Karate Kid: Legends – A Franchise Past Its Prime

Directed by: Jonathan Entwistle                            
Written by: Rob Lieber                             
Produced by: Karen Rosenfelt
Executive Producers: Jenny Hinkey – Ralph Macchio
Cast: Jackie Chan, Ralph Macchio, Ben Wang, Joshua Jackson, Sadie Stanley, and more.

Karate Kid: Legends – A Franchise Past Its Prime
Walking into the screening of Karate Kid: Legends, my expectations were low due to the trailers. The Karate Kid franchise seems to have exhausted its potential, having jumped the shark. While the Cobra Kai series was commendable for its fresh take on the aftermath and older setting years after the original film, the movie franchise has become a repetitive cycle of recycled content with little substance. This new film epitomizes that, offering a lot of rinse and repeat without any meaningful character development. The fast-paced storytelling resulted in zero character growth, making it hard to care about any of the characters. The film felt rushed in every sense.

Honestly, this movie could have been called anything else and dropped the Karate Kid name entirely—no one would have noticed. There’s no reason to watch any Karate Kid films after the original if you’re hoping to enjoy this one. Ralph Macchio’s appearance as Daniel LaRusso added absolutely nothing to the plot (why was he even there?), and Jackie Chan’s certainty about Daniel showing up in New York was just bizarre.

Ben Wang, as Li Fong, shows potential despite his emotional scenes failing to move me and his fight scenes being mediocre. He has an “IT” factor that suggests he will shine in better roles in the future. Joshua Jackson was a standout as Victor, bringing realism and humor to his role and carrying this otherwise dismal movie. Sadie Stanley as Mia was also a bright spot, delivering the film’s best line (you’ll know EXACTLY when this occurs) and providing some enjoyable moments despite forced chemistry with her love interest, Li Fong. And how and why did she get over her anger with Li Fong?  

The antagonists were laughably bad, with Aramis Knight’s overacting as Connor Day being particularly forgettable. Jackie Chan’s portrayal of Mr. Han was typical of his persona, with training scenes that were mediocre and cringeworthy team-ups with Ralph Macchio.

The fight scenes were below average, with unnecessary graphics throughout the film adding to the mediocrity, as well as unnecessary split screens. The predictable finale offered no surprises, making this film a disappointment for fans seeking something new within the franchise. It’s time to retire the Karate Kid series; it has outgrown its dojo.

-Jay Katz
Karate Kid: Legends – A Franchise Past Its Prime