Karate Kid: Legends - A Disappointing Tribute to the Franchise

A Lackluster Addition to the Karate Kid Legacy

Despite being a franchise that has thrived for three decades, the latest installment of the Karate Kid series falls short with its weak writing and an overwhelming desire to please. It possesses the essential elements to serve as a fitting tribute to the mentor-student dynamic that first captivated audiences in 1994, when Pat Morita guided Ralph Macchio's character.

The original film was an immediate success, and as a viewer, I recall how motivating it was to see the guru-shishya tradition portrayed within a Chinese context. It felt monumental.

Ralph Macchio returns in this Jonathan Entwistle-directed sequel, which is filled with excessive dialogue about pizza and martial arts, yet lacks the depth and impact of its predecessors. Newcomer Ben Wang is charming, and his performance is well-supported by the Hindi dubbing done by Ajay Devgan’s son.

Interestingly, Wang shines brightest when he is not engaged in martial arts. The most enjoyable moments occur when Li Fong, portrayed by Wang, arrives in New York with his doctor mother (Ming-Na Wen) and encounters the delightful Mia (Sadie Stanley) and her father Victor (Joshua Jackson).

Li Fong's early experiences as a Chinese immigrant in the U.S. carry a relatable quality, especially when he asserts his determination to stay, which contrasts with the expected themes of the American Dream.

However, the narrative rushes to place Li Fong in the ring, relying on clichéd underdog triumphs that fail to resonate.

The fight scenes feel choreographed and lack the raw energy that characterized the original Karate Kid films, where every strike was felt by the audience. Ralph Macchio, once vibrant and energetic, appears lackluster and diminished, and his discussions about karate techniques with Jackie Chan feel more like a plot device than a meaningful exploration of differing martial arts philosophies.

This installment suffers from a significant lack of conflict. If the Karate Kid franchise hopes to make a comeback, it needs to elevate its storytelling, especially if Jackie Chan is involved.

The standout character in this sixth installment is Victor, the enthusiastic father of Li Fong’s girlfriend, played by Joshua Jackson, who skillfully balances his pizza-making with navigating his relationship with his daughter and her boyfriend.

There are hints of intriguing backstory regarding Li Fong's brother, who was lost in a street fight, but the film fails to clarify why Li Fong was paralyzed by inaction during the attack.

While Karate Kid Legends has a lighthearted vibe, its charm diminishes both inside and outside the ring.

I opted to watch the Hindi dubbed version to hear Ajay Devgan and his son voice Jackie Chan and Li Fong. Although the younger actor is engaging, hearing Chan's character speak in Devgan's voice detracts significantly from the overall performance. Including a Singham joke in the Hindi dub was a misstep.