The much-awaited film Karate Kid Legends has finally hit theatres across the world on May 30, 2025. With the return of martial arts icons Jackie Chan and Ralph Macchio, fans were excited to witness another chapter of this beloved franchise. This time, the spotlight is on a new hero, Ben Wang, as he tries to carry forward the legacy. But while the film brings back nostalgia and some good action, it struggles to deliver a fresh or exciting story.
What the Film is About
The film opens with a bit of rewriting the old Karate Kid story, connecting Mr Miyagi’s karate style to Shifu Han’s kung fu in China. Shifu Han (played by Jackie Chan) still runs a dojo in Beijing. His top student, Li Fong (Ben Wang), is forced to move to New York by his mother. As expected, life in America is tough for him. He gets bullied and falls for a girl named Mia (Sadie Stanley), whose ex-boyfriend Conor (Aramis Knight) becomes his rival.
That’s when Jackie Chan’s Han arrives to train Fong. But this time, he’s not alone. Daniel LaRusso (Ralph Macchio), the original Karate Kid, also joins in to help. Together, they try to train the young fighter in a mix of kung fu and karate.
Cast and Performances
- Ben Wang plays Li Fong with honesty and a likeable screen presence. He shines in action scenes but seems slightly weak in emotional moments.
- Jackie Chan and Ralph Macchio bring warmth, experience, and amazing chemistry to the screen. Their scenes together are the most fun and powerful parts of the film.
- Sadie Stanley adds a fun spark with her humour, while Aramis Knight does well as the angry ex but feels too much like a copy of earlier characters.
- Joshua Jackson and Ming-Na Wen do their job decently but don’t get much to work with.
What Works in the Film
- Jackie Chan and Ralph Macchio’s bromance and training scenes are the highlight.
- Some jokes, especially by Sadie Stanley, actually make you smile.
- The fight scenes are nicely choreographed and enjoyable.
- The film is short (just 95 minutes), so it moves quickly without dragging.
What Fails in the Film
- The story is too predictable. You can guess every scene even before it happens.
- The film feels like a copy-paste of older Karate Kid movies without anything new.
- Emotional scenes don’t connect much with the audience.
- The original stars like Jackie and Ralph appear late and get less screen time.
- Many parts seem made only to cash in on nostalgia rather than tell a good story.
Audience Reaction and Early Twitter Reviews
While critics gave it only average reviews (55% on Rotten Tomatoes), many fans on Twitter appreciated the fun and nostalgic vibe. Some even called it the best film since the original. Fans loved Ben Wang’s performance and praised Jackie Chan’s presence. One fan wrote, “Ben Wang held his own with the GOAT Jackie Chan.”
However, not everyone was happy. Some said the film looked recycled and lacked originality. Others were disappointed that Ralph Macchio and Jackie Chan didn’t get bigger roles.
Special Indian Connection
The film also released in Hindi, Tamil, and Telugu, making it special for Indian fans. A surprising addition was Yug Devgan, son of Bollywood actor Ajay Devgn, who gave his voice for the Hindi-dubbed version of Li Fong. This marked his voice acting debut and created a buzz among Indian fans.
Final Thoughts
Karate Kid Legends tries to bring old fans and new viewers together with a mix of karate, kung fu, and heartfelt messages. While it delivers some sweet moments and exciting fights, the story lacks freshness and feels too routine. It’s a decent one-time watch, especially if you love the franchise, but don’t expect anything groundbreaking.
Karate Kid Legends is like that old song you loved in childhood—it still feels familiar and comforting, but the tune no longer gives goosebumps. Jackie Chan and Ralph Macchio add magic to the film, but even their charm cannot fully save it from being just “okay”. If you’re a die-hard fan, you’ll enjoy the nostalgic moments. For others, it’s a safe but forgettable watch.
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FAQs
Who plays the main role in Karate Kid Legends?
Ben Wang plays the lead role of Li Fong.
Are Jackie Chan and Ralph Macchio back?
Yes, both legends return as mentors and bring strong chemistry to the film.
Is the movie good?
It’s entertaining in parts but feels very predictable and lacks a fresh story.
Where was the movie released?
It was released worldwide in English, Hindi, Tamil, and Telugu.
Who voiced the Hindi version of the lead character?
Yug Devgan, son of Ajay Devgn, made his voice acting debut as Li Fong in the Hindi version.
