Jackie Chan and Ralph Macchio united: 'Karate Kid: Legends' brings nostalgia and action to the screen!
Jackie Chan, who shone as the wise mentor Mr. Han in the 2010 remake, now meets the original Karate Kid Ralph Macchio. This merging of the two film series has long been a wish of the 70-year-old action star. Fans of Chan's unique blend of martial arts and comedy will not be disappointed – even though he performs fewer stunts himself nowadays, his presence on screen remains unmistakable.
Delay due to "Cobra Kai"
Interestingly, Ralph Macchio insisted that "Karate Kid: Legends" should only hit theaters after the conclusion of the successful Netflix series "Cobra Kai." This decision shows how important a coherent overall picture of the various "Karate Kid" universes is to those involved.
Nostalgic flashback instead of new ideas
The reviews for the film are mixed. Many reviewers describe "Karate Kid: Legends" as a lovable retro kitsch that heavily relies on nostalgia but offers little new. Jackie Chan and Ralph Macchio deliver solid performances, but the story follows familiar patterns. Fans of the original films will still enjoy it, especially the numerous references and the chemistry between the two main actors.
A new hero with familiar mentors
At the center of the plot is a new young protagonist who is taught by both masters – Jackie Chan's Mr. Han and Ralph Macchio's Daniel LaRusso. This setup opens up exciting dynamics between the different martial arts philosophies and teaching methods of the two characters.
The international career of Jackie Chan
The film once again underscores Jackie Chan's unique position as a global film star. With over 200 films and a career spanning six decades, the Hong Kong-born actor has long established himself as one of the most versatile action stars of all time. His blend of breathtaking stunts, comedy, and warmth made him one of the few Asian actors to achieve lasting success in Hollywood.
For fans of Jackie Chan and the "Karate Kid" series, the new film offers an entertaining cinema visit with plenty of nostalgia and the long-awaited merging of two film legends, despite all the criticism.
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