Reviewed by L.K. Byron
With an understandably high anticipation from millions of fans created over the years, The Karate Kid: Legends kicked open the door and made an early summer movie season debut in hopes of maintaining the legacy. This time the starring prodigy is a high schooler titled Li Fong, played impressively well by Ben Wang.
Following the similar storyline we have come accustomed to in previous productions of the Karate Kid franchise, this flick starts with an unexpected move out of the comfortability of Li’s hometown of Beijing, China, to New York City due to his mom accepting a change of employment. After the mother and son duo’s New York arrival, the plot changes pace and the drama angle sparks. Staying true to the Karate Kid formula, we have a love interest blanketed by the jealousy of an ex-boyfriend, bullying, and then the main character’s burning desire to inflict revenge.
Ultimately, Karate Kid: Legends aims to please
with numerous action scenes, humor, and heartfelt drama. Special appearances by
Jackie Chan and Ralph Macchio further fuel the authenticity this sequel aims to
deliver. The original, The Karate Kid (1984) still rules the roost, but
the kiddies will be driven to root for Fong’s fight for vindication and
redemption against the odds that are unfairly stacked against him in this
latest sequel. This is an overall entertaining production worth kicking it to.
