Karate Kid: Legends is the next chapter in the legendary Karate Kid Franchise, continuing the legacy that began over 40 years ago. This all-new KK movie introduces audiences to a fresh generation of martial arts heroes while honoring the classic characters and themes that made the original films unforgettable. Blending nostalgia with new energy, Karate Kid: Legends sets out to deliver powerful storytelling, some intense martial arts action, and a heartfelt message about facing your enemy within, without, and a legacy.
What is Karate Kid: Legends About?
The film focuses on Li Fong, played by Ben Wang, a kung-fu prodigy trained by Mr. Han, played by Jackie Chan, who moves to New York and tries to fit into school. When his friend Mia, played by his father, former boxer Victor, played by Joshua Jackson, needs help to save his pizza shop, Li decides to train him in the way of kung-fu.
After Victor is badly beaten, Li becomes depressed and distant, but a visit from his Great Uncle, Mr. Han, puts him on the path of redemption when Han decides to enter him into a karate tournament. To help train Li, Han asks Daniel LaRusso, played by Ralph Macchio, who Mr. Miyagi, originally played by Pat Morita, trained in the first Karate Kid movie. With Daniel and Mr. Han’s help, Li trains in the way of kung-fu and karate.
A Legacy Continues
The Legacy of this world continues to thrive as we see not only Daniel LaRusso pass on Mr. Miyagi’s teachings but also continue to open others, like Li, to the Miyagi-verse. This movie is a slight reflection of the original Karate Kid movie and the Karate Kid (2010), as we see a mother wanting the best for her son. Dr. Fong, Li’s mother, played by Ming-Na Wen, is a good addition to the line of mothers who just want what’s best for their sons. Both Chan and Macchio are also great teachers, passing on not only fighting techniques but also life lessons as Li faces his challenges.
The Long Line of Bad Asses
Each movie in this series we’ll always have an antagonist who seems to be the bad ass in his own league. In the first movie, it was Johnny Lawrence, played by William Zabka. In this movie, the kid with the attitude is Connor Day, played by Aramis Knight. Conner happens to be the ex-boyfriend of Mia in the film, who gets jealous of Li and Mia’s relationship.
Conner is also the reigning champion of “The Five Boroughs Tournament”, in which he and Li face off. Knight, in this role, seems to know how to play a guy who seems to be full of himself, which, just like Johnny in the original final, does nothing to improve who he is. Maybe a Cobra Kai movie where Conner gets training from Johnny is next in the Miyagi-verse.
Is there a Sequel in the Works?
If you stayed until just before the credits, you’ll see that not only does our hero win, but he also gains his confidence back. What you’ll also see is a cameo from William Zabka from the original Karate Kid and Cobra Kai TV series. This officially expands the Miyagi verse even more, which means we could have a sequel to either this movie or maybe a Cobra Kai movie combining the two.
There are so many possibilities for where this franchise can go, especially with it seeing mixed reviews. On Rotten Tomatoes, it currently stands at a 59% on the Tomatometer and a 91% on the Popcornmeter. So, does this franchise live to fight another day? In my book, I think the KK series of movies and the Cobra Kai TV series won’t go down without a fight. It will continue to bring joy and encourage others to do something with their lives, and maybe give the original KK movie a watch.
