Ralph Macchio and Jackie Chan are united for the first time in “Karate Kid: Legends.” Our JP gives his take on the latest expansion of the film / TV series franchise.
Karate Kid: Legends
Sony Pictures
- Directed by Jonathan Entwistle
- Written by Rob Lieber
- Based on The Karate Kid by Robert Mark Kamen
- Produced by Karen Rosenfelt
- Starring Jackie Chan, Ben Wang, Joshua Jackson, Sadie Stanley, Ming-Na Wen, Wyatt Oleff, Aramis Knight, Ralph Macchio
Studio Synopsis:
“Karate Kid: Legends” unites the iconic martial arts masters of one of the most beloved film franchises of all time to tell a completely new story full of action and heart. When kung fu prodigy Li Fong (Ben Wang) relocates to New York City with his mother to attend a prestigious new school, he finds solace in a new friendship with a classmate and her father. But his newfound peace is short-lived after he attracts unwanted attention from a formidable local karate champion. Driven by a desire to defend himself, Li embarks on a journey to enter the ultimate karate competition. Guided by the wisdom of his kung fu teacher, Mr. Han (Jackie Chan), and the legendary Karate Kid, Daniel LaRusso (Ralph Macchio), Li merges their unique styles to prepare for an epic martial arts showdown.
JP’s Take:
“Karate Kid: Legends” is a bit of nostalgia with an East meets West flavor that combines two worlds for a nicely rounded, if lightweight, chronicle.
If you were around in the early ’80s to ’90s, you would have first-hand knowledge of the inspiration behind this franchise. “Legends” is the sixth chapter in the series, which somewhat retcons the film series by connecting the 1984 classic and the 2010 chapter starring Jaden Smith through Jackie Chan’s character.
Sure, it’s paint-by-numbers as with its predecessor, and once you plug in new characters, you can predict the outcome in much the same fashion. However, despite its predictability, this chapter is not without its charm. There is vigor in the story’s pacing with cartoonish characters, which allows viewers to invest their time and efforts in their plight as well as triumphs.
The setup is indicative of a hero in the making. It’s the quintessential parent-child dynamic, which sets in motion a series of adverse situations typical of teenage life in the big city. If you take a young man out of his native surroundings, in this case, Li Fong (Ben Wang) from China, and drop him in the middle of New York, we’re bound by movie law to place him in the presence of a local bully. He’s even given a silky nickname like “stuffed crust.” Along with an apprehensive and slightly overprotective mother, Dr. Fong (Ming-Na Wen), who begs him to stay out of trouble and to do well in school, there you have your plot course.
Yet, I find Li Fong bears a “Peter Parker” vibe when he meets the challenges at hand. He doesn’t just lie down and take it, as much as he finds a way to subvert his opponents, despite his mother’s wishes. Not to mention … he can take a punch. And speaking of which, I found that much of the second-half fight scenes were nicely choreographed and felt gamer-ish in tone. There are also nicely timed, yet lighthearted jolts of comedy, keeping many scenes on their toes. You’ll even retrace tragedy in flashback scenes about Li Fong’s brother.
I felt the cast were eager to play their parts and felt somewhat grounded enough to make them believable:
- Ben Wang is the wide-eyed yet sparky Li Fong, who has a heart of gold.
- Wen’s role as Dr. Fong felt icy, although she injects some true motherly love as well.
- Jackie Chan mostly became the comedy relief this time around, reprising his role as Mr. Han. He’s the uncle to Li Fong as well as his mentor. But I always get a kick out of Chan’s roles.
- Joshua Jackson plays Victor Lipani, a washed-up boxer turned pizzeria owner and doting father of Mia Lipani, played by Sadie Stanley. The two of them connected well.
- Aramis Knight poured on a tormenting performance as the local bully and crack martial artist, Conor Day. This young man oozes masculine toxicity.
- Aiding and abetting Conor is his Sensai O’Shea, played by Tim Rozen, who is also up to no good.
- Wyatt Oleff as Alan, Li’s new friend and tutor
- Shaunette Renée Wilson as Ms. Morgan, Li’s high school teacher.
Of course, the connective tissue between the original “The Karate Kid” films and the recent adaptations, including Netflix’s “Cobra Kai” TV series, is bridged by Ralph Macchio and William Zabka, who return as older versions of Daniel LaRusso, now master Sensei of Miyagi-Do, and Johnny Lawrence, LaRusso’s best friend and future business partner. Throughout the first half of the film, there are flashbacks and images of Mr. Miyagi, portrayed by the late Pat Morita, hinting at the interconnection between Mr. Han and Mr. Miyagi. It was both heartwarming and chucklesome to see them back together.
I remember the first three “Karate Kid” movies fondly, as they served as inspirational viewing for youngsters, going through both puberty and adversity. ”Karate Kid: Legends” brings that sentiment full circle, albeit formulaic. Still, it amused me enough to stay seated through the whole shindig.
Official Site: Karate Kid: Legends
