Ben Wang-Jackie Chan starrer is fun and enjoyable

What makes the movie really shine is its cast. Jackie Chan as Mr. Han is absolute magic. Ben Wang is perfect in infusing the right balance to the film as Li.

Cast: Ben Wang, Jackie Chan, Ralph Macchio, Joshua Jackson, Sadie Stanley, and Ming-Na Wen, Aramis Knight, and Wyatt Oleff
Director: Jonathan Entwistle
Rating: ★★★

It isn’t tough to gauge when movie franchises begin to feel exhausted and boring. But then there are those that bring to the viewers interesting plots that leave an indelible impact on them while they make money at the box office. Karate Kid: Legends – which hit the screens after having an impressive sequel, a remake and Cobra Kai which is available on Netflix – manages to not just win hearts, but also set the cash registers ringing.

The movie revolves around Li Fong (Ben Wang), a Chinese teen who shifts base to New York with his mother (Ming-Na Wen) a year after his older brother’s tragic demise. The director Jonathan Entwistle is successful in tying the movie into the original Karate Kid in a thoughtful way. He gives to the viewers a double dose of nostalgia as Jackie Chan’s Mr Han from 2010 reboot and the OG Karate Kid (Ralph Macchio as Daniel LaRusso) get together to train Li Fong (Ben Wang). Interestingly, the director respects the roots of the franchise even as he offers Li his individual journey which further plays an instrumental role is making it not just a feel-good but also a thoroughly enjoyable film. One may feel that the story turns predictable as it captures the classic underdog formula. However, what pulls you in is in seeing how Li wins the Five Boroughs tournament, and the difficulties he faces in combating his own emotional baggage. His love for Kung Fu comes with a deeper sense of purpose.

As Li tries to help pizza shop owner Victor (Joshua Jackson) and his daughter Mia (Sadie Stanley) after the former is brutally attacked, it also mirrors the problem he faces in real life – that of dealing with the truth of his own brother’s demise. You may feel at times that the flashbacks are a bit clunky and unnecessary. But when you delve deeper into them, it is clear that they are used to remind the viewers of what Li has lost and what he is making an effort to find again. What really keeps the viewers invested into the film are its fight sequences which are well thought-out and executed.

There is no way you can deny the solid character dynamics in the film. What makes the movie really shine is its cast. Jackie Chan as Mr. Han is absolute magic. He may not be present for a while when Li shifts to New York, and you begin to think when he would return — but the moment he does, it becomes the most important part of the film. Jackie not only infuses warmth to the screen, but also adds more significance to Li’s journey. Li’s sequences with Jackie are impeccable so is his chemistry with Ralph Macchio’s Daniel LaRusso.

Joshua Jackson is honestly great here in the film. Even though he comes across as hilarious, but with just the right touch of sadness under the surface. Sadie Stanley nails it as Mia. Ben Wang is perfect in infusing the right balance as Li. It is easy to feel his difficulties, and also be impressed with his charm and innocence that makes him really watchable. And Ming-Na Wen? Always amazing. I just wish she had more meaningful screen time with Wang — those moments could’ve really hit harder.

All in all, Karate Kid: Legends carries an upbeat, feel-good energy that keeps you invested in the film. It’s watchable, enjoyable and never tries too hard, and strikes a sweet balance between heartfelt and fun.