Karate Kid: Legends ★★★★

Released: 28th May 2025

Director: Jonathan Entwistle

Starring: Jackie Chan, Ben Wang, Ralph Macchio, Joshua Jackson, Sadie Stanley, Wyatt Oleff, Ming-Na Wen 

I didn’t just watch The Karate Kid in the ’80s—I lived it. VHS on loop, trying crane kicks in the garden, repeating “wax on, wax off” like it was gospel. Then Cobra Kai hit Netflix during lockdown and I devoured it back to back, emotionally roundhouse-kicked by nostalgia and modern storytelling.

So when Karate Kid: Legends was announced, I’ll be honest—my heart started prepping a kata of anticipation.

We meet Li Fong (Ben Wang), a smart, scrappy teenager growing up in the chaos of New York City. He’s talented, sure, but directionless. Haunted by a past he barely understands and drawn to a fight he didn’t choose, Li soon finds himself entangled in a martial arts battle with roots that stretch across continents.

When a new threat rises, two legendary mentors step in to guide him: Mr. Han (Jackie Chan), returning with his quiet power and emotional gravitas, and Daniel LaRusso (Ralph Macchio), the heart-on-his-sleeve karate kid turned sensei we’ve grown up with for decades.

And here’s the magic: they don’t just train Li—they evolve. Mr. Han and Daniel represent two martial arts legacies. Two trees, one root. The film leans into this contrast, drawing wisdom from both styles, culminating in a powerful blend of East-meets-West philosophy.

Ben Wang is electric. He’s the first Asian lead in the franchise’s history, and he steps into it like he was born for the dojo. He brings every layer—vulnerability, cockiness, pain, humour, and ultimately, purpose. He’s not just carrying the story; he’s redefining what this story can be.

Jackie Chan, ever the icon, is a revelation as Mr. Han once again. He’s aged like the bonsai trees his predecessors used to trim—steady, shaped by experience, still rooted in wisdom. Ralph Macchio continues his legacy with grace and depth. Daniel’s arc has matured, but that spark of underdog determination is still burning.

Jonathan Entwistle brings the action with slick, grounded choreography. The fights feel earned. They’re not about flashy flips—they’re about intention, character, and spirit. Every punch means something. Every block tells a story. The film looks sharp too—New York’s grit meets Eastern serenity. The soundtrack, editing, and pacing generally hum with energy, though one or two narrative beats do speed by too quickly.

A couple of the supporting players needed more room to breathe too, alongside one subplot that gets dropped before it can pay off. And while the film is loaded with call-backs, not all of them land perfectly. But these are small shadows in a bright, burning spotlight of a film.

Karate Kid: Legends is not just a spin off or some may call it a sequel. It’s a spiritual successor. It’s the dojo door swinging wide open for a new generation—with honour, heart, and HAI-YAH energy.

This film made me want to cry, bow, and try a flying kick all at once. Ben Wang has arrived. Jackie and Ralph are legends. And yes—”Coat on, coat off” is now fully in my vocabulary.