Karate Kid: Legends (PG) – 94 minutes

I had put to the back of my mind how much I really enjoyed the original Karate Kid movies, dating back to the start of the franchise in 1984.

Karate Kid Legends brings back all those positive vibes.

Although much of the story signals its punches (pardon the pun), it is a heap of fun and very funny too.

There is a new kid on the block and a romantic interest.

Blending karate and kung fu, Ralph Macchio and Jackie Chan reprise the roles of Daniel LaRusso and Mr Han to mould a young prodigy into a champion.

Li Fong (Ben Wang) was brought up in Hong Kong, where his mother, Dr Fong (Ming-Na Wen), completed her residency. He went to an English-speaking school.

They then moved to Beijing, where Li and his older brother learnt martial arts from their uncle, Mr Han.

But then tragedy struck. A year ago, Li’s brother was killed.

Now Dr Fong, who has forbidden Li from practicing kung fu (although he not so secretly still attends Mr Han’s academy and does so), has taken a job in New York City.

When they arrive, the first person that Li meets at the local pizza shop is the owner Victor Lipani’s (Joshua Jackson) confident daughter Mia Lipani (Sadie Stanley).

The pair bonds instantly, but find trouble when they run into Mia’s ex-boyfriend Conor (Aramis Knight), who doesn’t take kindly to Li’s presence.

Conor also happens to be the local karate champion.

Mia’s dad Victor also has issues because he has an unpaid debt to an underworld figure, O’Shea (Tim Rozon), who wants his money now.

A boxer in his youth, Victor envisages earning that money by getting back into the ring, with Li as his trainer.

When that plan goes south, there is plan B.

That involves Li, with the help of Los Angeles-based sensi Daniel LaRusso and China-based shifu Mr Han, challenging reigning champion Conor in the rich five boroughs martial arts competition.

While the script follows a familiar and predictable trajectory, Karate Kid Legends in an enjoyable sit.

Now past 70, Jackie Chan looks a million dollars and still has that twinkle in his eyes. He is a natural showman, which he brings to the fore.

 Ralph Macchio, too, has aged well and holds his own in a slightly lesser role.

In the lead, Ben Wang brings real charisma, which he uses to advantage, while Sadie Stanley is buoyant and personable as Mia Lipani.

Aramis Knight is well cast as the bad guy. He has a menacing presence as Conor.  

With strong production design, the fight sequences are well choreographed and engaging.

Writer Rob Lieber (Peter Rabbit) and director Jonathan Entwistle have created an enjoyable, by the numbers, crowd pleaser.

Rated PG, Karate Kid: Legends scores a 7 out of 10.