'Karate Kid: Legends' reboot premieres with multi-generational cast

The new film Karate Kid: Legends seeks to continue the enduring legacy of the Karate Kid franchise by blending characters and storylines from its multiple iterations, including the original, 2010 reboot, and the Netflix Cobra Kai series. The story focuses on Li Fong, a kung fu prodigy from Beijing who moves to New York with his mother under the strict rule to avoid fighting, but soon finds himself drawn back into martial arts to help a family friend and confront a local bully. Ben Wang stars as Li, with Jackie Chan and Ralph Macchio reprising their iconic roles as mentors, symbolizing the passing of the torch to a new generation. The film mixes traditional themes of hard work, dedication, and mentorship with new settings and characters, but critics note its plot often relies on fan service and familiar tropes, struggling to offer fresh twists. Both the cast and audience appreciate the film's effort to resonate with longtime fans and newcomers alike, emphasizing the human connections and positive messages that have made the franchise successful across generations. Despite its well-intentioned homage, some reviews characterize the film as a messy reboot that fails to become truly memorable amid its legacy's weight.