Karate Kid: Legends Falls Short of Expectations in Latest Installment

Release Date: May 30, 2025

Rating: 2.25/5

Starring: Jackie Chan, Ben Wang, Joshua Jackson, Sadie Stanley, Ming-Na Wen, Wyatt Oleff, Aramis Knight, Ralph Macchio, and others

Director: Jonathan Entwistle
Producer: Karen Rosenfelt
Music Director: Dominic Lewis
Cinematographer: Justin Brown
Editor: Dana E. Glauberman

The sixth installment of the iconic Karate Kid franchise, titled Karate Kid: Legends, has released globally, aiming to expand the beloved series introduced with the original film. This latest chapter features Jackie Chan returning in a prominent role, sparking both nostalgia and anticipation among fans.

Story Synopsis

Set initially in Beijing, the plot follows Li Fong (Ben Wang), a young martial artist practicing traditional Kung Fu under his mentor, Sifu Mr. Han (Jackie Chan). However, when Li’s mother relocates them to New York for a better life, he meets Mia (Sadie Stanley). As Li attempts to assist Mia’s father, Victor (Joshua Jackson), with his martial arts for an upcoming tournament, he quickly realizes the plans unravel. Enter Mr. Han, who introduces a new Sifu to help Li adopt the Miyagi-style Kung Fu philosophy. Ultimately, Li must confront Mia’s toxic boyfriend, Conor (Aramis Knight), in a contest that stirs themes of honor, personal growth, and legacy.

Strengths of the Film

• Several combat sequences, particularly the climactic showdown, deliver a satisfying dose of martial arts action for fans.
• The pre-tournament training montage effectively captures the essence of traditional Kung Fu storytelling.
• Jackie Chan’s involvement, even with limited stunt work, adds a layer of legacy and gravitas to the film.

Areas of Improvement

• One significant shortcoming is the film's emotional depth, or lack thereof. Essential themes such as personal growth and mastering tradition through martial arts are insufficiently explored.
• Jackie Chan's character lacks the necessary depth that might satisfy long-standing followers of the franchise, while Ralph Macchio’s cameo is disappointingly lackluster.
• The chemistry between the lead characters doesn’t resonate, resulting in weak character development, which impedes emotional investment in their journeys.

Technical Analysis

Director Jonathan Entwistle faces challenges in crafting a compelling martial arts drama. While cinematography by Justin Brown is competent, it lacks distinctive flair. The background score by Dominic Lewis is minimal, failing to enhance the film’s emotional resonance. Editing is sharp, ensuring a tidy runtime, and while production values align with standards of the franchise, poor dubbing—especially in the Telugu version—detracts from the viewing experience.

Final Thoughts

In summary, Karate Kid: Legends struggles to uphold the legacy associated with the franchise. With a promising premise that ultimately falters in execution, the film offers merely a few commendable action moments alongside familiar faces from the series. For those hoping for a profound narrative rooted in meaningful martial arts storytelling, revisiting the classics may be a more rewarding option.

Rating: 2.25/5
Reviewed by the 123telugu Team