Li Fong is at the center of “Karate Kid: Legends,” a new film that brings a fresh perspective to the beloved franchise. The film stars Ben Wang as Fong, who moves from Beijing to Manhattan, quickly finding himself in a mentor role, teaching kung fu to Victor, a pizza chef portrayed by Joshua Jackson. The plot thickens as Victor faces debt challenges from a local loan shark, intensifying when he’s cheated in a boxing match, echoing the untimely death of Fong’s kung fu hero—his older brother.
Alongside navigating high school pressures and cultural expectations, Fong’s journey involves invigorating a cherished film series that hasn’t seen a feature film in 15 years. Directed by Jonathan Entwistle and penned by Rob Lieber, “Legends” cleverly intertwines themes of resilience and longing for connection, making it particularly relatable to today’s youth, who often grapple with feelings of loneliness.
The film begins with a nostalgic nod to “The Karate Kid Part II,” where Mr. Miyagi discusses the kinship between karate and kung fu. Returning to the franchise is Jackie Chan as Mr. Han, Fong’s uncle, who encourages him to participate in a competitive martial arts tournament. Fong also enlists the help of Master Daniel, played by Ralph Macchio, in a delightful reunion of mentorship.
Throughout its engaging 94 minutes, “Legends” maintains a balance of action and humor, appealing to both younger audiences and older fans with its shared jokes and dynamics. The film is further enriched by strong performances and the chemistry between its stars, particularly Chan and Macchio, providing comic relief through well-executed martial arts choreography.
Despite a few shortcomings in character development and some fight scenes resembling video game aesthetics, “Karate Kid: Legends” shines as an endearing family film. It’s a lighthearted celebration that not only encourages a return to the classic films and the “Cobra Kai” series but also inspires a renewed interest in martial arts among new generations. Overall, the movie is a fun, summery adventure that promises to resonate with audiences of all ages.