Karate Kid: Legends (2025)

Zigler finds the film an unexpectedly enjoyable, energetic entry in a franchise built on nostalgia. She especially praises its dynamic editing and choreography, which make the climactic fight thrilling.

Lawrence finds the sequel a warm, breezy family-friendly success despite some thin antagonists and awkward product placement. He especially praises the chemistry between Jackie Chan and Ralph Macchio, and Chan’s comic martial-arts performance.

The review finds the film peppy and warm-hearted, though it falls short of its crossover promise. It praises the impressive fight sequences, boosted by the Jackie Chan Stunt Team.

The critic calls it one of the franchise’s better installments, though it falls short of the 1984 original. Ben Wang’s performance and the lively chemistry between Jackie Chan and Ralph Macchio stand out, despite their limited screen time.

Gleiberman finds the sequel likable, wholesome retro corn whose straightforward approach is a welcome change from bloated modern franchise films. He especially praises Ben Wang’s captivating performance and the comic chemistry between Jackie Chan and Ralph Macchio.

The page is blocked by browser verification, so the critic’s verdict cannot be determined. No praise or complaint is available in the supplied page text.

The blocked page does not reveal the critic’s verdict. It provides no details about what the review praises or criticizes.

The available metadata frames the film as another extension of the Miyagi-verse, but does not reveal the critic’s full verdict. It provides no clear detail about a specific element singled out for praise or complaint.

The review finds the film entertaining but rushed, with its final stretch moving too quickly to give the characters and tournament enough room. It praises the early storytelling and the natural friendship between Li Fong, Victor, and Mia.

The critic finds the legacy sequel redundant and says it mostly repeats the original without giving its new characters room to develop. Joshua Jackson’s charming performance is singled out as the film’s standout.

Ide finds the film’s expected story beats and punches strangely ineffective. Jackie Chan’s amiable comedy provides some lightness, but the life lessons feel heavy-handed and the training montages lack surprise.

Walsh finds the film overstuffed and lacking in charm, arguing it should have focused on its fresher story. She praises Ben Wang’s bashfully appealing presence and chemistry with his costars.

The review finds the reboot disappointing and says it lacks the soul and heft of earlier films. It particularly criticizes its treatment of legacy characters, which it says falls short of Cobra Kai.

The critic finds the film a pleasant but uninspired continuation that adds nothing original to the franchise. They praise Ben Wang’s appeal, while criticizing the plot’s abundance of clichés.

Grierson finds the franchise reboot lifeless and unable to land a punch. He singles out Jackie Chan and Ralph Macchio’s reunion, but says even they cannot enliven the formula.

Ebiri finds the sequel lifeless, lazy, and thoroughly uninvolving. He singles out the brief pairing of Jackie Chan and Ralph Macchio as its chief pleasure, while criticizing the recycled plot and lackluster fights.

Kelley calls the film a consistently entertaining, strong addition to the franchise, though its rushed second half may leave fans underwhelmed. He praises Ben Wang’s charismatic lead performance and the elaborate, enjoyable fight sequences.

The critic finds the film light and enjoyable despite its awkward two-movie structure. Ben Wang’s performance is singled out for praise, while the supporting women are given too little personality.

Hassenger finds the film a sweet, corny and charming children’s movie, though it falls short of the original. He praises its likable characters and the attention it gives them over the fight scenes.

The review finds the film charming but unsteady, saying it loses focus when nostalgia takes over its coming-of-age story. It praises the first half’s twist on the familiar formula and the chemistry among its younger cast and Joshua Jackson.

The review describes the film as flawed but entertaining, while saying it falls short of the franchise’s legacy. The headline suggests its entertainment value is a bright spot, though the inaccessible article prevents identifying a more specific point of praise or criticism.

The review finds the film predictable and disappointing, despite strong performances and decent action. It singles out Ben Wang’s performance and the fight choreography for praise, while criticizing the story’s clichés and its disconnect from Cobra Kai.