Movies

Karate Kid: Legends’ Rotten Score Reveals a Disappointing Sequel Experience!

BBG News

As a movie enthusiast, I can hardly contain my excitement for the upcoming release of “Karate Kid: Legends,” but early reviews suggest that this sequel may need more polishing than Daniel-san’s karate moves. With a Rotten Tomatoes score of only 55%, it appears that “Legends” might be leaning too heavily on nostalgia and falling short in terms of innovation, when compared to the recent success of Netflix’s “Cobra Kai.” Many critics are expressing disappointment over the lack of fresh ideas, with the dojo feeling a bit stale as a result.

Speaking as a fan, I must admit that I was eagerly anticipating “Karate Kid: Legends” to match the brilliance of any season of “Cobra Kai”. Regrettably, it falls short. In fact, after watching it, I found myself yearning for the 2010 reboot instead. This new film seems to suggest that audiences should reconsider their plans to watch it. Similarly, Tara Brady from The Irish Times shares this sentiment in her review.

Karate Kid: Legends doesn’t offer the same level of excitement as the early seasons of Cobra Kai or the 2010 reboot. Instead, it leans heavily on well-known characters without introducing anything fresh or innovative.

As additional reviews pour in, it’s currently placing third among Karate Kid movies according to Rotten Tomatoes ratings. Interestingly, the original 1984 film maintains its high score of 84%, and the 2010 reboot is sitting at 67%. However, there’s some positive news as well: MovieWeb’s reviewer Will Sayre has weighed in positively on it.

The new Karate Kid movie has common issues found in young adult-friendly films, such as stereotypical characters and unmemorable acting. However, it manages to stand out from the crowd by building upon the franchise, acknowledging past masters, and cleverly turning a typical plot twist upside down.

Critics Can’t Agree on ‘Karate Kid: Legends’

In the movie titled “Karate Kid: Legends“, starring Ralph Macchio, Jackie Chan, and Ben Wang, the narrative revolves around Li Fong, a talented kung fu practitioner facing difficulties adjusting to his new peers in New York City. Upon agreeing to participate in a karate competition for a friend’s sake, Fong realizes that his skills are insufficient on their own. Guided by Mr. Han and Daniel LaRusso, he learns to combine two martial arts styles into one formidable technique, setting the stage for an epic showdown. This storyline seems promising, but it may not impress Tim Grierson from Screen International, as he criticizes it.

The latest edition effectively identifies key plot points, yet it struggles to capture the heartfelt emotions that made the original so impactful. It missed the mark in portraying teenage anxieties, young love, and the harsh reality of school bullying which were integral parts of the original’s appeal.

Although some critics are quick to express their negativity, Karate Kid: Legends has its fair share of supporters. For instance, Brian Truitt from USA Today praises it as a “well-cast installment designed to appeal to this generation.” Matt Goldberg from The Wrap shares similar sentiments, noting that despite some instability, it manages to create a rather endearing image that should attract a new wave of younger viewers. Lastly, Owen Gleiberman from Variety acknowledges the film’s concise run-time as a positive aspect.

This film is straightforwardly simple and heartwarming, and at 94 minutes long, it offers a delightfully minimalistic experience.

It seems that the most recent addition to the ongoing series may not have met expectations quite as high as Cobra Kai, which skillfully sustained strong narrative quality throughout its six seasons. Could it be that it was hurriedly released into theaters to cash in on the success of the Netflix show? That’s something you might consider when The Karate Kid: Legends premieres in theaters by Sony Pictures on May 30.

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2025-05-28 17:32

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