Ben wang in Karate Kid: Legends. (photo: Jonathan Wenk)

the Allure of Nostalgia

The latest installment in the Karate Kid saga, Karate Kid: Legends, hinges heavily on the reunion of two iconic figures: Jackie Chan and Ralph Macchio. The film presents them as joint mentors to a new martial arts student. For many,this pairing alone is a significant draw.

The film attempts to tap into the collective nostalgia of Generation X, those who remember Mr. Macchio from the original films and the cobra Kai series, alongside Mr. Chan, whose charisma powered the 2010 remake. However, the question remains: Is nostalgia enough to carry the film?

Sadly, the nostalgic crossover potential may be the sole redeeming quality of what is described as a “lifeless retread.”

A Familiar Story, a New Setting

The core narrative of karate Kid: Legends echoes the familiar themes of displacement and adaptation. Li Fong, portrayed by Ben Wang, moves from Beijing to New York City, mirroring the journeys of Danny LaRusso (Mr.Macchio) and Dre Parker (Jaden Smith) in previous installments. His mother, played by Ming-Na Wen, takes a new job, uprooting their lives.

The film introduces familiar archetypes: mia (Sadie Stanley),the girl next door; victor Lipani (Joshua Jackson),Mia’s father and a former boxer; and Conor Day (Aramis Knight),the school bully and martial arts champion. The setting for the climactic showdown is the Five Boroughs tournament, a series of matches fought across New York City.

Though, the production appears to have been primarily filmed in Montreal, a detail that might detract from the authenticity of the New York setting.

The Shadow of Cobra Kai

the success of Cobra Kai, wich offered a nuanced redemption arc for the original antagonist Johnny Lawrence (William Zabka), has raised the bar for the franchise. The original Karate Kid is considered by many to be the only truly great entry in the series.

While subsequent films attempted to carve their own paths, Karate Kid: Legends posits a connection between Mr. Chan’s mr. Han and the Miyagi family, explained through AI-enhanced narration using the voice of the late Mr. Morita. When Li faces trouble, Mr. Han enlists the help of Mr. LaRusso, Miyagi’s former student.

The film struggles to recapture the magic of its predecessors, particularly in light of Cobra Kai‘s innovative approach.

Missed Opportunities and Familiar Tropes

Karate Kid: Legends flirts wiht new ideas, such as Li training Victor to revive his boxing career. This subplot, however, is abandoned in favor of preparing Li for the five Boroughs tournament. The film adheres to familiar tropes: conor attempts to win back Mia, Li misinterprets their interactions, and Conor’s sensei, O’Shea (Tim Rozon), encourages brutality.

The narrative beats are predictable, including Li’s need to master a special “dragon kick” to achieve victory. The film struggles to create a unique identity, instead retreading well-worn ground.

Lacking Urgency and Impact

The fight sequences in Karate Kid: Legends are criticized for lacking urgency. The audience does not connect with the characters, diminishing the stakes of their conflicts. Li’s pre-existing kung fu skills undermine the underdog narrative.

The film fails to establish Conor and O’Shea as formidable adversaries, reducing the suspense. The overall impression is one of boxes being checked rather than a compelling story being told.

A Legacyquel That Falls Short

Despite the talent involved, Karate Kid: Legends fails to cohere. The film is labeled a “legacyquel,” but its execution is deemed lazy, especially in comparison to Cobra Kai. The film relies heavily on montages, suggesting a lack of creativity or post-production interference.

With a runtime of 94 minutes, including end credits and a mid-credits scene, the film may have suffered from excessive editing.

A Real Movie vs. Nostalgia

While Karate Kid: Legends is considered harmless, it may disappoint even dedicated fans.The original Karate Kid possessed depth, exploring themes of class resentment, longing, self-doubt, and loss. It is indeed remembered fondly for its genuine storytelling.

the reviewer concludes with a pessimistic outlook on the film’s lasting impact.