Movie Review # 732: Karate Kid: Legends (2025)

And now, it is time for us to review the latest installment in the Karate Kid film series. It is the one, and only Karate Kid: Legends.

Plot: When a young Chinese boy named Li Fong (Ben Wang) moves from Beijing, China to New York City, he is asked by his mother (Ming-Na Wen) to give up fighting for good. But when circumstances occur that have Li get back in the game of martial arts, he must enter a fighting contest, known as the Five Boroughs Tournament, in order to help his friends, as well as confront his past. Now with the help of his old mentor, Mr. Han (Jackie Chan), as well as karate expert Daniel LaRusso (Ralph Macchio), can Li win the tournament, make peace with his past, and help a pizza owner (Joshua Jackson) save his pizza restaurant?

Well, Karate Kid: Legends does seem to follow a similar storyline to most of the other previous Karate Kid films. Still, it does seem to do a better job of differentiating in other ways as well. Additionally, how could you not like Li Fang as being the main Karate Kid character this time around? Also, to have the movie have Jackie Chan’s character, Mr. Han (who, of course, was in the 2010 Karate Kid film), be his uncle, that was really cool. Honestly, I’m not sure if this Karate Kid was trying to bring things full circle, or not. Still, having characters like Mr. Han, as well as having Daniel LaRusso, come back, after being the main character of the very first couple Karate Kid films, that was really cool. I will do my best not to spoil other cameos. However, I will just say that anyone that has watched most, if not all, of the previous Karate Kid films, let’s just say that they will appreciate any other cameos that do appear in this latest Karate Kid movie. And another thing to appreciate is that even though this film can have a tendency to follow some of the same beats, and patterns, as previous Karate Kid films, it also does it’s best to deviate from those films in other ways as well. And what’s more, is how could we not appreciate that we have some newer characters, including the main one, as well as others like an owner of a family-owned pizza shop, and his daughter? Next, there is the deal of how Karate Kid: Legends does well with honoring the legacy of the other previous Karate Kid movies from the past 40+ years, and up to this point in time. Finally, when fighting scenes occur, particularly around the middle to end, people will probably appreciate the clever, and possibly entertaining sound effects that occur when a character gets punched, kicked, you name it. Speaking of entertainment, that’s one other thing is that this film is incredibly funny at times, especially around the beginning, and middle portion. Honestly, if there were any flaws that this film had, it would probably be that some of the characters probably could have maybe had a little more personality than what they seemed to have in the end.

And that’s my review for Karate Kid: Legends. Honestly, I’m not sure if facing competition with films like Mission: Impossible-The Final Reckoning, and the Lilo & Stitch remake have kept this movie from making more money than it has in the end, or if other factors are involved. Or even both. Either way, if you’re a die hard Karate Kid fan, then I’m not sure that I can recommend this film even more. However, if you haven’t seen the other ones, probably wait until you have, as I’m sure those people may feel a little confused when it comes to older characters, and such. Otherwise, definitely make a point to see Karate Kid: Legends ASAP. You’ll be glad that you did in the end, I’m sure.

Final Rating: 9/10