DISCLAIMER: This film was not screen for critics in Las Vegas; I did have to purchase a ticket for it.
KARATE KID LEGENDS is directed by Jonathan Entwistle. The film stars Ben Wang, Ralph Macchio, Jackie Chan, and Ming-Na Wen. It is the sixth feature film in THE KARATE KID series.
Li Fong, a student of martial arts master Mr. Han in Beijing, relocates to the United States when his mother starts his new job. Once there, he meets a charming girl and her father who own and operate a pizza restaurant, but quickly finds himself in over his head with people looking to collect a debt on them, as well as her former boyfriend, a dangerous martial arts student. Against his mother’s wishes, Fong begins training for a martial arts tournament to get the funds necessary to help his new friends, with two masters in his corner offering their tutelage.
THE KARATE KID came out of nowhere in 1984, becoming a surprise hit and spawning several sequels, spin-offs, remakes, and TV series over the years. Over four decades since the release of the original film, its impact is still felt. With the recent success of the COBRA KAI TV series reviving THE KARATE KID brand, it seemed like the time was right for a new film set in the universe, one interestingly pulling characters from both the original 1984 film and its 2010 remake! KARATE KID LEGENDS has arrived… but the latest entry in this iconic franchise can’t land every blow, with a rushed pace, too many characters and plot points to keep track of, and more than a few elements that simply feel too familiar.
I’ll give KARATE KID LEGENDS credit for its lead. Ben Wang, a relative newcomer to the movie world, excels as Li Fong. This is a young man missing his former life and the world of martial arts, but he’s quite charming, funny, and a determined fighter (and even trainer!) when the movie requires him to be. He’s a promising actor who I hope goes on to a promising career.
The supporting cast, of course, including two legends from the past installments of this franchise, those being Daniel Larusso from the core series, played as always by Ralph Macchio, and Jackie Chan as Mr. Han, the martial arts master (and Mr. Miyagi fill-in) from the 2010 remake. It seems a little odd to try to shoehorn the two universes into one, but the twosome, relegated mostly to support roles, both do quite well even with their clashing styles. Seeing these two interact with our new young hero is a lot of fun, even if Chan threatens on more than a few occasions to steal everyone else’s thunder with his signature sense of humor.
Unfortunately, the biggest problem with KARATE KID LEGENDS is that it feels far too familiar. Angry ex-boyfriend martial arts champion? Check. Black eye disguised from the main character’s mother? Check. Overzealous angry sensei to the “ex-boyfriend” character? Check. A martial arts tournament? Check. A “special move” used by the main character? Check. Misunderstandings causing drama between the young hero and his new potential love interest. Check. KARATE KID LEGENDS isn’t a bad movie, but it’s a movie you’ve seen before… at least twice in THE KARATE KID movies alone!
Every time KARATE KID LEGENDS hints at something original (seeing Li Fong take on more of a mentor role to an older character earlier in the film is an interesting twist), it goes right back to a familiar and safe track, which ends up being the movie’s undoing. Furthermore, the movie is set in New York City, the single most used filming location in history. Could they possibly have picked a less known and obvious location? The rushed pacing doesn’t help things any either.
There’s a lot to like about KARATE KID LEGENDS, but the all-too-familiar plot beats keep this one from being a champion. Seeing a charismatic and likeable new hero is great, as are two of the series’ familiar masters… but you’ve seen this movie before. Too many times. The movie will be a worthwhile at-home streaming title when the time comes, but don’t rush to the theater.