It’s quite understandable to harbor doubts about sequels given Hollywood’s track record with subpar examples. Yet, occasionally a sequel emerges that is so impressive, it leaves you astonished.
Karate Kid: Legends stands out as an exceptional sequel, building upon the classic underdog narrative of the original 1984 Karate Kid film, while infusing new excitement, beloved characters, and an outstanding fresh talent.
Directed by Jonathan Entwistle, Karate Kid: Legends reunites Daniel LaRusso (Ralph Macchio) from the original trilogy with Mr. Han (Jackie Chan), the martial arts master from the 2010 Karate Kid. Together, they mentor a new “karate kid” to confront a relentless bully. Nevertheless, the most compelling sequences of this action-packed sequel feature this new character, Li Fong (portrayed by the vibrant Ben Wang), as he forges his own narrative in New York City.
Karate Kid: Legends delivers action across the Bronx (and Queens, Brooklyn, Manhattan, and Staten Island).
At the outset of Karate Kid: Legends, Li resides in Beijing with his single mother (Ming-Na Wen), who wishes he would cease his secret kung-fu practices with Mr. Han. Following a family tragedy, she yearns for a fresh start for her son and insists on “no fighting!” Consequently, they relocate to New York City, a place buzzing with life, where pizza shop proprietors tease you for requesting “stuffed crust.”
In spite of this uncomfortable faux pas, newcomer Li quickly befriends those at Victory Pizza. The shop owner’s daughter, Mia Lipani (Sadie Stanley), is warm and adventurous, eager to show Li around the neighborhood on her motorized scooter. His immediate and understandable crush on her is amplified as their montage of exploring lower Manhattan encapsulates the thrill and liberation of young romance.
Li does not bond as rapidly with Mia’s father, shop owner/retired boxer Victor Lipani (Joshua Jackson with a pronounced New York accent). However, they discover shared interests in sport fighting and a mutual adversary at a nearby karate school.
The dojo owner is a ruthless loan shark who poses a threat to Victor and his business, while the school’s top student, Connor Day (Aramis Knight), is a bully who harasses both Mia and Li. Naturally, the only way to rescue the shop and protect his friends is for Ben to defy his mother’s wishes and participate in the Five Boroughs Tournament. This karate competition shifts to the outer boroughs for its early stages, culminating in a climactic fight atop a skyscraper that promises honor and wealth to the victor.
Ralph Macchio and Jackie Chan bring enthusiasm back to the Karate Kid franchise.
The screenplay by Rob Lieber intricately intertwines the narratives of Daniel LaRusso and Mr. Han, creating a shared history that unites their martial arts journeys. While one excels in karate and the other in kung fu, they represent “two branches of the same tree.”
Thus, although these masters have never crossed paths, when Han’s cherished kung fu student Li seeks guidance to train in karate for the Five Boroughs Tournament, Daniel LaRusso, based in the San Fernando Valley, cannot decline. Both actors carry themselves with a captivating charm befitting masters. They’ve also perfected a playful comedic style that shines through in clever dialogue and expertly timed physicality, particularly evident during the training sequences.
Hats off to Entwistle and his stunt team. The training scenes have evolved from painting fences, balancing on posts, and catching flies with chopsticks to featuring Li getting lovingly pummeled by both masters as they argue about which martial art is superior. The atmosphere is vibrant and humorous, reminiscent of Jackie Chan’s ’90s action films.
Wang continues Chan’s legacy by adeptly performing action sequences while injecting humor. While he can take down numerous aggressive opponents, his facial expressions betray his reluctance to do so! His visible exasperation, shock, and even annoyance render these moments entertaining rather than solely tense.
Ben Wang is a sensation.
Transitioning from his lead role in Disney+’s American Born Chinese to Karate Kid: Legends, Wang not only skillfully intertwines teen drama with fight choreography but also stands up to legendary martial arts movie stars, all while making the role of a karate kid distinctly his own. He accomplishes all of this with remarkable grace.
While Li is emotionally guarded, Wang never appears wooden or stiff. He gives a nuanced portrayal of sorrow and trauma, grounding the film and enhancing the joy of the triumphs with greater impact. When he