Unleashing the Karate Kid: An Engaging Review of ‘Legends’ (2025) | Roger Ebert

The Karate Kid franchise has been entertaining audiences for decades. The original series, which began as a nod to “Rocky,” offers a familiar journey: a young hero moves to a new place, falls for a local girl, faces off against a bully, gets mentorship, and ultimately competes in a tournament. This coming-of-age theme resonates with many, making it timeless.

The latest installment, “Karate Kid: Legends,” tries to capture the essence of the earlier films while adding fresh twists. It brings back Ralph Macchio, the original Karate Kid, and references elements from all five previous movies, along with the popular spinoff series “Cobra Kai.” However, it struggles to balance these plotlines, feeling overstuffed and rushed at times. With so many characters vying for attention, few receive the depth they deserve.

Our new hero, Li Fong, played by Ben Wang, brings a unique perspective. A teenager from Beijing now living in New York City, Li is already skilled in kung fu. His mentor, Mr. Han (Jackie Chan), takes a different approach compared to the late Pat Morita’s Mr. Miyagi from the original films. Li’s backstory adds depth: he struggles with PTSD after the traumatic loss of his brother, a kung fu student, adding emotional stakes to his journey.

Li faces a new group of bullies, led by Connor Day (Aramis Knight), a two-time tournament champion. Complicating matters, Connor’s father has ties to organized crime and has lent money to Li’s friend’s father, Victor Lipani (Joshua Jackson), whose pizzeria is on the brink of closing. Li’s goal becomes clear: win the tournament to save Victor’s business and keep his new girlfriend, Mia (Sadie Stanley), from leaving the city.

The film also incorporates a nostalgic score reminiscent of the ’80s, evoking feelings of warmth and familiarity. The pattern of young characters honing a skill to save a community is a hallmark of urban melodramas, and this film fits right into that tradition. Victor’s attempt to raise money through underground boxing, with Li as his coach, could have been a standalone story but gets sidelined.

Mr. Han and Daniel Russo, drawing from six seasons of “Cobra Kai,” show up just in time for the championship, but their presence feels a bit forced. Some viewers might find it hard to believe that even Daniel, a seasoned mentor, could prepare Li in just one week. Yet, there’s a self-awareness in the script as Li himself acknowledges the absurdity of it all.

Directed by Jonathan Entwistle, who is known for insightful storytelling in other series, “Karate Kid: Legends” excellently captures the essence of the franchise. But this tight approach means not all subplots get the screen time they need. With a runtime of just 90 minutes, there’s a sense that some narratives should have been allowed to breathe longer.

While the movie is packed with callbacks and connections, it also features standout performances. Chan and Macchio’s chemistry is delightful, and Wang’s acrobatics and humor shine. Stanley’s heartwarming portrayal of Mia makes her a character we root for wholeheartedly. Knight brings depth to the antagonist, making Connor more than just a one-dimensional bully.

As always, the ultimate challenge for the hero is the finishing move, a staple of the franchise. When Li makes his dramatic decision during the tournament, it’s a moment that had the audience cheering, reminding us why this story continues to resonate. “Karate Kid: Legends” may face challenges in pacing and plot, but the core message of growth through adversity remains as powerful as it’s always been.

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