Karate Kid: Legends
⭐️ ⭐️ ⭐️ ⭐️ (out of 5 stars)
As the previous story had us travel to China, writer Rob Lieber brings us back to America. He once again captures the intensity of migrating from one country to another. Li Fong (Ben Wang), finds himself moving from China to New York City to leave his past behind and start a new journey with his mother that does not include Kung Fu. He quickly discovers that a new life comes with a new set of problems. In Li's journey to fit into his new home, he finds friendships, romance, and enemies. The new martial arts nemesis is Conor Day (Aramis Knight), a hateful and dangerous bully and karate expert.
With the right amount of action, storytelling, and high-flying kicks, this film is a knockout. Director Jonathan Entwistle (Hello Tomorrow!) and writer Rob Lieber have added a strong chapter to the Karate Kid universe, drawing on past films to strike an emotional tone immediately. Actor Ben Wang (Mean Girls) is the lead actor in this film and gives a great effort in every second of screen time. The supporting cast fulfils their roles throughout the film, covering everything from emotionally charged content to the laugh-out-loud slapstick humour of Jackie Chan (The Foreigner) and Ralph Macchio (Cobra Kai). Thankfully, the film isn't reliant on legendary stars such as Sadi Stanley (The Goldbergs) and Joshua Jackson (Doctor Odyssey) to help bring the New York vibe and showcase the good and bad of American big-city culture. Aramis Knight proves to be a formidable villain and brings his passion and anger to life as he bullies everyone in his path. Suppose there is a flaw in the screenplay, that there is not enough Aramis Knight's backstory to explain the reasoning behind his anger.
It would not be a Karate Kid movie without a few fight scenes and many training montages. Still, the choreography was delightful to watch, as many different fighters graced the screen, leaving the audience inspired, captivated and wanting more. Jackie Chan and Ralph Macchio work seamlessly with each other, as their experience and history help them bring a warm and entertaining presence to the forefront of the film. The chemistry between these two greats solidified this Karate movie; furthermore, the audience knows there will be a laugh every time they are on screen together.
The Karate Kid: Legends is a fun, heartfelt action film that will make any fan glad to be in their seat at the movie theatre. A dramatic action film that will make you laugh and leave you hoping for a prequel.
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Reel Dialogue: How does one move on from tremendous heartbreak and fear?
Li Fong finds himself crippled by tragic pain in his past and battles to move on from his memory. Throughout the film, the new star is forced to figure out how to overcome his weakness. Most people have asked this question at some point in their lives: How can one get away from one's shameful past?
The Bible provides a profound answer to this question in 2 Corinthians 5:17 (ESV): Therefore, if anyone is in Christ, he is a new creation. The old has passed away; behold, the new has come. The Bible offers humanity a new life away from the shame in the past and the ungodly deeds each person has committed.
Like following the direction of the legendary mentors in Karate Kid, Jesus Christ is the answer you are looking for if you are dealing with pain and regret. His words and those of the other authors of the Bible offer to make you a new life in Christ. He will rid one of the old and remove the sin that holds them back from a winning life. If you want to let go of your burden and find a new life, the words of the Bible can provide the answer you are looking for.
