Karate Kid: Legends (2025) reunites Jackie Chan and Ralph Macchio in a heartfelt martial arts drama that bridges generations. Dive into our spoiler-free review, rating, and verdict.
🎬 Director: Jonathan Entwistle
📝 Writer: Rob Lieber
⭐ Cast: Jackie Chan, Ralph Macchio, Ben Wang, Joshua Jackson, Sadie Stanley, Ming-Na Wen
📅 Release Date: May 30, 2025 (USA)
⏱ Runtime: 94 minutes
🎭 Genre: Martial Arts, Drama
💰 Budget: $45 million
💵 Box Office (as of now): $13.5 million
🥋 Introduction: A New Chapter Begins
The Karate Kid franchise returns with Karate Kid: Legends (2025), the sixth installment in the beloved martial arts saga. Directed by Jonathan Entwistle and written by Rob Lieber, this film is set in the aftermath of the popular Netflix series Cobra Kai and aims to blend nostalgic storytelling with fresh energy. With the return of Jackie Chan and Ralph Macchio, alongside newcomer Ben Wang, this movie takes a bold step in introducing a new Karate Kid for a new generation.
🧃 Story Overview: Past Meets Present
The story revolves around Li (Ben Wang), a Chinese-American teenager struggling with identity, belonging, and emotional trauma after a family tragedy. His path crosses with two martial arts legends — Mr. Han (Jackie Chan) and Daniel LaRusso (Ralph Macchio) — who decide to train him together, combining their distinct philosophies of martial arts.
Set after the Cobra Kai series finale, the film draws a thematic line between past rivalries and the need for unity. As Li trains to face his inner demons and an emerging antagonist in his school and neighborhood, the mentorship of Han and LaRusso becomes the emotional core of the film.
🎭 Performances: Old Guard & New Blood
- Ben Wang shines in the lead role. His portrayal of Li is grounded, heartfelt, and emotionally raw. He carries the film with maturity and depth far beyond his years.
- Jackie Chan reprises his role from the 2010 reboot with grace and wisdom. He brings quiet strength and emotional restraint to Mr. Han, reminding us of his heartfelt performance over a decade ago.
- Ralph Macchio’s Daniel LaRusso has evolved. With Cobra Kai’s events behind him, he’s now a calm and reflective mentor, bringing closure to his arc.
- Joshua Jackson plays a stern antagonist, though the role feels slightly one-note.
- Sadie Stanley and Ming-Na Wen have limited screen time but provide strong support when needed.
The trio of Li, Han, and LaRusso forms the emotional spine of the film, echoing themes of mentorship, healing, and legacy.
🎥 Direction & Cinematography: East Meets West
Director Jonathan Entwistle walks a fine line between honoring the franchise’s legacy and pushing it into modern cinematic territory. He succeeds in blending the emotional beats of a coming-of-age story with exhilarating fight sequences and powerful visual storytelling.
Cinematographer Justin Brown captures the contrasts of Li’s world — the chaotic school corridors, serene dojo environments, and urban street corners are all filmed with stylistic flair. The film excels visually during training montages and emotional showdowns, using light, shadow, and movement to symbolize inner transformation.
🎶 Music & Soundtrack: A Harmonious Blend
Dominic Lewis delivers a touching score that blends traditional Chinese instruments with modern orchestration. The result is a soundtrack that supports the movie’s emotional core without overpowering it. The fight scenes are punctuated with rhythmic intensity, while the more intimate moments are accompanied by soft, melodic tones that reflect Li’s personal growth.
✅ What Works
- ✅ Emotional Core: The mentorship storyline is touching and well-executed.
- ✅ Legacy Connection: Seamlessly connects the old and new Karate Kid timelines.
- ✅ Ben Wang: A compelling lead performance.
- ✅ Cinematography: Stylish and symbolic visuals elevate the story.
- ✅ Training Sequences: The montage scenes are some of the film’s best moments.
❌ What Doesn’t Work
- ❌ Predictable Plot: The story follows familiar beats with few surprises.
- ❌ Underdeveloped Supporting Cast: Characters like Sadie Stanley and Joshua Jackson deserved more screen time and depth.
- ❌ Short Runtime: At just 94 minutes, the film feels a bit rushed, especially during the final act.
🎯 Final Verdict
Karate Kid: Legends is a respectful and emotional passing of the torch. It may not revolutionize the franchise, but it doesn’t have to. It succeeds in what matters most: character development, meaningful mentorship, and martial arts as a metaphor for life. Fans of The Karate Kid and Cobra Kai will find plenty to appreciate here, while new audiences are given an accessible entry point to the series.
In many ways, this film is less about combat and more about healing, discipline, and generational connection — themes that have always been at the heart of the franchise.
🌟 Best Movie Review (BMR) Rating: 7.3/10
A heartfelt sequel that honors its roots while offering a glimpse into a new generation of warriors. It’s not flawless, but its soul is in the right place.