Available on home video and streaming (Netflix)
Not even Jackie Chan can save Karate Kid: Legends from feeling like a distant memory. While it delivers some entertaining moments and tweaks the formula, straying from Daniel LaRusso’s story is a misstep. That tale is already explored beautifully in Cobra Kai, where alliances matter more than grudges. I had hoped the film might explore Miyagi’s teen years, but without Pat Morita, who passed away in 2005, that tale is impossible to tell. The absence of that deeper connection leaves the film feeling like a story missing its heart.
The film opts for a hard reboot, introducing Li Fong (Ben Wang), an immigrant trying to stay out of trouble in New York. Skilled in Kung Fu and bound by a promise not to fight unnecessarily, Li is quickly drawn into conflict after encountering overzealous muggers. His path crosses with Victor Lipani (Joshua Jackson), who reluctantly asks for his help.
At school, Li Fong’s interest in Victor’s daughter, Mia (Sadie Stanley), puts him on a collision course with her ex, Conor Day (Aramis Knight). This actor sells the role of a bully convincingly, but Conor is frustratingly one-dimensional. Written by Rob Lieber and directed by Jonathan Entwistle—both of The End of the F**ing World—the story never digs into why Conor is so antagonistic. It’s a glaring plot hole, one that a series format could have explored in depth, giving the character real stakes and motivation.
The narrative follows a predictable tournament formula reminiscent of Rocky. Victor enters a local boxing competition, hoping to win enough to support his pizza shop, but is sidelined by injury, forcing Li Fong to step into the ring. While the fight choreography is competent, it lacks the energy and inventiveness that would make it memorable. Fortunately, Wang’s chemistry with Sophie provides charm and levity, and their on-screen presence adds warmth to an otherwise formulaic story.
One of the film’s bigger issues is its handling of martial arts philosophy. The movie overstates the differences between Kung Fu and Karate, reducing them to clichés rather than exploring their traditions or nuances. Scenes that could have explored the subtleties of balance, discipline, and spiritual growth are compressed into standard montage sequences.
Daniel LaRusso (Ralph Macchio) appears late, and while his guidance is crucial to Li Fong’s eventual success, it is delivered through a long training montage that leaves little impact. Watching these moments, I kept wishing the film had explored Miyagi’s teen years in parallel with Daniel’s—adding depth to their relationship instead of simply passing the torch. When the story touches on this past, I couldn’t help wondering how much deeper it might have been if Morita had lived.
Unlike films such as Bloodsport, where moral tension drives the fights, Legends mostly adheres to formula. Cheating occurs but carries little consequence, and the characters rarely feel morally grounded. Conor lacks any real compass, leaving the story without a central figure to challenge or question his behaviour. This absence of stakes and character depth makes the film feel safer and less engaging than it could have been.
Ultimately, while Karate Kid: Legends delivers moments of nostalgia and charm—particularly through Ben Wang’s performance and nods to the original films—it is predictable, formulaic, and lacks the heart that made the originals memorable. Without a strong central figure to embody the franchise’s spirit—someone with the presence and gravitas of Pat Morita, Jet Li, or Donnie Yen—this reboot risks fading into obscurity. The film has entertainment value, but it struggles to capture the emotional resonance and moral depth that defined the Karate Kid legacy. Fans may enjoy glimpses of the originals, but anyone hoping for a meaningful continuation will likely leave disappointed.
3½ Stars out of 5
Karate Kid Legends Trailer
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