Karate Kid: Legends – (2025)

Release Date: May 30, 2025
Director: Jonathan Entwistle
Writers: Rob Lieber, Zak Penn
Cast: Jackie Chan, Ralph Macchio, Ben Wang, Sadie Stanley, Joshua Jackson, Ming-Na Wen

So, Why Did I Decide to Watch Karate Kid: Legends?

Honestly, I didn’t go in with the highest expectations. I grew up with the original Karate Kid movies, and I even gave Cobra Kai a few watches on Netflix. While that series isn’t totally my vibe — it leans heavy into the cornball and cringe sometimes — it’s still a light, easy watch if you’re just chilling and want something nostalgic.

When I saw Karate Kid: Legends was playing, I figured why not? I’ve followed the franchise this far, and with Jackie Chan and Ralph Macchio both returning, I was curious to see how they’d blend the different eras of Karate Kid together.

Surprisingly, it wasn’t bad. No, it’s not winning any awards, but it delivers exactly what fans expect — a solid, formulaic martial arts flick with heart, a few laughs, and the classic underdog setup we all know by now.

A Quick Plot Recap: New Kid, Old Problems

The story centers around a teenager named Li (played by Ben Wang), who moves from China to New York with his mother after a personal tragedy. He’s trying to adjust to life in a rough school setting while facing bullying and cultural isolation. That’s where Jackie Chan’s Mr. Han (from the 2010 reboot with Jaden Smith) enters the picture — stepping in as a mentor once again.

Li gets pulled into the world of martial arts after standing up for himself, and eventually finds himself training for a high-stakes local martial arts tournament. Sound familiar? That’s because the plot closely mirrors every other Karate Kidinstallment — bullied kid, wise mentor, training montage, and a big finale where the hero digs deep and pulls off a come-from-behind win.

Predictable? Yes. But somehow, it still works.

Cast & Performances: A Mixed Bag, but There’s Promise

Let’s talk performances.

Ben Wang as the new Karate Kid has some great physicality. Apparently, he was cast after a global talent search — and you can tell he’s got the martial arts chops. Unlike some of the Cobra Kai cast (where a few actors look like they’ve never thrown a punch), Wang actually looks like he can fight. That gives the film a bit more authenticity.

That said, his acting isn’t quite there yet. He’s not terrible, but you can tell he’s still learning how to carry emotional scenes. I wouldn’t be surprised if he grows into stronger roles, but this one just felt a bit rough around the edges.

Sadie Stanley, who plays his love interest, absolutely stole the show for me. I hadn’t really heard of her before, but she came across as a natural on screen. Her character had personality and charm without falling into the stereotypical “love interest” box. I honestly think she’s one to watch — could definitely see her breaking out in bigger projects over the next few years.

Jackie Chan returns as Mr. Han, and even though he’s getting older, he’s still got it. The physicality may be slightly toned down compared to his prime, but his charisma hasn’t aged a day. He brings warmth and wisdom to the role, and he’s also listed as a producer, so you can tell he had a hand in shaping the story.

Ralph Macchio makes a special appearance as Daniel LaRusso — a moment that ties together both versions of the franchise. His role is small but impactful, and it’s great to see him share the screen with Jackie Chan, even briefly. It’s the kind of fan service that actually works.

Also worth noting: Joshua Jackson plays the lead antagonist — a shady coach with a chip on his shoulder — and he does a solid job of being the smarmy guy you love to hate.

Visuals & Direction: Clean, Colorful, and Classic Karate Vibes

Visually, the film looks pretty slick. Director Jonathan Entwistle (known for Netflix’s I Am Not Okay With This) does a decent job balancing modern style with nostalgic callbacks. The training sequences are well-shot, using wide angles that let the action breathe. There’s nothing revolutionary in terms of cinematography, but it’s clean and easy to follow.

The fight choreography is solid — not overly flashy, but grounded enough to feel believable. There are a few CGI-enhanced slow-mo kicks that feel a bit cheesy, but hey, it’s a Karate Kid movie. Corniness is part of the legacy at this point.

The film leans into color and vibrancy — from the New York cityscape to the bright martial arts uniforms — which helps make it feel energetic and upbeat. It's not a gritty reboot, and thankfully, it doesn't try to be.

My Overall Thoughts: Nostalgic Comfort Food

Look, Karate Kid: Legends isn’t reinventing the wheel. If you’ve seen any of the previous movies, you can basically guess every beat of the plot before it happens. New kid gets bullied, trains hard, has a setback, then wins the final showdown in dramatic slow motion. It’s all here.

But somehow, it still works.

This movie feels like comfort food — familiar, a little cheesy, but satisfying if you’re in the mood for it. The cast brings enough heart to carry the formula, and the crossover moments between Jackie Chan and Ralph Macchio give longtime fans something to smile about.

And if you’re already invested in the Karate Kid universe — whether from the original movies, the Jaden Smith reboot, or Cobra Kai — then you’ll probably appreciate this one for what it is.

I’m giving Karate Kid: Legends a solid 6 out of 10.

Public Feedback: Fans Divided but Curious

Early reactions from fans have been mixed but generally positive. Hardcore fans of the original trilogy have praised the film for respecting the source material and bringing together two generations of Karate Kid heroes. Seeing both Jackie Chan and Ralph Macchio on screen together has been a highlight for many.

Some Cobra Kai fans felt the movie could’ve leaned more into the modern tone of the show, with more edge or humor. Others were just happy it didn’t go too far off the rails.

On social media, there’s a lot of buzz around Sadie Stanley’s breakout performance, with some even calling her the “real standout” of the movie. Ben Wang is getting praise for his athleticism, but there’s some criticism about his emotional range.

Controversy: Do We Need More Karate Kid?

The main critique is the same one that haunts most legacy sequels: do we really need this?

Some fans argue the franchise should’ve ended with Cobra Kai, while others feel like Karate Kid: Legends opens the door for a new generation. There’s no big controversy, just the usual debate about reboots and nostalgia-driven storytelling.

There’s also chatter about how the film balances Chinese kung fu (via Jackie Chan’s Mr. Han) with traditional Japanese karate, and whether the franchise should pick a clear cultural lane. It’s a fair discussion, especially since martial arts representation matters — but the film does try to treat both styles respectfully.

Final Rating: ⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐ (6/10)

➡️ If you’re a longtime fan of Karate Kid, this movie gives you just enough new and nostalgic to make it worth the watch.
➡️ Keep an eye on Sadie Stanley — she might be the next big name in teen dramas and action flicks.
➡️ Don’t expect surprise — but if you want a familiar story with solid execution, Karate Kid: Legends delivers the goods.

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