A cheesy, breezy blast of nostalgia, charm, and martial arts action, Karate Kid: Legends delivers a fun, crowd-pleasing addition to the long-running franchise. No, it doesn’t reinvent the wheel — far from it — but it leans into its well-worn formula with confidence and flair. And while it’s hardly breaking new ground, it gives us just enough heart and energy to stay invested — especially thanks to our new hero, Li, played with magnetic charm by rising star Ben Wang. This kid’s got serious screen presence. If there’s a next big thing, he’s in the running. And sure, the script is thin, the plot riddled with clichés, and you’ll likely see every beat coming from a mile away, but there’s a certain joy in how predictably it plays out — like comfort food. Fans of the original Karate Kid should feel right at home as the film checks off nearly every classic box. And when it comes to action? Let’s just say Legends doesn’t hold back. The many Kung Fu, boxing, and Karate fight scenes are snappy, well-choreographed, and infused with a vibrant stylization that hits just right. And hey, New York City itself practically serving as a co-star here, showcased in all its colorful, loud, electric glory. Add in an upbeat, toe-tapping soundtrack and a steady stream of lighthearted humor, and you’ve got a movie that never takes itself too seriously — a smart move, given its tone and many themes around coming of age. Clocking in at just over 90 minutes, it’s a fast, easy watch that plays equally well for longtime fans and newcomers. And while it doesn’t crane kick the genre to new heights, it waxes nostalgic with heart and style — and sometimes, that’s more than enough.