New Movie Reviews: What Do Critics Think?
- The Karate Kid franchise returns to theaters with Karate Kid: Legends, bringing together Ralph Macchio and Jackie Chan.
- The original Karate Kid debuted in 1984, starring Ralph Macchio, Noriyuki “Pat” Morita, William zabka, and Martin Kove.
- Karate Kid: Legends, rated PG-13 and directed by Jonathan Entwistle, stars macchio as Daniel LaRusso and Chan as Mr.
Critics have weighed in: Karate Kid: Legends, uniting Ralph Macchio and jackie Chan, hits theaters this Friday, but what do they really think? Early reviews reveal a mixed reception, wiht some critics celebrating the film’s charm and feel-good moments while others cite cliches and a diluted narrative. The film earned a 60% “fresh” rating on Rotten Tomatoes based on 57 reviews as of Wednesday, with the Critics Consensus score pending. From “breezy feel-goodness” to “unapologetically basic and wholesome,” the film sparks a variety of takes. News Directory 3 delivers this assessment to inform your viewing decision. Discover what’s next after the previews roll out.
‘Karate Kid: Legends’ Reviews: Is the New Film a Hit?
Updated May 29, 2025
The Karate Kid franchise returns to theaters with Karate Kid: Legends, bringing together Ralph Macchio and Jackie Chan. After six seasons of Cobra Kai, how does this new installment fare with critics?
The original Karate Kid debuted in 1984, starring Ralph Macchio, Noriyuki “Pat” Morita, William zabka, and Martin Kove. It spawned three sequels and a 2010 remake starring Chan and Jaden Smith. The story continued with the Cobra Kai series (2018-2025), featuring returning stars Macchio, Zabka, and Kove.
Karate Kid: Legends, rated PG-13 and directed by Jonathan Entwistle, stars macchio as Daniel LaRusso and Chan as Mr. Han. The film also features Joshua Jackson, Sadie Stanley, Wyatt Oleff, and Aramis Knight.
The filmS summary describes Li Fong (Ben Wang), a kung fu prodigy who moves to New York City. He finds friendship but attracts the attention of a karate champion. Guided by Mr. Han and Daniel LaRusso,Li prepares for a martial arts competition,blending kung fu and karate styles.
As of Wednesday,Karate Kid: Legends holds a 60% “fresh” rating on Rotten Tomatoes, based on 57 reviews. The Critics Consensus and Popcornmeter scores are pending.
Critical Reception of the New Karate Kid Film
Dan Jolin of Empire Magazine gave the film a “fresh” rating, noting it “doesn’t quite live up to the promise of its cobra Kai-meets-Mr Han marketing,” but offers “breezy feel-goodness.”
Variety’s Owen Gleiberman also rated it “fresh,” calling it “unapologetically basic and wholesome” and “refreshingly stripped down,” ultimately charming and appealing to younger viewers.
Kristy Puchko of Mashable lauded the film, saying, “Heartwarming, exciting, and surprising, Karate Kid: Legends had me laughing, gasping, tearing up, and cheering… See it in theaters, and take the kids.”
Though, Wilson Chapman of IndieWire found the dynamic between Chan and Wang’s characters lacking, stating, “Han and Li’s student-teacher relationship in particular is diluted and lacks necessary grounding.”
Tim Grierson of Screen International gave a “rotten” review, writing, “This new installment knows which story beats to hit, but it has little grasp of the emotional undercurrents that made the original resonate.”
Frank Scheck of The Hollywood Reporter offered perhaps the harshest critique, stating, “The plot is just awful, crammed with so many cliches.”
What’s next
Karate Kid: Legends opens wide in theaters on Friday, following Thursday previews. Fans can decide for themselves if this new chapter lives up to the legacy of the Karate Kid franchise and the excitement surrounding this new Karate Kid film.