Karate Kid: Legends - A Disappointing Return to the Franchise

A Lackluster Tribute to a Beloved Franchise

The latest installment of the Karate Kid series, which has been around for three decades, falls short with its underdeveloped script and an overwhelming desire to please. It possesses the essential elements to be a fitting tribute to the mentor-student dynamic that first captivated audiences in 1994 when Pat Morita guided Ralph Macchio's character.

This film was an immediate success. As a viewer, I recall how motivating it was to see the guru-shishya tradition portrayed in a Chinese context—it felt monumental.

Ralph Macchio returns in this Jonathan Entwistle-directed sequel, which is filled with excessive pizza banter and martial arts but lacks flavor and impact. The new talent, Ben Wang, is quite likable, and his Hindi dubbing by Ajay Devgan’s son is commendable.

Interestingly, Wang shines brightest when he is not engaged in martial arts. The most enjoyable moments occur when Li Fong (who would be portrayed by Vedang Raina in a Hindi adaptation) arrives in New York with his doctor mother (Ming-Na Wen) and encounters the delightful Mia (Sadie Stanley) and her father Victor (Joshua Jackson).

Li Fong's early experiences as a Chinese immigrant in the U.S. carry a sense of relatability, especially when he asserts his determination to stay (not quite the expected 'Trump' reference in a narrative about the American Dream).

However, the storyline rushes to place Li Fong in the ring, relying on too many clichés of the underdog triumph to leave a lasting impression.

The fight scenes feel choreographed and lack the raw energy that characterized the original Karate Kid films, where every strike resonated with the audience. Ralph Macchio, once vibrant and energetic, now appears lackluster and diminished, a mere shadow of his former self. His discussions on karate techniques with Jackie Chan seem more like a plot device than a meaningful exploration of differing martial arts philosophies.

This segment of the franchise is notably devoid of genuine conflict. If Karate Kid aims for a comeback, it must elevate its storytelling, especially if Jackie Chan is involved, necessitating a more substantial role for him.

The standout character in this sixth installment is Victor, the enthusiastic father of Li Fong’s girlfriend, portrayed by Joshua Jackson, who skillfully balances his pizza-making with navigating his relationship with his daughter and her boyfriend.

There are glimpses of intriguing backstory regarding Li Fong's brother's death in a street fight, yet the film fails to clarify why Li Fong was paralyzed by inaction during the attack.

Despite its occasional charm, Karate Kid Legends suffers from a lack of substance, both inside and outside the ring.

I viewed the Hindi dubbed version to hear Ajay Devgan and his son voice Jackie Chan and Li Fong. While the younger actor brings some interest, hearing Chan's lines in Devgan's voice significantly detracts from the overall performance. Including a Singham joke in the Hindi dub was a questionable choice.