Karate Kid: Legends (2025)

I was a huge fan of the original Karate Kid movie when I was younger and I was probably more obsessed with it than I should have been but I guess that’s what it’s like when it comes to someone like me. I also enjoyed the remake as well. Despite never caring for it too much, I’ve always loved watching Jackie Chan. I’m also someone who loves Cobra Kai, which took this franchise in a whole new direction. When I heard there was going to be a new Karate Kid movie and learned that it would bring Jackie Chan and Ralph Macchio to the screen together, I was curious and asking myself how this would go. I guess I got my answer when I went to see Karate Kid: Legends, and I must say, not a bad experience. It wasn’t perfect but I did enjoy it. I thought it had the same predictable formula that I’ve seen before but that’s not a bad thing. Normally, when it comes to an overcritical snob like me, I can be pretty harsh when it comes to something like this but I can’t do that here. It was fun and the type of movie that I needed to see to put me in a better mood. I have much more to add, so let’s get the ball rolling.

     When gifted kung-fu teen Li Fong (Ben Wang) relocates from Beijing to New York City, he gets caught in bullying and rivalry with a local karate champion. So, he enters a karate tournament to defend himself with the help of Mr. Han (Jackie Chan) and Daniel LaRusso (Ralph Macchio). The rest of the cast includes Joshua Jackson, Sadie Stanley, Ming-Na Wen, Wyatt Oleff, and Aramis Knight, who I thought did a decent job. This movie served as a total nostalgia power trip and I think that might be what I liked best about it. Sure, the plot is more predictable than my communication style but that’s also what I enjoyed about it. I always like when I have no clue where the story will go but as I’ve mentioned before, I do find a predictable storyline pretty comforting. I’m also glad I saw this movie in the theater when I had the chance, because there was a packed house and it was fun to watch it with an audience that was excited. I can’t remember the last time I had an enjoyable experience like that but it felt good to rediscover that familiar passion for a movie when being at the theater. The movie was also pretty fast paced at only an hour and thirty-four minutes. While I did like how quick it was, I also kind of found this to be a problem because some parts felt rushed. I wouldn’t consider that to be too big a deal though, because I still had a fun time.

     It may have taken me a while to get back to the theater but I’m glad this is the movie I chose to see. While it does have its flaws, I wouldn’t make an issue out of them. And when it comes to someone who is as melodramatic as me, that’s saying a lot. That being said, I would have to give this movie a 7 out of 10. If you’re just looking for a good time and a comfortable nostalgic experience, then I recommend seeing this movie if you haven’t already. Packs a punch, both literally and figuratively.