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The Karate Kid franchise is back… again. And not because fans demanded it, but probably because corporate executives realized Cobra Kai made a lot of noise and dollars on Netflix. So, naturally, why not reignite that good old martial arts spirit with a fresh(?) remake?
Here comes “Karate Kid Legends” (2025)—a film that feels like it time-traveled from two different writers’ desktops, mashed together like leftover Chinese takeout and stale pizza. The result? A movie that has its moments but ultimately forgets what made us love The Karate Kid in the first place. Let’s Dive into the Karate Kid Legends Review:
Rating: (3.0/5)
| Detail | Information |
|---|---|
| Title | Karate Kid: Legends |
| Genre | Action, Drama, Martial Arts, Sports |
| Director | Jonathan Entwistle |
| Main Cast | Ben Wang, Jackie Chan, Ralph Macchio, Joshua Jackson |
| Release Date | May 30, 2025 (United States) |
| Runtime | 1 hour 35 minutes |
The Cobra Kai Effect: Why This Film Exists
Let’s be honest—this movie wouldn’t exist without Cobra Kai’s massive success. The series rekindled interest in Daniel LaRusso, Johnny Lawrence, and dojo drama like never before. So, Hollywood being Hollywood, someone thought: “Hey, remember that Jackie Chan Karate Kid reboot? Let’s tie that in somehow… and sprinkle in Macchio!”
What could possibly go wrong?
Did Anyone Remember This Movie Was Coming?
Blink, and you probably missed the marketing. Seriously, this movie ghost dropped harder than your ex on Valentine’s Day. I watched the trailer… once. Forgot it existed. Then boom—opening weekend, it just shows up.
And guess what? The trailer didn’t even show the best parts.
This movie plays out like two completely different films stitched together with the world’s weakest thread.
The Surprisingly Fresh First Half
At first, the story had a spark. A kid from Beijing moves to New York—sure, a solid start. Turns out he was trained by Mr. Han (Jackie Chan’s character from the 2010 reboot). Okay, we’re rolling with it.
Then comes the twist I didn’t see in the trailer: this kid isn’t learning kung fu—he’s teaching it.
A Student Becomes a Teacher
The kid’s friend’s dad, played by Joshua Jackson, is a former boxer who now owns a struggling pizza shop. He’s in trouble with some bad guys (classic plot device), and he’s trying to win a boxing match to pay off his debts and save his business.
So, our young hero decides to train him—yes, the dad—in kung fu to enhance his boxing style. And you know what? This part was actually compelling. A refreshing twist that showed how knowledge can flow both ways. Youth-inspiring age? That’s not something we see enough.
Kung Fu vs Boxing – The Unexpected Combo
Watching the fusion of these two styles was fun, like mixing peanut butter with chili—it shouldn’t work, but somehow it does. This part had real weight, real stakes. I was rooting for this boxer dad. It could’ve been a whole movie on its own.
Characters That Shine (Then Disappear)
The Protagonist – Not Your Typical New Kid
This isn’t the usual “green kid learning to kick” story. This protagonist knows kung fu. That gives him some agency right away. He’s not here to learn how to sweep the leg—he’s here to find where he fits in.
Joshua Jackson’s Boxer Dad – A Scene-Stealer
This guy almost ran away with the movie. His grit, charm, and vulnerability make you care. But once the script shifts into nostalgia mode, he’s dropped like last week’s takeout. Shame.
The Love Interest – Blink and You’ll Miss Her
Ah yes, our love interest. She starts off strong, charming, even believable. But then poof—she’s benched for the second half like a supporting character in her own life. She deserved better.
The Old Guard Returns
Jackie Chan as Mr. Han – Welcome, but Why?
Mr. Han is back. But rather than leaning into what made him a strong, mysterious mentor in the 2010 reboot, he’s now awkwardly connected to Mr. Miyagi’s legacy via one dubbed scene from an old movie.
Hollywood: “Just splice it in. They won’t notice.”
Ralph Macchio as Daniel – Cashing a Check?
Ralph shows up. He says some words. Wear some clothes. And… that’s it. His role is so hollow, that it feels like they filmed his scenes during a break from Cobra Kai just to stick his face on the poster.
The Plot Twist That Wasn’t Needed
Daniel and Han decided to fuse karate and kung fu to create a “new martial art” that would help our kid win a tournament. Sound familiar? Cobra Kai did this. Multiple times. And better.
Honestly, this whole thing feels like two movies got smashed together like action figures in a kid’s toy box. The first half? Interesting, grounded, heartfelt. The second? Pure fan service with zero flavor.
Tournament Arc? More Like Tournament Skip
The big tournament? Yeah, we don’t get to see much of it. Just a montage. Then—BAM—final fight. No emotional build-up. No stakes. Just a climax that doesn’t feel earned.
The boxing match earlier in the film had more tension and more thrill. This final showdown? It’s fine. But it’s not Karate Kid level. Not even close.
Nostalgia vs. Innovation
Let’s be real—Cobra Kai gave us nostalgia with innovation. This movie tried the same but forgot to bring new ideas to the dojo. Just rehashed beats from better iterations.
Remember that plotline about the student becoming the teacher? That was gold. But they dumped it for more predictable “tournament win” fluff. What a waste.
The Karate Kid (2024): The Good & The Bad
| The Good | The Bad |
|---|---|
| Fresh Plot Twist: The pizza + boxing subplot adds a unique flavor rarely seen in martial arts films. | Confused Storyline: Feels like two separate movies mashed together. No clear focus. |
| New Perspective: A kid mentoring an adult boxer flips the traditional formula in a refreshing way. | Wasted Cameos: Jackie Chan & Ralph Macchio show up with minimal impact, purely for nostalgia. |
| Emotional Build-up: The first half of the movie delivers genuine character development and heartfelt moments. | Weak Finale: The final tournament lacks stakes, emotion, and energy compared to the mid-film boxing match. |
| Strong Core Message: It explores how learning and growth can happen at any age — teaching is mutual. | Too Many Characters: Side characters are underdeveloped and vanish halfway through. |
| Unique Spin on Franchise: It doesn’t rely solely on past films and tries introducing new elements. | Lazy Nostalgia: Cameos and references feel forced, not earned, which undercuts the film’s originality. |
Final Thoughts
This movie had heart. It had potential. But it also had studio interference written all over it. If they had stuck to one story, it could’ve shined.
Newcomers might be confused. Hardcore fans might be annoyed. The only group that might enjoy it? Casual viewers looking for a 90-minute throwback with familiar faces.
Conclusion
Karate Kid Legends (2025) starts strong with a surprisingly engaging and original plot—then sells out to nostalgia. It’s two stories in one film, and neither gets the space it deserves. While the performances are decent, and the boxing arc is genuinely compelling, the final act turns into a rushed montage of déjà vu.
It’s not a total knockout, but it’s no crane kick either.
FAQs
1. Is Karate Kid Legends connected to Cobra Kai?
No, this film exists in a separate continuity that pulls elements from both the 2010 reboot and the original Karate Kid universe, but it’s not directly connected to Cobra Kai.
2. Does Jackie Chan reprise his exact role from the 2010 reboot?
Yes, he returns as Mr. Han, though his character is oddly retconned to have ties to Mr. Miyagi’s legacy.
3. Is there actually a memorable tournament in the film?
Not really. The final tournament is fast-tracked and lacks an emotional payoff. The earlier boxing match is more memorable.
4. Will there be a sequel to Karate Kid Legends?
There’s no official word yet. Based on early reactions, it’s unlikely unless the nostalgia bucks roll in hard.
5. Is it worth watching for fans of martial arts movies?
Only if you’re a die-hard fan or curious about Jackie Chan and Ralph Macchio sharing screen time, otherwise, it’s a mixed bag.
