‘Karate Kid: Legends’ Review: Jackie Chan and Ralph Macchio Return in a Chaotic Martial Arts Sequel
Flickbites 
The beloved ‘Karate Kid’ franchise returns with its sixth installment, ‘Karate Kid: Legends’, featuring the iconic Jackie Chan and Ralph Macchio. The film integrates intense martial arts action with a new protagonist, played by Ben Wang, who steps into a high-stakes underground tournament alongside fresh cast member Joshua Jackson.
Plot and Characters
The story centers on Ben Wang, a kung fu prodigy, who embarks on a journey of personal growth and teamwork to support a new ally in a competitive martial arts environment. Despite this promising setup, the narrative suffers from a messy plotline and clichés that undermine character development.
Performances
Jackie Chan and Ralph Macchio’s performances evoke nostalgia, reminding audiences of their classic roles. Joshua Jackson contributes additional energy, though his character is somewhat underutilized. The martial arts scenes are well-choreographed but are not enough to compensate for the overall lack of storyline cohesion.
Direction and Overall Impact
The movie prioritizes action and spectacle, sometimes overlooking meaningful character arcs and engaging storytelling. Fans familiar with the franchise may enjoy revisiting beloved characters and traditions, but new viewers might struggle to connect with the uneven narrative.
Summary
- Strengths: Nostalgic cast, solid martial arts choreography, moments of excitement.
- Weaknesses: Disorganized script, uninspired direction, underdeveloped characters.
Ultimately, ‘Karate Kid: Legends’ delivers a mix of star power and martial arts nostalgia but misses the opportunity to invigorate the franchise for a new generation.
About The Author
