After decades of new stories and characters, a franchise can grow tired and even phone it in. It’s what many franchise movies have done in the past. After all, why put in the effort when you know it’s going to make money regardless? It’s what I was afraid Karate Kid: Legends was going to do, but the new entry in the long-running The Karate Kid franchise, which spawned multiple movies, a remake, and a Netflix series in Cobra Kai, did the opposite — and it’s all the better for it.

There’s actually an effort made in the story, which follows Li Fong (Ben Wang), a Chinese teenager who moves with his mother (Ming-Na Wen) to New York from Beijing a year after the death of his older brother. From the very beginning, Legends ties into the original film, providing new information and giving Li a path forward in his journey. What we get is a charming movie with enough stakes and heart to carry it through to the end. Karate Kid: Legends is not only wholesome fun for all ages, but it’s actually sweet and enjoyable in its approach.

...Karate Kid: Legends has great energy and a bright spirit that keeps us engaged...

The story may be predictable — and we know Li will win the Five Boroughs tournament at the end — but it retains the underdog spirit as we await how Ali will not only beat his opponent, a thoroughly mean teen named Connor (Aramis Knight), but also overcome his own trauma. To that end, Legends is an easygoing film that doesn’t simply bank on our nostalgia and builds enough tension and good character relationships; it kept me thoroughly entertained.

Karate Kid: Legends’ Story Works On Various Levels

It Uses Formula Well

I’ll it that Karate Kid: Legends is more than a bit corny, but it leans into that without shame. It’s not trying to be something it’s not, and instantly establishes a link between Ali’s love for Kung Fu and having a purpose. But before taking to the mat himself, because he promised his mom he wouldn’t fight anymore, Li tries to use Kung Fu to help Joshua Jackson’s Victor, a pizza shop owner and former boxer who owes the wrong people money, and his daughter Mia (Sadie Stanley).

This storyline nicely parallels Li’s journey as he comes to with the details of his brother’s death. Sure, the flashbacks are a bit unnecessary (and not always great), but they at least work to remind us of what Li lost — his brother and a part of himself that he can’t face. Such themes are handled with grace, never becoming too grim for the lighthearted tone the movie maintains. At a cool hour and 34 minutes, the film understands what it means to keep a story tight and moving. It also helps that the fight scenes are well-choreographed and entertaining.

Karate Kid: Legends’ Cast Is A Strength

The film’s cast is really where the film especially shines, though. Jackie Chan, as Li’s mentor Mr. Han, is as charming as ever. He disappears for a bit when Li moves to New York and he’s gone long enough for us to wonder when he’ll return. When he reappears, Chan is like sunshine, bringing even more warmth to the film and to Li’s life. His scenes with Li and Ralph Macchio’s Daniel LaRusso are especially lovely and fun.

Karate Kid: Legends is the sixth movie in The Karate Kid franchise, which began in 1984.

Joshua Jackson is effective in a role that is largely humorous with an undertone of pathos, while Sadie Stanley is just right as the strong-willed and endearing Mia. Ben Wang is good as Li, bringing a sense of pain mixed with an easygoing nature. Ming-Na Wen is excellent as always, though I wish she'd gotten to share more meaningful scenes with Wang. And, though he’s in a minor role, Wyatt Oleff is a scene-stealer as Alan, Li’s tutor. It’s an overall strong cast that works well together, bringing heart to a film that could have easily fizzled by the halfway point.

All in all, Karate Kid: Legends has great energy and a bright spirit that keeps us engaged throughout its runtime. It’s genuinely charismatic and keeps its focus on the characters in a way that isn’t trying too hard. It strikes a good balance between heartfelt and fun, and the cast has great chemistry; their interactions are joyful and dynamic. The story is not overly deep, but it doesn’t have to be for it to be thoroughly entertaining. It’s certainly a crowd-pleasing film that will make you feel good all the way through, no matter how long you’ve been with the franchise.