky nods to wax-on/wax-off. The film builds toward Li’s inevitable showdown with Connor in a flashy, high-stakes tournament that echoes the franchise’s classic formula, albeit with a much more lighthearted spin.
Jackie Chan and Ralph Macchio are easily the best thing about Legends. Watching the two share the screen is a bit surreal, especially considering they originated in separate branches of the franchise (Chan in the 2010 reboot, Macchio in the original trilogy). Their chemistry is natural and surprisingly funny, with plenty of playful jabs at each other’s teaching styles. Their dynamic is arguably more entertaining than the central plot.
Seeing Jackie Chan and Ralph Macchio share the screen for the first time is a real treat. Both actors slip comfortably back into their iconic roles and bring a warmth and sense of legacy that fans will appreciate. Their dynamic is lighthearted and often playful, with a few decent laughs scattered throughout their scenes. But the film never lets them dig deeper. There’s clearly a shared pain and wisdom between Han and Daniel, yet the script only hints at it before rushing off to the next training gag or tournament prep montage.
It’s a missed opportunity. The film had the chance to bridge two very different eras of the franchise and deliver something genuinely meaningful. Instead, their mentorship is mostly used for comic relief. While entertaining, it often feels like the film is ticking boxes instead of building real character moments.
As the new face of the franchise, Ben Wang is likeable and confident. He brings a grounded energy to Li that helps anchor the more cartoonish elements around him. His performance is solid, and he handles the physical scenes well, even if the emotional range of the character is underplayed.
Li’s backstory should be the film’s emotional core. The grief, the displacement, the pressure of living up to his brother’s memory, all of it is compelling. But the film is too quick to move past these moments, opting for a lighter tone that never quite earns the character’s growth. You’re told that he’s changed by the end of the film, but you don’t really feel it.
Still, Wang’s charisma is undeniable, and he deserves credit for making a somewhat thin character feel believable and relatable.
This isn’t your old-school Karate Kid. While previous entries in the franchise-built drama through hardship and personal growth, Legends opts for something closer to a teen adventure comedy. It’s bright, fast-paced, and packed with quick gags and pop culture winks.
If you’re a long-time fan hoping for deep themes or high-stakes tension, you may find the tone a bit jarring. The villains are more annoying than dangerous, the conflicts are resolved quickly, and the film often avoids emotional discomfort in favour of a feel-good vibe. The training montages are more playful than intense and the fights, while well-choreographed, don’t carry much weight.
For younger audiences, this might be the perfect entry point into the franchise. It’s approachable, fun and easy to digest. But for those who grew up with Daniel and Mr Miyagi, the lack of dramatic depth might leave you feeling a bit short-changed.
Director Jonathan Entwistle brings a polished, modern aesthetic to the film. The cinematography is clean and colourful, with well-lit sets, sharp costume design and lots of vibrant backdrops. It definitely looks the part of a contemporary reboot.
The action scenes are slick, with fluid martial arts choreography and fast editing. While they lack the raw impact of earlier films, they’re still entertaining and will no doubt impress a younger audience. The final tournament, though predictable, has a few fun moments and a satisfying payoff.
The soundtrack is serviceable, filled with upbeat tracks and motivational vibes. Nothing memorable, but it gets the job done.
There’s no denying that Karate Kid: Legends is a crowd-pleaser. It’s got energy, humour, and plenty of heartwarming moments. It’s appropriate for all ages and makes for a solid family movie night option.
But in trying to please everyone, the film sacrifices what made The Karate Kid special in the first place. The original wasn’t afraid to show pain, struggle and growth. It earned its happy endings. Legends, by contrast, often takes shortcuts, avoiding emotional complexity in favour of safe storytelling and predictable beats.
Karate Kid: Legends is fun, watchable and full of nostalgic charm. Jackie Chan and Ralph Macchio are great to watch, and Ben Wang brings enough personality to make Li a worthwhile protagonist. But the film is ultimately let down by its reluctance to dig deeper.
It’s a movie that plays everything safe. The laughs land, the fights entertain, and the heart is in the right place but it never quite kicks above the waist. For casual viewers and younger fans, this is a decent way to spend two hours. But for those who remember the lessons of Mr Miyagi, you might walk away feeling like something’s missing. That’s why I give it a 6.5/10
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