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

The title of the Israeli show Magpie makes sense since the word is used in the West to refer to police informers, and the main character was one of them. In the Hindi version of the popular program, Kankhajura, the main character is strangely transformed into a millipede, albeit a lethal one. The metaphor is valid in this case too. The climax is already apparent in the first credits of Karate Kid: Legends because Ashu is so little and unimportant. The story is about a bullied boy who has to deal with guys who are physically superior than him. Along the way, he learns martial arts from a wise master (or two) and eventually matures. For the past 40 years, every Karate Kid movie has been about that. But it has been mostly successful. The fact that Legends allows you to not only know what will happen but also to accurately predict the course of events, including the words that the majority of the characters will utter, is what makes it so irritating. It's so predictable, formulaic, and cliché. Although Karate Kid: Legends was intended to be a movie that brought back memories of the original film, it really just demonstrates how much it lacks in soul and sheer narrative talent.

What's it about?

In a minor retcon of the series (from Pat Morita, no less) prior to the start of the story, we learn about the connection between Miyagi karate and the Han school of kung fu in China. Despite the fact that his best student, Li Fong (Ben Wong), is being compelled by his mother to relocate to New York, Jackie Chan's character, Shifu Han, continues to instruct in Beijing. Fong battles in the Big Apple but eventually adapts, even falling in love with Mia (Sadie Stanley), who has a lot of Jennifer Lawrence traits. However, he chooses to confront Mia's domineering ex Conor (played by Aramis Knight, who is literally scowling and smoldering in every scene). Daniel LaRusso (Ralph Macchio), the first Karate Kid, accompanies him when he comes to train him.

The reason why Karate Kid Legends fails

Because of the template it follows, Karate Kid: Legends lacks substance. All the frames seem familiar; there is nothing new. The worst thing is that the jokes strike harder than the punches do. Some of the odd jokes (mainly from Sadie Stanley) get a laugh or two. However, there isn't much real humor to be found there.

The 95-minute duration of Karate Kids: Legends prevents you from becoming bored or upset, which is its redeeming feature. Even if it adheres to a template and doesn't do it in a way that's particularly novel, at least it gets straight to the point. It's like a single dose of nostalgia, complete with a few well-choreographed fight scenes and hilarious one-liners. Unfortunately, the film does not have the intended effect on the viewer.

With his genuine and pleasant demeanor and excellent screen presence, Ben Wong is a likable character. The fact that the screenplay doesn't give him the chance to utilize all of his abilities is unfortunate. He appears at ease during the combat sequences. However, the young actor falls short in the more dramatic scenes. Even though Ming-Na Wen and Joshua Jackson are not at their finest, they make the most of what they have. Right down to the brutal coach and "Mr Steal Your Girl" mentality, Aramis Knight is transformed into a Johnny Lawrence replica.

Legend would have been simply unwatchable if it wasn't for Ralph Macchio and Jackie Chan. Each of the two performers has the ability to stand out on the big screen on their own. Their fantastic chemistry raises the movie to a fun viewing experience right away. Unfortunately, this occurs only 60 minutes into the 95-minute film. However, during the period when Jackie and Ralph are seen training Ben, they brighten the scene and provide the audience with some of the movie's funniest moments, bringing it to life.

Karate Kid: Some aspects of Legends seem like a cash grab, designed to capitalize on nostalgia for profit. However, it fails since the goal does not seem to be about telling a consistent tale. Perhaps the manufacturers might have learned something from Cobra Kai in that area. The fact that the movie's best and most memorable moment is the last scene—which is totally unrelated to the rest of the picture—and that the audience roars the loudest when there is an unexpected cameo tells a lot about how mid the film is. It's definitely not a good look when the high point of your movie is a mid-credits scene. This story of love, desire for acceptance, and violent fury is well told, but even better played. The acting will astound you if the screenplay keeps you engaged. And at the heart of it all is the magnificent Roshan Mathew, who once more demonstrates why he is among the best young actors in the nation.

The story

The tale of Ashu (Roshan), a young man in Goa, who is freed after 14 years of incarceration, is told in Kankhajura. Meanwhile, on illegal grounds, his brother Max (Mohit Raina) has created a small construction empire. Even though Ashu continues to seek their acceptance, Max and his associates treat him like a punching bag. But there is more to Ashu. The local ACP (Heeba Shah) intends to take advantage of the fact that the shy, stammering individual is a skilled manipulator. When Max and his gang push Ashu to his breaking point, he snaps, and all hell breaks out.

Read Also: Kankhajura Review: Roshan Mathew Shines in This Gripping Magpie Remake
Get the latest Bollywood entertainment news, trending celebrity news, latest celebrity news, new movie reviews, latest entertainment news, latest Bollywood news, and Bollywood celebrity fashion & style updates!