Karate Kid: Legends (2025): A Return to the Dojo That Misses the Mark

As a lifelong fan of the Karate Kid franchise, I approached Karate Kid: Legends with a mix of nostalgia and cautious optimism. The film promised a reunion of martial arts icons Jackie Chan and Ralph Macchio, alongside rising star Ben Wang. However, despite its star-studded cast and the rich legacy of its predecessors, the film falls short of expectations.

The story centers on Li Fong (Ben Wang), a kung fu prodigy from Beijing who relocates to New York City with his mother following a family tragedy. Struggling to adjust to his new life, Li becomes entangled in a local karate tournament, seeking guidance from his kung fu master Mr. Han (Jackie Chan) and the original Karate Kid, Daniel LaRusso (Ralph Macchio). While the premise holds promise, the execution is lacking.

The film’s pacing is uneven, with a runtime of 94 minutes that feels both rushed and underdeveloped. Key plot points are glossed over, and character development is minimal, leaving little emotional investment in the protagonist’s journey. The fight sequences, a staple of the franchise, are disappointingly few and far between, and when they do occur, they lack the intensity and choreography that fans have come to expect.

Jackie Chan and Ralph Macchio’s performances are competent but underutilized. Their characters’ interactions are limited, and the film misses an opportunity to delve deeper into the mentorship dynamic that has been central to the series. Ben Wang delivers a solid performance but is hampered by a script that doesn’t fully explore his character’s potential.

Visually, the film does little to distinguish itself from its predecessors. The cinematography is standard, and the action sequences, when they do appear, lack the flair and excitement that defined earlier entries in the franchise.

In conclusion, Karate Kid: Legends is a missed opportunity to reinvigorate a beloved series. While it offers a glimpse of the magic that made the original films iconic, it ultimately fails to capture the heart and soul that made the franchise resonate with audiences worldwide.