By: Lana K. Wilson-Combs
There is something undeniably powerful about nostalgia, especially when it is tied to the heroes who helped shape generations. That's why seeing
Jackie Chan ("Rush Hour 4") and
Ralph Macchio (TV's "Cobra Kai") share the screen in the new martial arts drama
"Karate Kid: Legends,” feels like more than just a movie moment, but rather a cultural homecoming.
For longtime fans of the "Karate Kid" franchise, this film from " from director
Jonathan Entwistle (TV's "Hello Tomorrow!") and screenwriters
Rob Lieber ("Goosebumps 2: Haunted Halloween") and
Robert Mark Kamen (TV's "Cobra Kai"), isn't just a continuation; it's a celebration of legacy, mentorship, and the timeless lessons that have made the series so deeply loved. From crane kicks to quiet wisdom, "Karate Kid: Legends" taps into the heart of what made the original films resonate while delivering something fresh for a new generation.
And speaking of fresh and new, all eyes are on
Ben Wang. With standout roles in films like "Chang Can Dunk," "Sight," "Mean Girls," and the acclaimed television series "American Born Chinese," Wang has been steadily building momentum. But in "Karate Kid: Legends," he doesn't just hold his own, he truly shines. As the emotional and physical center of the story, Wang brings both vulnerability and strength to the screen, cementing his status as a rising star to watch.
Wang plays Li Fong, a bright, athletic teenager living in Beijing, China, and training in kung fu under the watchful eye of Mr. Han (Chan). Mr. Han isn't just a mentor, he is also family; the uncle of Li's mother (Ming-Na Wen, TV's "Gremlins: Secrets of the Mogwai"). But for her, Li's growing passion for martial arts is a painful reminder of the past. She is still grieving the loss of her eldest son to a tragic fight. As a doctor and protective mother, she is now fiercely opposed to Li following the same path no matter who is guiding him.
Li's world is turned upside down when his mother announces they will be relocating to New York. For most teens, a move like that might spark excitement, but for Li, it feels like everything he has worked toward is being ripped away.
He's not just leaving behind the city he calls home, but the cultural roots, friendships, and discipline he has found through kung fu. Most painful of all, he has to say goodbye to Mr. Han, his teacher, his confidant, and the one person--who is like a second father--that truly understands him. As the distance between them grows, so does Li's inner turmoil which paves the way for a powerful journey of identity, grief, and the fight to hold on to what matters most.
In the Big Apple Li struggles to adjust. The rhythm of the city is fast and unfamiliar, and he quickly finds himself an outsider; culturally, socially, and emotionally. That is, until he connects with Mia Lipani (a terrific Sadie Stanley, TV's "Cruel Summer"), a sharp and spirited classmate who sees past his quiet demeanor and offers him the kind of friendship he didn't know he needed.
Mia's father, Victor (Joshua Jackson, "Doctor Odyssey"), owns a popular local pizzeria, but things take a turn when he gets caught up in a tense situation involving Mia's ex-boyfriend, Conor (Aramis Knight, "Baby Blue").
Conor isn't just a bully, he's also the reigning champion of the prestigious Five Boroughs Martial Arts Tournament, and he's not exactly thrilled about Mia spending time with Li.
But Victor, a former boxing champion with a bit of a chip on his shoulder, has his own agenda. He wants Li to teach him how to fight like a pro so he can enter a local competition and settle some dangerous debts. As tensions rise between Conor, Victor, and Li, the stakes get higher, pushing Li to make a bold decision: enter the Five Boroughs Tournament himself. But is he truly ready? And who better to whip him into shape than the legendary Mr. Han and Daniel Russo (Macchio)?
Han and Daniel arrive united with one goal: to train Li in the timeless Miyagi way. Though Han's strict discipline contrasts with Daniel's more relaxed style, they share a belief that if Li commits, the payoff will be enormous. That is, if the kid can survive their grueling and often comical and unconventional training regimen.
All this builds into a climactic showdown between Li and Conor that is well-staged and genuinely thrilling. While "Karate Kid: Legends" follows a familiar and somewhat predictable formula, it more than earns its place through deeply touching performances and a warm, rich sense of nostalgic charm.
It may not reinvent the wheel, but with Ben Wang as the new "Karate Kid," this franchise could keep rolling right along.
Editor's Note: Be sure to catch my N2Entertainment.net movie talk segment on the Kitty O'Neal Show Fridays now at 5:17 p.m. and 6:47 p.m. on radio station KFBK 93.1 FM and 1530 AM.
Go Ahead And Watch This Trailer For
"KARATE KID: LEGENDS"
Lana K. Wilson-Combs is a member of the Broadcast Film Critics Association (BFCA), The American Film Institute (AFI), and a Nominating Committee Voting Member for the NAACP Image Awards.
