Karate Kid: Legends review – Reboot lacks the soul and heft of previous outings

by

A star rating of 2 out of 5.

Approximately 40 years have passed since the initial Karate Kid movie was released in 1984 to great box office returns. A surprise hit, it led to three follow-ups, a remake in 2010 featuring Jackie Chan as kung fu instructor Mr. Han, and the TV show Cobra Kai, which recently concluded after six seasons.

The credit for the creation of the narrative should be given to John G Avildsen, who won the Best Director Oscar in 1976 for Rocky and applied the “underdog conquering adversity” theme from that film to the coming-of-age story of Daniel LaRusso (portrayed by Ralph Macchio). In the Karate Kid, he transformed the character of Mr. Miyagi (played by Pat Morita, who was nominated for an Oscar) into a guide, mentor, and surrogate father figure, teaching Daniel karate to help him stand up against his bullies.

Miyagi, who was portrayed by Morita until his passing in 2005, is still connected to the series Karate Kid: Legends through a flashback from The Karate Kid Part II (1986). This flashback shows Mr. Miyagi explaining how karate and kung fu are intertwined in his unique martial arts style.

In his philosophy, “Two parts make up one whole,” mirrors the theme for this disappointingly lackluster sequel within the series.

Sponsored by Vue

Save up to 30% on the latest releases at Vue in 2025

Currently, the movie scene is buzzing with excitement! Movies like Wicked, Nosferatu, The Brutalist, and the upcoming Moana 2 are creating a sensation in UK cinemas, making it an excellent period for new film releases.

Save up to 30% with Vue Pass

The initial work by director Jonathan Entwhistle, famously known for the Netflix series “The End of the Fing World”, commences in Beijing. Here, teenage martial arts prodigy Li Fong (Ben Wang), who excels at Mr Han’s kung fu school, is preparing to depart unwillingly for New York accompanied by his physician mother (Ming-Na Wen). Due to a family tragedy, she has prohibited Li from engaging in combat and accepted a hospital job.

Indeed, their friendship with Victor, a friendly former boxer now running a pizzeria, and his daughter Mia doesn’t end up being short-lived after Li meets them.

As a devoted fan, I find myself indebted to the proprietor of a local martial arts dojo, where the charismatic yet troubled champion fighter, Conor (Aramis Knight), with his distinctive man bun, often graces the mat. Notably, this formidable combatant happens to be Mia’s former partner, so it comes as no shock when he swiftly and brutally establishes his dominance over Li.

Later, Li assumes the position of Victor’s mentor, reminiscent of the inspiring DIY training sequences from Rocky movies, to help him generate funds to settle his outstanding debts. Yet, it won’t be long before Li realizes he must confront Conor in the yearly Five Boroughs competition.

Introduce the appearance of Mr. Han for his training purpose, who subsequently moves to California to seek the assistance of Daniel LaRusso, the successor of Miyagi. By joining forces, their collective wisdom and abilities aim to transform young Li into the city’s top martial artist.

In simpler terms, this story follows traditional patterns, yet it’s so fast-paced that essential elements seem scant, stripping down the depth and emotional resonance found in earlier versions.

In fact, the duo of Master Han and Daniel LaRusso show off their martial arts skills by quickly subduing a handful of troublemakers following one of Li’s fights.

As a movie connoisseur, I must admit that the Cobra Kai series, spanning six seasons, has truly raised the bar in its handling of legendary characters. With the return of illustrious actors like Chan and Macchio, anticipation soared for an emotionally resonant confrontation.

Despite Ming-Na Wen, known for her powerful portrayal of Melinda May in the Agents of SHIELD series and various roles within the Disney+ Star Wars universe, often appearing as either serious or anxious on screen.

As a film critic, I must admit, the movie wraps up pleasantly for audiences, devoid of any nerve-wracking climaxes. However, the true gem comes after the end credits roll, when an iconic character from the series makes a side-splitting cameo that is undeniably priceless.

Pity the previous 90 minutes could not match it.

Read More

2025-05-29 17:04