Movie Review: Karate Kid: Legends (2025)

Movie Review: Karate Kid: Legends (2025)
Rating: ★★★★☆ (4/5)

Karate Kid: Legends (2025) arrives with the weight of legacy and the promise of nostalgia—and, for the most part, it delivers exactly what longtime fans of the franchise have been craving. Directed with affection and reverence for the original films, Legends is less about breaking new ground and more about honoring what came before, while cautiously introducing a new generation into the fold.

Plot and Narrative

The story centers on Li Fong, a teenager with some prior Kung Fu training, who moves to New York with his mother. Trouble brews when he befriends Mia Lipana, drawing the ire of her ex-boyfriend, Connor Day, a local Kung Fu champion. After a humiliating defeat at Connor’s hands, Li is taken under the wing of Mr. Han (Jackie Chan), who believes Li’s success lies in merging Kung Fu’s offense with Karate’s defensive philosophy. To complete this hybrid training, Mr. Han enlists the help of Daniel LaRusso (Ralph Macchio), bringing together two of the franchise’s most iconic mentors.

It’s a familiar underdog setup that mirrors both the 1984 original and the 2010 remake. While the plot retreads familiar territory, the emotional stakes feel genuine, thanks to a committed cast and well-paced storytelling.

Performances

The film’s heart lies in the chemistry between Jackie Chan and Ralph Macchio. Their scenes together—peppered with humor, mutual respect, and reflections on their shared teacher, Mr. Miyagi—are some of the film’s finest. Jackie Chan brings his usual charisma, blending comedy and wisdom effortlessly, while Macchio lends a grounded, fatherly gravitas to the proceedings.

Ben Wang as Li Fong is a solid lead, delivering a performance that captures both youthful frustration and growth. He may not reinvent the “Karate Kid” archetype, but he carries the film with sincerity and just enough charm to make us root for him.

Direction and Tone

The direction balances nostalgia with modern sensibilities. Unlike blockbuster reboots that lean on spectacle, Legends opts for a grounded, character-driven narrative. There’s a poetic stillness to the film—no shocking twists or excessive melodrama—just heartfelt storytelling, steady pacing, and a deep respect for the material.

However, that same respect sometimes hampers the film. The plot rarely surprises, and some moments feel overly safe or recycled. Supporting characters, especially Mia and Connor, lack the complexity that could have elevated the narrative beyond the expected beats.

Action and Choreography

Fight scenes are cleanly executed, with choreography that favors emotional impact over flashy spectacle. Jackie Chan’s signature style is evident in training montages and humorous sparring sessions. The final tournament showdown, while predictable, is satisfying and cleverly choreographed—especially in how Li adapts to counter Connor’s aggressive style.

Strengths

Nostalgia: The film taps into beloved memories without overindulging.

Mentorship theme: The dynamic between Mr. Han, Daniel, and Li feels sincere.

Casting: Chan and Macchio’s presence alone is worth the ticket.

Weaknesses

Predictable plot: It rarely strays from the well-worn Karate Kid formula.

Underdeveloped side characters: More depth could’ve added emotional layers.

Pacing: Some scenes drag slightly, especially in the second act.

Final Verdict

Karate Kid: Legends doesn’t attempt to be revolutionary, and that’s by design. It’s a heartfelt tribute to the franchise, skillfully combining elements from the original films and Cobra Kai to offer fans a feel-good, coming-of-age martial arts tale. It may not win awards or surprise seasoned viewers, but for those seeking a nostalgic, emotionally rich experience, it’s a rewarding return to a beloved universe.

Recommended for: Longtime fans of The Karate Kid, Cobra Kai loyalists, and anyone who enjoys a classic underdog story told with warmth and respect.

Not recommended for: Viewers expecting plot twists, gritty realism, or groundbreaking martial arts choreography.