"Karate Kid: Legends," directed by Jonathan Entwistle and written by Rob Lieber, marks the return of the beloved martial arts franchise to the big screen. Premiering in the United States on May 30, 2025, after earlier releases in South American and European countries, this film unites Jackie Chan and Ralph Macchio, reprising their roles from previous installments, and introduces Ben Wang as the new lead, Li Fong.

The film's plot centers around Li Fong, a kung fu prodigy who relocates from Beijing to New York City with his mother after a family tragedy. Trying to adjust to his new life, Li faces challenges fitting in and attracts the unwanted attention of a local karate champion. Driven to defend himself and his new friends, he embarks on a journey to compete in a major karate tournament. To prepare, he seeks guidance from his kung fu teacher, Mr. Han (Jackie Chan), and the legendary Karate Kid, Daniel LaRusso (Ralph Macchio), merging their unique martial arts styles.

Ben Wang's performance as Li Fong has been particularly praised. Critics have noted his charisma, martial arts skills, and ability to carry on Jackie Chan's legacy through comedic action. Wang's portrayal brings a fresh energy to the franchise, and his chemistry with both Chan and Macchio is a highlight. Ralph Macchio himself has lauded Wang's work ethic and talent, predicting he will be "this generation's Karate Kid".

The film attempts to blend elements from previous Karate Kid movies and the "Cobra Kai" television series, creating a shared universe that bridges generations of fans. The interactions between Jackie Chan and Ralph Macchio are a treat, with their characters bickering and bantering like brothers. However, some critics feel that the film doesn't give Chan and Macchio enough screen time, and their roles could have been more substantial. Some viewers have criticized the film for underutilizing the original stars, suggesting they either needed bigger roles or none at all.

"Karate Kid: Legends" has been described as a fast-paced, feel-good movie with a brisk and bouncy pace. At approximately 94 minutes, the film moves quickly from scene to scene, offering little time for the audience to catch their breath. While some appreciate this tight pacing, others feel it sacrifices emotional depth and character development. The film's relentless energy, while exciting, can also feel emotionally hollow.

Critics say there isn't much that's new about the film's story, but the chemistry between Jackie Chan and Ralph Macchio is fun, and Ben Wang is a star in the making. The movie blends kung fu and karate, sparking mixed reactions. While some praise Wang's performance and the action, others criticize the pacing and underuse of original stars.

Overall, "Karate Kid: Legends" seems to be a crowd-pleasing adventure that delivers on action, laughs, and heart. While it may not reach the emotional depths of the original "Karate Kid" (1984), it's considered better than the 2010 remake and offers a fun and nostalgic experience for fans of the franchise.