• Jackie Chan and Ralph Macchio star alongside Ben Wang in "Karate Kid: Legends."
• The film features a mix of martial arts teachings and a karate tournament in New York City.
• Audience reactions have been mixed, with some concerns about the movie's pacing and plot execution.

In "Karate Kid: Legends," Jackie Chan reprises his role as Mr. Han, training a new character named Li Fong, played by Ben Wang, alongside Ralph Macchio's Daniel LaRusso, who returns to guide the young protagonist. The film, set in New York, centers around Li's journey as he navigates challenges in a karate tournament after relocating from Beijing. Macchio expressed excitement over the connection between the Miyagi and Han legacies, stating, "I was like ‘That's kind of clever'..." according to channelnewsasia.

The film has received a mix of reviews, highlighted by a 2.5/5 star rating from critics who described it as a "greatest hits compilation" rather than a cohesive narrative. Despite featuring multiple training montages and action sequences, critics noted its pacing issues and an over-reliance on nostalgic callbacks. The review emphasizes that Macchio's character appears to be dwelling in a shrine to Mr. Miyagi, which might not resonate with newer audiences, according to scmp.

Ben Wang, a newcomer to the franchise, shared his nervousness about working with Chan and Macchio, whom he described as "mythological beings." He felt "terrifying" stepping onto the set but was relieved to find both veteran actors welcoming and supportive. Wang noted that their talent and kindness helped him adjust quickly to the filming environment, reflecting a positive collaborative atmosphere on set, according to huffpost.

The dynamic between the characters Li Fong, Mr. Han, and Daniel LaRusso additionally explores the merging of Hong Kong kung fu and the traditional karate teachings of Mr. Miyagi, enriching the narrative depth of the film. While Chan continues to showcase his martial arts prowess, the film has struggled to create the compelling mentor-mentee relationship that characterized the original series, leading to viewer disappointment as articulated in reviews, according to scmp and huffpost.