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Karate Kid: Legends’ Debuts with Franchise Icons and Mixed Critical Reception

Newcomer Ben Wang’s electric turn wins praise in a film hampered by breakneck pacing, too-familiar narrative tropes, underutilized legacy heroes, derivative plot structure

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Ben Wang stars in “Karate Kid: Legends,” which opens in theaters on Friday, May 30.
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Overview

  • Karate Kid: Legends unites Ralph Macchio’s Daniel LaRusso and Jackie Chan’s Mr. Han on-screen for the first time in the franchise’s 40-year history.
  • The plot follows kung fu prodigy Li Fong relocating from Beijing to New York City and training for the Five Boroughs karate tournament.
  • Ben Wang garners acclaim for his charismatic lead performance and martial arts prowess, anchoring the new installment.
  • Critics remain divided—reflected in a roughly 55% Rotten Tomatoes score—praising Wang’s screen presence while faulting the film’s rushed pacing and formulaic underdog narrative.
  • Directed by Jonathan Entwistle, the 94-minute, PG-13 feature expands the Karate Kid legacy for both newcomers and longtime fans.