«Karate Kid: Legends» (2025) attempts to build upon the foundation laid by the initial trilogy—«The Karate Kid» (1984), Part II (1986), and Part III (1989)—but falls short of the mark. There's a certain something missing, an intangible quality that made the earlier films so impactful. It’s not simply a matter of longing for the past; it’s about how those initial stories managed to weave together conflict, discipline, and doing what is right. This installment feels diluted, lacking the power needed to stand alongside its predecessors. The performances are adequate; the problem lies with the narrative itself, which doesn't possess the depth or emotional resonance to do justice to what «The Karate Kid» represented. Despite apparent efforts to pay respect to Mr. Miyagi, it fails to achieve that level of reverence. It’s not terrible, but for those who experienced the original films during their formative years, the absence is readily apparent.

Source on TMDB