I recently watched Karate Kid: Legends in the theatres and it was a solid, nostalgic experience. I remember watching the first Karate Kid movie as a kid and I was instantly a fan. Today, after so many years I got to relive my childhood. Directed by Jonathan Entwistle, the movie has a solid cast of Ralph Macchio, Ben Wang, and the evergreen Jackie Chan. I was especially impressed by how skillful Jackies acting still is. He completely steals the show and ensures no stones are left unturned.
The film follows Li Fong(Ben Wang), who has left kung-fu behind and moves to New York with his mother. Haunted by the tragic death of his brother, Li vows never to fight again. However, his life has something else in store for him. He quickly finds himself drawn into the world of martial arts, first by training Victor Lipani. Just like the first movie, he later enters the Karate championship in the city to confront his past. He also has to save his new friends and go for the title at the same time. It is a heartfelt tale of hard work, talent, friendships, and new bonds.
What I loved was that the narrative is set against the backdrop of a bustling New York, but interestingly, most of the film was shot in Montreal. The production team did a remarkable job of recreating Manhattans energy and architecture. Speaking of performances, Ben Wang shines as Li Fong, bringing a fresh energy to the role. He is very skilled in not just acting, but also martial arts. Jackie Chan returns as Mr. Han. Alongside Ralph Macchio he guides Li on martial arts and traditional karate, helping him prepare for the esteemed competition.
Joshua Jackson brings depth to Victor Lipani, a washed-up boxer, who also acts as a father figure to Lis journey, giving an emotional element to the narrative. Everyone in the theatre came for the movie’s action scenes. They are the best. The choreography is top-notch and visually impressive. It almost feels natural when it comes to the competition scenes. At its core, Karate Kid: Legends is about overcoming loss, finding your place in the world, and the power of mentorship. Lis transformation from an underconfident teenager to a smart karate kid keeps you hooked to the screen.
I thoroughly enjoyed the movie. It was like the old times. With a run-time of just 95 minutes, the story moves at a brisk pace and youll never feel bored. Lis romance with Mia, his mentorship of Victor, and his rivalry with Conor are all interesting subplots. However, I do feel that the movie could have been longer and developed all the characters. There might be some similarities between the older movie and this one, but it will only add to the fun. Overall, Karate Kid: Legends is a fun, exciting, and heartfelt addition to the franchise. Do watch this movie if you are a fan of Jackie Chan and want to see him back doing what he does the best!