Carl Roberts 
“While it’s not a knockout, Karate Kid: Legends is still a fun, nostalgic and entertaining sixth chapter in the long-running franchise.”
Karate Kid: Legends is the sixth chapter in the long-running franchise that began forty-one years ago this year. It stars Jackie Chan and Ralph Macchio, both reprising their roles from the franchise, while introducing Ben Wang as the main lead alongside Joshua Jackson, Sadie Stanley, and Ming-Na Wen. It follows the events of the 2010 movie The Karate Kid and the Netflix series Cobra Kai. Can the film deliver a knockout blow at the box office, or does it hit the mat with hardly a sound?
THE PREMISE
Karate Kid: Legends unites the iconic martial arts masters of one of the most beloved film franchises of all time to tell a completely new story full of action and heart. When kung fu prodigy Li Fong (Ben Wang) relocates to New York City with his mother to attend a prestigious new school, he finds solace in a new friendship with a classmate and her father. But his newfound peace is short-lived after he attracts unwanted attention from a formidable local karate champion. Driven by a desire to defend himself, Li embarks on a journey to enter the ultimate karate competition. Guided by the wisdom of his kung fu teacher, Mr. Han (Jackie Chan), and the legendary Karate Kid, Daniel LaRusso (Ralph Macchio), Li merges their unique styles to prepare for an epic martial arts showdown.
THOUGHTS
Ok, so the film is an unnecessary chapter and inclusion to the franchise. But that doesn’t stop it from providing some enjoyable and heartfelt entertainment. The thrill of seeing Chan and Macchio on screen together is thrilling. The film contains enough heart and light comic relief along the way. For sure, the ending is never in any doubt. It makes us leave with a smile and enough references to keep us happy. It also includes one moment that will have franchise fans screaming in joy and delight.
However, the audience may feel that the film is almost a remake of the original movie in some aspects. It also comes across as a mix between the franchise and the Rocky franchise. Fans can point to the fact that director John G. Avildsen had ties to both franchises, with his last instalment in either being the much derided Rocky V in 1990. For the first time, though, it feels like both franchises have collided into a storyline encompassing both. It takes us out of what we are seeing on screen. Is this a karate film or a boxing film? At times, we are never sure. Once things become more apparent, the film begins to right itself again. And we find ourselves in nostalgia territory. At times, this is a good thing. At others, we find ourselves yearning for the original movie instead. Nostalgia can only carry you so far before it becomes a pale shadow of what we loved before.
JACKIE CHAN AND RALPH MACCHIO
To the surprise of most of the audience, Jackie Chan and Ralph Macchio are not in the film that much. Of the pair, Chan gets the most screentime as Mr Han, reprising his role from the 2010 movie. Seeing the legendary star on screen is enough to have us all cheering. As you would expect, Chan gets to do his own stunts and his own comedic prowess when he’s on the screen. One comedic moment happens at the film’s climax and is guaranteed to have the audience chuckling. Despite being limited by screen time, he also manages to get the audience on his side.
Macchio gets to open the film in a flashback scene that also includes the late Pat Morita as Mr. Miyagi. Seeing the pair appear together one last time on the big screen is a delight. After this, however, Macchio vanishes from the screen, making a brief bridging appearance halfway through the movie before appearing throughout the final half an hour. Anyone expecting the actor to play a significant part in the film will be sorely disappointed. His byplay with Jackie Chan is one for the ages when he finally shows up. This is the film’s highlight, making things pick up for the last thirty minutes.
BEN WANG
The film, almost like the original belonged to Ralph Macchio, belongs to Ben Wang as Li Fong. Li is the great-nephew of Mr Han, bringing in a family connection between the pair. Unhappily relocating from Beijing to New York, thanks to his mother, a doctor (a sadly underused Ming-Na Wen), taking up a job offer in the city. Making friends with Mia Lipani (an outstanding, strong female performance from Sadie Stanley) and her father (a heartfelt performance from Joshua Jackson), Li gets his education on everything the Big Apple offers—and not just the good things. Making an enemy of Mia’s ex-boyfriend Conor Day ( a slimy performance from Aramis Knight, not far removed from William Zabka’s role as Johnny Lawrence in the original movie), Li must come to terms with his path.
Cue training sessions with Han and later on, LaRusso, before competing in the underground karate tournament held in the city. And here lies a problem. Li doesn’t answer one phone call from Han when Han calls him from China. Now, you or I would probably leave a voicemail. In the film, however, Han jumps on a plane and flies to New York, thinking something is wrong. It doesn’t make sense. Han also taught Li before he left for New York. So why, suddenly, can he not teach Li and has to call in LaRusso? It doesn’t fit. But these questions don’t take away anything from Wang’s performance as the new Karate Kid on the block. He brings charm, grace and a sense of fun to the role, despite the script’s problems with his character.
VERDICT
While it’s not a knockout, Karate Kid: Legends is still a fun, nostalgic, and entertaining sixth chapter in the long-running franchise. Yes, it is predictable and far too short (especially with the final fight) at times, and the fast-paced editing and use of some questionable shots jar. It also has nothing new to say or add to the franchise. It’s just is. It exists, and that’s all there is to it. That’s not a bad thing. The film is a welcome distraction from the big-budget, latest CGI-heavy fest currently in the multiplexes. Instead, the film is an old-fashioned throwback to the past, to those movies about the underdog and his journey to greatness. Despite being set in modern times, it feels like it wouldn’t be out of place opening in cinemas back in the middle of the 1980s.
The film’s crown jewel is the relationship shared between Chan, Wang and Macchio. If this weren’t the crux of the film, slightly corny and far-fetched as it is, the film would be a woeful failure, despite the spirited performances it contains. Fans of the franchise will also be heartened to hear that some of Bill Conti’s cues and themes from the original movies also make a welcome reappearance here. It all adds to the mythology and legacy of the film and its predecessors. The door is firmly open for another chapter to be made, if the film makes enough cash and the fans and audience ask for more. Director Jonathan Entwistle and writer Rob Lieber have created an enjoyable if uneven chapter for the continuing franchise. Time will tell if the film proves to be successful. If it does, The Karate Kid will inevitably return. Maybe not a knockout, but far from being down for the count.
Karate Kid: Legends is in cinemas now.
Introducing Carl! As the News Editor at Future of the Force, Carl has been an invaluable member of our team since early 2016. His expertise and dedication have made him an integral part of our editorial staff. Beyond his professional role, Carl is a fervent supporter of Liverpool F.C. and an avid follower of pop culture. He has a deep passion for Halloween, Friday the 13th, and the iconic movie franchises Star Wars and Star Trek.
He can be found either at his neighborhood cinema, enjoying the latest releases on the big screen, or at home streaming the newest blockbuster movies.
