Unleashing Nostalgia: Our In-Depth Review of ‘Karate Kid: Legends’ – Waxing On and Off

On May 29, 2025, Patrick McDonald from HollywoodChicago.com discussed the much-anticipated sequel “Karate Kid: Legends” on “The Morning Mess” with Josh Westcott, airing on WBGR-FM in Monroe, Wisconsin. The film hits theaters on May 30, reuniting Jackie Chan and Ralph Macchio.

In this new story, we meet Ben Wang as Li Fong, a teenage kung fu artist. He moves from Beijing to New York City with his mom, who is a doctor. Li leaves behind his kung fu teacher, Mr. Han (played by Chan). In NYC, Li finds a pizza shop run by Victor (Joshua Jackson) and his daughter Mia (Sadie Stanley). As Li develops a crush on Mia, he learns that Victor has hopes of returning to boxing and wants Li to help him train.

The journey isn’t easy for Li. He has to face his past during training and memories that hold him back. To challenge himself, Mr. Han travels to New York to encourage Li to join the Five Boroughs Martial Arts Competition. The stakes are high because Li’s main opponent is Mia’s ex-boyfriend, Connor (Aramis Knight), and he needs karate skills to compete. Who steps in to teach him? None other than the original Karate Kid, Daniel LaRusso (Macchio).

As excitement builds for “Karate Kid: Legends,” the film delves into themes of resilience, friendship, and self-discovery. This film reminds us how martial arts can be more than just fighting; it’s about personal growth and overcoming challenges.

Interestingly, the original “Karate Kid” film came out in 1984. It not only became a classic but also paved the way for karate’s popularity across the globe. Fast forward to today, martial arts have seen a resurgence in movies and TV shows, emphasizing their cultural impact. Recent statistics show a significant rise in karate classes for youth, indicating a growing interest in martial arts among the younger generation.

User reactions on social media have been positive, with many fans expressing excitement about Chan and Macchio reuniting on screen. The blend of old and new characters has sparked discussions about how the new film pays homage to its roots while introducing fresh narratives.

“Karate Kid: Legends” is expected to inspire both fans of the original films and new viewers alike, showcasing the timeless message of perseverance and courage.

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