The Karate Kid franchise, a legendary saga of underdog triumphs and martial arts mentorship, has returned to the big screen with its sixth installment, Karate Kid: Legends. Bringing back icons Jackie Chan and Ralph Macchio, this film attempts to blend the charm of old-school martial arts wisdom with modern storytelling—but delivers more memories than marvels.

A Tale That Connects the Past with the Present

The story begins with a thoughtful nod to The Karate Kid Part II, as Mr. Miyagi (Pat Morita, via archival reference) highlights the philosophical connection between Okinawan karate and Chinese kung fu. From there, the narrative shifts to Beijing, where young Li Fang (Ben Wang) trains under kung fu master Han (Jackie Chan). Li is uprooted from his homeland and brought to New York by his mother (Ming-Na Wen), who urges him to abandon kung fu and prioritize academics.

In New York, Li crosses paths with Mia (Sadie Stanley), whose father Victor (Joshua Jackson) owns a pizza joint struggling under financial debt. Trouble brews when Mia’s ex-boyfriend Conner (Aramis Knight), a hot-headed karate champion, becomes jealous of her growing closeness with Li. When Li saves Victor from violent loan sharks, a bond is formed, and Victor persuades Li to teach him kung fu for self-defense. However, personal demons from Li’s past continue to haunt him.

Training for the Ultimate Showdown

As tensions rise, Li finds himself facing off against Conner in the city’s grand Five Boro Tournament. When Victor gets injured, Li becomes the last hope. That’s when Han calls in an old ally—Daniel LaRusso (Ralph Macchio). Together, the two seasoned masters train Li for the climactic tournament showdown.

But unlike previous films, the tournament lacks buildup. The audience is swiftly taken to the rooftop of a Manhattan skyscraper for the final bout, missing out on the excitement of earlier rounds. The emotional connection between Han and Li also feels underdeveloped, and Ralph Macchio’s character, sadly, plays a minimal role in the story’s progression.

A Nostalgic Trip That Misses a Few Kicks

Director Jonathan Entwistle, known for The End of the F*ing World and I Am Not Okay With This, successfully recreates the nostalgic ambiance of the 1980s. The film’s core message—using your opponent’s aggression against them—resonates well, staying true to the franchise’s roots. However, the screenplay offers few surprises, and many scenes feel like replays of past glories.

Despite a predictable plot, the film holds on to a certain charm. Ben Wang delivers a sincere performance, especially in the action sequences. His chemistry with Sadie Stanley brings freshness to the story. Jackie Chan and Ralph Macchio light up the screen when they appear together, and Joshua Jackson does a commendable job as a struggling father with a fighting spirit.

Hindi Dubbed Delight: Father-Son Duo Behind the Mic

In the Hindi version, Ajay Devgn lends his voice to Jackie Chan’s character with impressive intensity, while his son Yug voices Li. The result is a surprisingly effective and emotional vocal pairing that enhances the film’s impact for Indian audiences.

A Heartfelt Tribute That Needed Sharper Blows

Karate Kid: Legends is a warm revisit to a beloved franchise that unfortunately plays it too safe. While the film’s core values and legendary characters remain appealing, the lack of innovation in story and action prevents it from reaching the greatness of its predecessors. It’s a nostalgic ride worth a watch for fans—but don’t expect the thrill of a knockout punch.