The newest addition to the popular franchise, following 2010's Karate Kid, modernizes the original plot with two novel elements. First, it combines kung fu with boxing, as Li trains a much older Victor Lipani (Joshua Jackson), a pizzeria owner and former boxing champion. It then evolves into a fighting style that fuses kung fu and karate. This setup leads to engaging training sequences, made even more exciting by the return of Master Han (Jackie Chan) from Li's Beijing dojo and Sensei Daniel LaRusso (Ralph Macchio) from the Japanese Miyagi School, once led by the late Nariyoshi Keisuke Miyagi (Noriyuki "Pat" Morita).
At 95 minutes long, the narrative moves at a brisk pace, which can sometimes feel a bit frantic as it juggles multiple threads: Li's budding romance with Mia (Sadie Stanley), her father Victor's training, and her preparation for the final showdown with her ex, Conor (Aramis Knight), the undefeated champion of the Five Boroughs Tournament. Kung fu and karate are known for their focus on discipline, but the new film prioritizes technique, making the balance feel a bit off. However, the constant stream of well-executed action sequences more than makes up for these narrative detours.
Director: Jonathan Entwistle
Writers: Rob Lieber, Robert Mark Kamen
Stars: Jackie Chan, Ben Wang, Joshua Jackson
What immediately stands out is the film's classic charm. While most reboots focus on updating the story to reflect contemporary society, The Karate Kid: Legends opts for a classic, minimalist approach that evokes the spirit of the original 1984 film. That said, the plot often feels simplistic and relies on clichés, such as when Li is paralyzed while his brother is attacked and, later, when Victor is defeated by an illegal move during the fight.
Ben Wang gives an outstanding performance, impressing with his agility. Jackie Chan and Ralph Macchio (the original Karate Kid) share a fluid and captivating chemistry like "two branches of the same tree," and their playful bickering and rivalry while training Li are a delight to behold. Aramis Knight has little screen time, but makes a huge impact as a formidable and menacing opponent. Keep an eye out for the "dragon kick," a signature move repeated throughout the film and executed with remarkable finesse.
The Karate Kid: Legends is a fun and exciting film, packed with well-choreographed martial arts sequences, a concise narrative, and solid performances, especially for fans of the franchise. It offers just the right amount of nostalgia and action.
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