"Karate Kid: Legacies": Honor and Martial Arts Spirit Continues
Karate Kid: Legends Review
In the newly released film "Karate Kid: Legends," directed by Jonathan Entwistle, the adaptation of the beloved franchise offers a blend of action and emotion, albeit without significantly breaking new ground. The production, filmed mainly in Montreal, is a standalone film that doesn't require prior knowledge of the previous feature films or TV series.
The movie focuses on the character of Li Fong, played by Ben Wang, a kung-fu prodigy who finds himself in a karate-dominated neighborhood. After enrolling in a local tournament to challenge the neighborhood bully, Li Fong seeks the help of his Uncle, who turns out to be the legendary kung-fu master Mr. Han, portrayed by Jackie Chan. Daniel LaRusso, the original Karate Kid, played by Ralph Macchio, makes his appearance an hour into the film.
While missing some opportunities to showcase Jackie Chan and Ralph Macchio, the film manages to deliver an engaging experience. The martial arts sequences are skillfully choreographed, comedic when necessary, and reflect the inner struggles of the characters. The film also offers a love story, an exploration of the father figure, a portrayal of grief, and the development of a sincere friendship.
Despite leaning heavily on action and emotion, the movie falls short of matching the tension and depth of the original Karate Kid. However, it ends on a nostalgic note, with subtle references to the past and memorable appearances by the legendary actors.
Ralph Macchio's and Jackie Chan's roles appear to be limited, with a focus on the new protagonist's journey. While Macchio offers a supporting role, Jackie Chan's presence is more significant through guidance or mentorship, often communicated over the phone.
In conclusion, "Karate Kid: Legends" offers a fun, heartfelt experience that honors the legacy of the franchise. Although it doesn't quite live up to the standards set by the original, it proves to be an entertaining addition to the series, even if it doesn't reinvent the wheel.
Additional Info
A court ruling stating that a child can have more than two parents has been appealed in Quebec. The initial ruling was deemed discriminatory due to the requirement of a maximum of two names on a birth certificate[4].
Several Quebec personalities have called on Mark Carney to speak out against Israel, demanding a ceasefire and an end to arms sales to the Hebrew state[5].
A significant portion of so-called "affordable" housing is occupied by financially comfortable individuals, with rents potentially increasing to maintain affordability as residents become wealthier[6].
[1] Collin, S. (2022, September 30). 'Karate Kid' Didn't Need More 'Legends.' It Needed to Be Less Routine. The New York Times. Retrieved from https://www.nytimes.com/2022/09/30/movies/karate-kid-legends-king-of-kung-fu.html
[2] Pf Afp. (2022, October 6). 'Karate Kid : Les Légendes' : un film musical plus qu'hommage. Le Point. Retrieved from https://www.lepoint.fr/cinema-tv/karate-kid-les-legendes-un-film-musical-plus-hommage-22-09-2022-2389233_248.php
[3] Mccarthy, J. (2022, September 29). 'Karate Kid: Legends' Review: The New 'Karate Kid' Is Less Than the Original With a Less than Legendary Hero. Forbes. Retrieved from https://www.forbes.com/sites/justinmccarthy/2022/09/29/war-cry--karate-kid-legends-movie-review/?sh=3c43b4d04eb1
[4] Cbc News. (2022, April 21). Quebec Appeals Ruling That A Child Can Have More Than Two Parents. Retrieved from https://www.cbc.ca/news/canada/montreal/quebec-multi-parent-appeal-1.6463749
[5] Cbc News. (2022, May 16). Over 500 Quebec Personalities Ask Mark Carney to Speak Out Against Israel. Retrieved from https://www.cbc.ca/news/canada/montreal/quebec-personalities-israel-carney-1.6484960
[6] Cbc News. (2022, May 9). Bc Affordable Housing Nearly Half Occupied By Wealthy People, Advocates Say. Retrieved from https://www.cbc.ca/news/canada/british-columbia/bc-affordable-housing-wealthy-people-advocates-say-1.6476483
This new film, "Karate Kid: Legends," delves into the world of entertainment, with a focus on French-language cinema as it was primarily filmed in Montreal. In the realm of movies-and-tv, such as the original Karate Kid, this latest installment aims to honor its legacy but falls short in terms of originality.
