Karate Kid: Legends Review

Karate Kid: Legends is a powerful, emotional, and action-packed addition to the legendary martial arts saga that has spanned generations. Directed by Jonathan Entwistle (I Am Not Okay With This), the film bridges the gap between past and present, offering a heartfelt tribute to the original movies while confidently setting up a new chapter for today’s audiences.

The story centres on Li (Ben Wang), a shy and reserved Chinese-American teenager who has just moved to California with his mother. Struggling to adjust to a new school, Li feels isolated and unsure of himself, until fate places him in the path of two iconic martial arts mentors: Daniel LaRusso (Ralph Macchio) and Mr. Han (Jackie Chan). Fans of the franchise will be thrilled to see Daniel and Mr. Han forces, guiding Li on a journey of self-discovery, resilience, and strength as he prepares for a high-stakes martial arts tournament that will push him to his limits.

What makes Karate Kid: Legends stand out is its deep respect for the heart of the original films: the human connections. Ben Wang delivers a touching and authentic performance as Li, perfectly capturing the awkwardness, vulnerability, and quiet determination of a teenager trying to find his place. His chemistry with Ralph Macchio and Jackie Chan is one of the movie’s greatest strengths, balancing humour, wisdom, and warmth. Seeing Macchio’s Daniel return as a seasoned mentor is deeply satisfying for longtime fans, while Jackie Chan once again proves why he’s such a beloved screen presence, bringing both humour and emotional weight to his role.

US!!! WE ARE A SMALL, INDEPENDENT FILM WEBSITE WITH NO BIG BACKERS, SO IF YOU LOVE OUR SITE AND OUR WRITERS, PLEASE CONSIDER HELPING US TO KEEP FILM JOURNALISM ALIVE!

The film’s action sequences are well-choreographed and thrilling without ever feeling overblown. Entwistle wisely keeps the focus on grounded, character-driven fights rather than flashy spectacle, allowing the audience to stay invested in the stakes. A highlight is the t training montage between Li, Daniel, and Mr. Han, which had the audience at my screening audibly cheering, a reminder of how these films have always been about more than just punches and kicks.

There are moments where the secondary characters, particularly the school bully and love interest, feel slightly underdeveloped, but the heart of the film is so strong that these minor issues don’t detract much. The themes of belonging, mentorship, and perseverance shine through, making the movie both a nostalgic treat and a fresh, relevant story for new viewers.

Overall, Karate Kid: Legends is a triumphant, heartfelt crowd-pleaser that honours the franchise’s roots while paving the way for a new generation. Whether you’re a longtime fan or stepping into the dojo for the first time, this is a film that delivers both emotional depth and exhilarating martial arts action.