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By Keith Walther
This is a cut and paste job that serves as yet another reminder that nothing compares to the original. “Karate Kid: Legends” is the sixth film of the franchise that began in 1984 and is a direct sequel to the 2010 reboot while still crossing over with the original movies. This may be a new film, but there is nothing new about the storyline, which slaps a fresh coat of paint on the regurgitated themes from the original.
Learning the art of kung fu under the tutelage of Mr. Han (Jackie Chan) in Beijing, China has been a comforting escape for young Li Fong (Ben Wang). When his mother, Dr. Fong (Ming-Na Wen), accepts a new job in New York, Li is forced out of his comfort zone to learn about a foreign culture and make new friends. Even though he makes quick friends with a girl his age named Mia (Sadie Stanley) and her father Victor (Joshua Jackson), his problems only worsen as he encounters Mia’s on-and-off again boyfriend Conor (Aramis Knight), who just so happens to be a bully and karate champion. Sound familiar?
As one would expect, Li becomes targeted by Conor, forcing him to face his dark past in order to triumph over this strong adversary. With only a week to train for the 5 Burroughs Championship, Mr. Han flies to town to help Li along with a karate expert, none other than Daniel LaRusso (Ralph Macchio). If Li can somehow win this tournament, he can solve not only his problems, but also the problems of his new dear friends. Wonder what could possibly happen.
English filmmaker Jonathan Entwistle makes his directorial debut with this sequel, and he basically dresses “The Karate Kid” in new clothes, but it is the same film underneath. Instead of California, it’s New York. Instead of Daniel LaRusso struggling to belong in a new town, it’s Li Fong. Instead of the crane kick, it’s the dragon kick. You get the picture. If “Karate Kid: Legends” was a college literary paper, it would be investigated for plagiarism. Be that as it may, the original story is a classic and repeating it with a different look still provides some entertainment value, even though everyone who has seen the first will know exactly how this movie will unfold.
Entwistle does a decent job of incorporating nostalgia that fans of the franchise will appreciate, tying the old films to the new and exploring the roots of Miyagi-Do Karate, even though the 2010 version with Jaden Smith is not worth remembering. Like many rookie directors, however, Entwistle stumbles with the pacing and subplots. He takes too much time delving into the subplots of the secondary characters, leaving too little time to get on with the main story, leading to choppiness and an overly rushed conclusion that doesn’t allow the audience to become invested. He also overlooks key details that foster significant plot holes. For example there’s no mention whatsoever of the main character’s father, nor is there any mention of the prize money involved in winning the 5 Burroughs Championship. Viewers are simply made to understand that if Li Fong wins, it solves everything.
As for the cast, they all do a decent enough job to interest the audience in their respective characters. This is the biggest role of Ben Wang’s young career, and he makes the most of it, portraying a lonely teen haunted by the grief and guilt of his past while also flawlessly executing difficult fight choreography. It’s a performance that warrants further exploration of his character. Ralph Macchio doesn’t make an appearance until late in the movie, and his scenes are incredibly rushed so there is nothing he’s able to offer outside of surface value nostalgia. At the end of the movie, there is a cameo that becomes one of the best scenes in the whole movie, especially for fans of the “Cobra Kai” Netflix series.
A story unable to stand on its own and provide enough punch to warrant a trip to the theater makes for a rather forgettable filmgoing experience. “Karate Kid: Legends” contains a little nostalgic charm but the sloppy execution and rushed conclusion requires a bit more waxing on and off to avoid its inevitable cruel summer. At least it’s not nearly as bad as the 2010 reboot with Jaden Smith. If you can lower your expectations enough, you may be able to convince yourself that you’re having a decent time.
This movie earns
