Parents' Guide to Karate Kid: Legends

It's not perfect, but this is still a feel-good crowd-pleaser that blends themes from earlier installments with two times the mentors and a charming new martial artist at its center. Wang is convincing in Karate Kid: Legends as Li, a lonely immigrant teen who misses his kung fu teacher back in Beijing but finds friendship—and possibly more—with native New Yorker Mia. Unlike previous titular karate kids, Li is already skilled in martial arts (though new to karate), which makes the training montages more action-packed, intense, and focused on the playful chemistry between Chan and Macchio, whose characters occasionally clash over which techniques Li should use in the tournament. A notable subplot involves Mia's dad, Victor (Jackson), who asks Li to train him for a comeback, flipping the mentor-mentee dynamic in a humorous, heartfelt way. Wyatt Oleff adds extra comic relief as Li's SAT tutor, wingman, and friend.

Fans of The Karate Kid and Cobra Kai will recognize familiar beats: an overconfident rival with a ruthless sensei, a parent worried about their only child, nods to iconic training methods like "jacket on, jacket off," and even Sensei LaRusso telling Li to "sweep the leg"—though ethically, rather than to nastily fracture his opponent. Director Jonathan Entwistle, working from a screenplay by Rob Lieber, honors the spirit of the original films through the multicultural cast and intergenerational mentorships. While the plot may feel predictable to existing fans, the movie is ultimately an engaging, family-friendly update to the beloved franchise, keeping its core themes of discipline, friendship, and integrity.