‘Karate Kid: Legends’ Offers Uneasy Blend of Franchise Favorites
“Karate Kid: Legends” is two movies in one.
The first is a charming tale told in the saga’s primary colors. The second is a nostalgia blast rushing through the franchise’s bullet points.
Tom Cruise never ran THIS fast.
Together, they’re an appealing blend that frustrates as much as it entertains. Those new to the series may wonder what the fuss is all about.
Beijing-based Kung Fu teacher Mr. Han (Jackie Chan) says goodbye to his star pupil, Li Fong (Ben Wang) as the story opens. Li’s mother (Ming-Na Wen) whisks the lad off to New York City, where she hopes he’ll stop fighting and embrace a more peaceful life.
Because the Big Apple is all about peace, love and understanding.
Li quickly has a meet-cute moment with Mia (Sadie Stanley), the daughter of a gruff pizza shop owner (Joshua Jackson). Li just as swiftly draws the ire of a local bully named Connor (Aramis Knight). He’s Mia’s ex, of course, and a karate superstar.
Naturally.
You know exactly where the story is going, but Wang makes the formula all his own. Stanley is equally strong, and her pappy’s bond with Li adds a “Rocky”-style edge to the franchise.
Is a crossover sequel on the horizon?
It’s only a matter of time before Li enters a local karate championship to dethrone Connor. That means he’ll need the wisdom of not only his former teacher but a California guru who trained under Mr. Miyagi (the late Pat Morita makes an appearance via archival footage).
Yeah, that’s Ralph Macchio as Daniel LaRusso, the original “Karate Kid.” The scene that brings Mr. Han and Daniel together felt like it was written seconds before director Jonathan Entwistle cried, “And … action.”
What a waste.
Daniel’s late entrance should be welcome, and the actor appears both comfortable and proud of his franchise ties. Yet his arrival is so rushed that it derails the momentum built by Wang and friends.
The hurried third act delivers the nostalgia we crave, but it’s not as sharply written as the rest of the film. The hokey franchise tropes are even worse.
Kudos to Wang for navigating the transition as well as he does, but even the obligatory training scenes feel uninspired. How can this slight lad outduel Connor, a force of nature without a hint of humanity?
Wax on, wax off? Hardly.
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“Legends” rejects the moral ambiguities that powered Netflix’s “Cobra Kai,” the successful “Kid” offshoot. The film’s villain is as one-dimensional as a WWE heel, and young Li is always captured in the best light possible.
That’s fine, but it suggests a missed opportunity. Formula storytelling works best with a few wrinkles added for good measure.
To its credit, “Legends” boasts first-rate karate battles. Some are so acrobatic it robs the film of its authenticity, but it’s a risk the filmmakers were willing to make.
Smart.
FAST FACT: The original “Karate Kid” earned $91 million in 1984. The 2010 reboot starring Jackie Chan and Jaden Smith brought in $176 million stateside.
The film’s flaws can’t overwhelm the tried-and-true formula or a cast dedicated to the underdog narrative.
“Karate Kid: Legends” would have fared better if it skipped the Mr. Han/Daniel LaRusso connections entirely. Make it part of the “Karate Kid” shared universe, or some other branding effort, and let the story play out on its own.
Wang deserves a film to call his own.
HiT or Miss: “Karate Kid: Legends” offers breezy fun and a dash of nostalgia, but the story never gets the room it needs to breathe.
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