Movie Name : Katare Kid: Legends
Release Date : May 30, 2025
123telugu.com Rating : 2.25/5
Starring : Jackie Chan, Ben Wang, Joshua Jack, sonSadie Stanley, Ming-Na Wen, Wyatt Oleff, Aramis Knight, Ralph Macchio and others
Director : Jonathan Entwistle
Producer : Karen Rosenfelt
Music Director : Dominic Lewis
Cinematographer : Justin Brown
Editor : Dana E. Glauberman
Related Links : Trailer
The latest American martial arts film Karate Kid: Legends, the sixth instalment in the iconic franchise, released globally today, including dubbed versions in Indian regional languages like Telugu. With Jackie Chan returning in a key role, here’s how the film holds up.
Story:
In Beijing, Li Fong (Ben Wang) trains in traditional Kung Fu under Sifu Mr Han (Jackie Chan). But when his disapproving mother moves them to New York for a better life, Li befriends Mia (Sadie Stanley) and learns that her father Victor (Joshua Jackson) is in crisis. Li tries to help by teaching Victor Kung Fu for a tournament, but his plan fails. Mr Han arrives, introducing a new Sifu to guide Li in Miyagi-style Kung Fu. With renewed purpose, Li prepares to face Mia’s toxic boyfriend Conor (Aramis Knight) in a battle of honour, growth, and legacy.
Plus Points:
A few combat sequences, especially the climax showdown, stand out and offer something for fans expecting martial arts action. The pre-tournament training montage is also engaging and captures the spirit of traditional Kung Fu storytelling.
Jackie Chan’s presence, though brief, adds a sense of legacy to the film. While he understandably avoids major stunt work, his role still holds weight as a respected mentor.
Minus Points:
The film lacks emotional depth, which is essential in martial arts narratives. Stories like these need strong motivation driven by personal growth, inner discipline, and respect for tradition. Kung Fu is not just about physical combat but about mastering oneself and passing down values. Sadly, the film barely touches these elements.
Jackie Chan’s character could have been written with more depth to satisfy fans of the franchise. Ralph Macchio’s inclusion is also underwhelming, with his character barely making an impact.
The chemistry between the lead pair feels flat, and the character development throughout is weak. This makes it difficult to emotionally invest in the journey or care about the outcomes.
Technical Aspects:
Director Jonathan Entwistle struggles to deliver a compelling martial arts drama. Justin Brown’s cinematography is passable, capturing the action sequences clearly but without flair. Dominic Lewis’s background score is minimal and fails to uplift the emotional tone. Editing is crisp, which helps maintain a manageable runtime. The production values match the franchise’s standard. However, the Telugu dubbing is extremely poor and distracts from the viewing experience.
Verdict:
On the whole, Karate Kid: Legends does not live up to the legacy of its name. It misses the emotional core, philosophical depth, and narrative strength that made the earlier films memorable. Apart from a few decent action scenes and nostalgic appearances, there is little to hold on to. If you’re looking for meaningful martial arts storytelling, you’re better off revisiting the classics.
123telugu.com Rating: 2.25/5
Reviewed by 123telugu Team