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The latest addition to the Karate Kid franchise mostly works thanks to a charming cast and its attempts to break away from the expected formula, but it loses its way when it rushes through the overstuffed and predictable final act. The plot has all the broad strokes of the original film and the “remake,” but it takes its own path for a big portion of the film and is engaging in its own right thanks to likable lead characters that have good chemistry with each other. However, the third act switches gears and rushes through the training montage and the big tournament while sidelining everyone except the lead character and Mr. Han and Daniel LaRusso. This combination never really gels and almost feels tacked-on. While there is a fun Jackie Chan-inspired fight scene early on, the rest of the action is so-so. Also, the villains are pretty one-note and there’s some odd video-game-like onscreen graphics that feel out of place.
*** out of *****