Latest news with #KarateKid:Legends
Tom's Guide
4 days ago
- Entertainment
- Tom's Guide
5 best new movies to stream this weekend on Netflix, Max, Hulu, and more
Another weekend is here, which means the question of what to watch is fresh on our minds. But with so much coming and going from the best streaming services, narrowing down what's worth adding to your watchlist can quickly turn into a headache. That's why we regularly comb through all the new releases to highlight the best of the bunch, so you can skip the scrolling and get to streaming. Leading the pack this week are two premieres on paid video-on-demand services: Wes Anderson's new espionage black comedy, "The Phoenician Scheme," and the latest nostalgia-filled entry in the martial arts drama series, "Karate Kid: Legends." Over on Netflix, you can find Tyler Perry's latest spin as everyone's favorite sassy matriarch in "Madea's Destination Wedding." Elsewhere, Max just got "Opus," a new A24 thriller led by "The Bear" star Ayo Edebiri, and "A Quiet Place Part II" just arrived on Hulu for all you horror fans out there. So without further ado, let's dive into the best new movies on streaming to watch this weekend. After his intense psychological thriller "Straw" hit Netflix's No. 1 spot last month, Tyler Perry is back with his famed Madea persona for another romp as the moomoo-wearing matriarch with a mouth. Written, directed, and produced by Tyler Perry, "Madea's Destination Wedding" carries on the series' trademark mix of over-the-top slapstick humor and heartfelt family drama, this time set against the vibrant backdrop of the Bahamas. When Madea's nephew Brian (also Perry) and his ex-wife (Taja V. Simpson) discover their daughter is marrying a rapper (Xavier Smalls) she met on a yacht in just two weeks, the entire family heads to the islands for an unforgettable showdown. You can expect the classic Madea formula: a joyful family gathering that quickly devolves into a pressure cooker situation of strained relationships, long-buried secrets, and hijinks. Watch it now on Netflix Get instant access to breaking news, the hottest reviews, great deals and helpful tips. The sixth installment in the 'Karate Kid' franchise wears its nostalgia on its sleeve, but fans eager for more training montages and martial arts showdowns have already propelled "Karate Kids: Legends" to the top of the streaming charts now that it's on PVOD. With plenty of throwbacks to the original series, "Karate Kid: Legends" packs a familiar punch, and clearly there's an audience for it (even if its theatrical debut fell short). In the newest chapter of the 'Karate Kid' saga, kung fu prodigy Li Fong (Ben Wang) moves to New York City with his mother to attend an elite school, but finds himself in the crosshairs of a formidable local karate champion. Determined to stand his ground, Li decides to enter the ultimate karate tournament. But to have a shot at winning, he'll need some serious training, and thankfully, kung fu master Mr. Han (Jackie Chan) and the iconic Daniel LaRusso (Ralph Macchio) are there to help as he prepares for an epic martial arts showdown. Streaming now with purchase on Amazon or Apple I was surprised to learn "The Phoenician Scheme" is Michael Cera and Wes Anderson's first collab. (Cera's brand of awkwardness seems built for the Wes Anderson cinematic universe.) Cera's part of a star-studded ensemble cast for the legendary director's latest comedy alongside Riz Ahmed, Tom Hanks, Bryan Cranston, Jeffrey Wright, Scarlett Johansson, and Benedict Cumberbatch. The film centers on Zsa-zsa Korda (Benicio del Toro), a wealthy businessman and arms dealer who is fed up with all these assassination attempts ruining his day-to-day. After yet another near-fatal encounter, he sets out to reconcile with his daughter, Sister Liesl (Mia Threapleton), a nun, and shocks everyone by naming her his sole heir. That bold move puts both of them in the crosshairs of terrorists, assassins, and a slew of Korda's enemies. Who, if anyone, will survive the mad scramble? You'll have to watch this espionage black comedy to find out. Streaming now with purchase on Amazon or Apple Ayo Edebiri is easily my favorite star of "The Bear," and watching season 4 this week has me eager to check out her performance in the A24 horror thriller "Opus," director Mark Anthony Green's feature debut. Edebiri stars as a young music journalist invited to the secluded desert home of Alfred Moretti (John Malkovich), a legendary pop star who vanished without a trace 30 years ago. He promises her and her fellow journalists a front row seat to his shocking return to the world of music, but things quickly start to get weird. For starters, he's surrounded by a cult-like group of robe-wearing yes men who treat him less like a pop idol and more like the second coming. As she investigates further, she grows more uneasy with Moretti's fans and his equally unsettling behavior, and it's not long before their sinister intentions come to light. Watch it now on Max If "28 Years Later" has you itching for more horror thrills, Hulu just got one of the best horror sequels of all time. "A Quiet Place Part II" follows the Abbott family once more as they desperately try to navigate a world overrun by deadly aliens that hunt by sound. Though Emily Blunt's Evelyn discovered these monsters are vulnerable to high-pitched sounds, with their home destroyed, her husband Lee (John Krasinski) dead, and a newborn to keep quiet, knowing that weakness doesn't make their world any less dangerous. As they set out from the safety of their former shelter, they find a familiar face: "28 Days Later" star Cillian Murphy as Emmett, an equally hardened survivor and old family friend. From him, they learn about a colony of survivors led by Djimon Hounsou's character, who also shows up in the prequel "A Quiet Place: Day One" (my personal favorite of the series). Packed with edge-of-your-seat tension and deeply relatable characters, "A Quiet Place: Part II" is such an intense thrill ride that you may catch yourself holding your breath right along with the cast. Watch it now on Hulu
Tom's Guide
08-07-2025
- Entertainment
- Tom's Guide
5 top new movies to stream this week on Netflix, HBO Max, Disney Plus and more (July 8-14)
It's another week of new movies across the best streaming services with the likes of Netflix, HBO Max and Disney Plus adding new flicks that will surely delight subscribers. I've personally got my eye on 'Karate Kid: Legends' making its premium video-on-demand debut. I found this charming action-sports movie to be an easy-to-watch joy in theatres, and I'm hoping it finds plenty of new viewers on PVOD. Meanwhile, I suspect that 'Madea's Destination Wedding' on Netflix will be the most-watched new movie of the week. Below, I'm rounding up all the top new movies arriving on streaming platforms over the next seven days. And be sure to check out our companion guide to the best TV shows this week. After the conclusion of the acclaimed 'Cobra Kai' series on Netflix back in the spring, 'The Karate Kid' franchise returned to the big screen this summer in 'Karate Kid: Legends,' a supremely entertaining flick that mixes both the original timeline and the 2010 reboot. 'Karate Kid: Legends' stars Jackie Chan (from the remake) and Ralph Macchio (the original Karate Kid), alongside new protagaonsit Ben Wang. Li Fong (Wang) has just moved to New York City with his mother. Initially homesick, missing his life, friends and uncle back in China, Li Fong eventually makes new friends in the form of a pizza shop owner (Joshua Jackson) and his daughter (Sadie Stanley). When their pizza parlour is threatened due to a mountain of debts, Li Fong decides to enter the local karate competition and score the cash prize. But to win this citywide showdown against the fierce reigning champion, he'll need some guidance from Mr. Han (Chan) and Daniel LaRusso (Macchio). Buy or rent on Amazon from July 8 Get instant access to breaking news, the hottest reviews, great deals and helpful tips. Violet Gates (Meghann Fahy) is a widowed mother who reluctantly leaves her young son at home to meet a singleton at a swanky restaurant at the insistence of her sister (Violett Beane). Her date is the handsome and extremely charming Henry (Brandon Sklenar), and just when Violet is about to let her defenses down, she receives a mysterious text message. The unidentified messenger informs her that sinister figures have taken her son and sister hostage, and will murder them unless Violet does exactly what they instruct and kills Henry. Thrust into a nightmare date, Violet attempts to protect her family while unmasking those behind the murderous plot. Director Christopher Landon expertly builds tension, and each new plot wrinkle is dished out at just the right pace. You might be able to guess the big reveal (the killer's identity is a little obvious), but even if you figure out the destination, the road to get there is a complete blast. Watch on Peacock from July 11 'Jaws' celebrates its 50th anniversary this year, so there's no better time to enjoy one of the most acclaimed and influential movies of all time. Known for coining the term 'blockbuster' due to the intense fervour surrounding Steven Spielberg's mastercrafted shark movie, 'Jaws' is a cinematic titan. This new documentary explores its creation and its lasting legacy, with insight from the creatives involved in bringing it to life. Packing interviews, outtakes and never-before-seen footage, this feature aims to be the ultimate companion piece and will be a must-watch for anybody with a love for cinema. Created with input from Spielberg himself, 'Jaws @ 50 The Definitive Inside Story' looks like it'll deliver exactly what it promises: a deeper exploration of how the movie took shape, and how it continues to thrill viewers even five decades later. Of course, after watching this documentary, you're probably going to want to stream 'Jaws,' which is currently on Peacock, but is set to leave in under a week, so you'll only have a limited time for a double feature. Watch on Disney Plus or Hulu from July 11 Thriller fans will likely have an eye on 'Opus' this week. The feature debut of director Mark Anthony Green, it stars 'The Bear's' Ayo Edebiri and John Malkovich. While its hooky premise will likely grab your attention, and the initial act promises a twisted web of secrets, unfortunately, as the ending approaches, things get increasingly muddled, and the finale is less than satisfying. Still, genre fans might find enough intrigue to stick with it till the end. Edebiri plays a young writer who is invited to the remote compound of a legendary pop star who disappeared without a trace some 30 years ago. Announcing his new album, the singer, Alfred Moretti (Malkovich), has seemingly surrounded himself with sycophants who appear to all belong to a strange cult. As the writer investigates further, she discovers that the group has twisted plans for her and her fellow journalists in attendance. Watch on HBO Max from July 11 Tyler Perry is a Netflix stalwart, and his popular Madea character has made the streaming service home. Therefore, it comes as no surprise to see another Madea movie landing on Netflix, and this one seems very appropriate for the summer season. As the name suggests, 'Madea's Destination Wedding' sees the loudmouthed character jet off to the sunny Bahamas for her grandniece's whirlwind wedding, and of course, sheer chaos ensues. When Madea's great-grandniece Tiffany (Diamond White) announces she's set to marry her new boyfriend Zavier (Xavier Smalls), the whole family heads over to the Bahamas, even though there are several questions asked about the speed of these nuptials. Once in the tropical location, the celebrations become increasingly turbulent as one disaster after another unfolds. Plus, Tiffany starts to have some doubts about Zaiver's intentions. 'Madea's Destination Wedding' doesn't appear interested in breaking free from the franchise's formula, but considering these movies have been constantly popular on Netflix, I suspect that won't be a problem for most subscribers. It's very likely to score the No. 1 spot just days after its debut. Watch on Netflix from July 11
Bangkok Post
08-07-2025
- Entertainment
- Bangkok Post
A modern martial arts tale
When Karate Kid: Legends lands in cinemas on July 17, it won't be just another sequel -- it will mark a long-awaited cinematic reunion decades in the making. Directed by Jonathan Entwistle and produced by Karen Rosenfelt, the film unites martial arts icons Jackie Chan and Ralph Macchio on screen for the first time while introducing rising star Ben Wang as the new face of the franchise. For Entwistle, pairing the legendary figures -- one from the 1984 original and the other from the 2010 reboot -- was far more than a novelty. It was a creative opportunity to tell a story that truly spans generations. He said they leaned into the tone and style of Jackie Chan's earlier films, drawing inspiration from the humour, physicality and warmth that defined Chan's global appeal. "But this time," noted Entwistle, "we weren't just making a throwback. We were telling a story about connection -- about how different cultures and legacies can collide and ultimately strengthen one another." Set in contemporary New York, Karate Kid: Legends follows Li Fong (Wang), a teenage kung fu prodigy from Beijing who is forced to rebuild his life in a foreign land. There, amid culture shock and conflict, he encounters two unlikely mentors: Han (Chan) and Daniel LaRusso (Macchio), who team up to guide him through a world he doesn't yet understand. "This was a film about rediscovery," Rosenfelt said. "It was about people finding out who they are -- as teachers, as students, as parents, as people. That's what really excited me about this story. It spoke to anyone who's ever had to start over." Although the film offers plenty of nods to Karate Kid lore, both filmmakers were adamant about pushing the franchise forward rather than relying on nostalgia. Rosenfelt pointed out that what made this instalment unique was the central dynamic: both Han and LaRusso training a Chinese boy who speaks Mandarin. "This wasn't a retread," she said. "It was a deeply modern film, and yet it carried forward the spirit of the originals." Entwistle said the team worked to build something that respected its roots -- the Miyagi teachings, LaRusso's journey -- while crafting a world that a new generation could call their own. "We built an emotional foundation first," he said. "If it's not about something, all the fighting doesn't matter." That emotional anchor came in the form of newcomer Ben Wang, whom the filmmakers discovered after an extensive global casting search. They needed someone fluent in Mandarin and English, capable of serious martial arts choreography -- and able to hold the screen beside two cinema legends. "Casting the heart of a movie is like finding a needle in a haystack," Rosenfelt said. "Ben walked in and just lit up the room. He had this natural charm, a spark of mischief and a surprising emotional range. He did most of his own stunts, too. Honestly, he felt like this generation's Marty McFly [ Back To The Future ] -- someone you just want to root for." Still, Entwistle insisted the film's success was a team effort, both in front of and behind the camera. "This was a story about mentorship, about community -- and that energy carried through on set," he said. "Jackie and Ralph had this incredible chemistry. There was instant respect, instant camaraderie. Watching them work together felt like witnessing history and possibility meet." True to Entwistle's vision, the film also avoided the overly stylised flourishes of modern action cinema. "I said from the beginning: no magic, no wirework tricks," he recalled. "Just kung fu and karate, performed with discipline and honesty. Every punch, every kick had to feel earned. That grounded-ness made the emotion hit harder." That sense of authenticity extended even to the film's climactic tournament sequence, where Li's fighting style evolves into a hybrid of kung fu and karate -- a symbolic merging of cultures and philosophies. "It was about identity," Entwistle said. "Li's fighting style became a metaphor for bridging past and present, East and West, tradition and adaptation. It wasn't just about winning -- it was about becoming who you are." Rosenfelt agreed that the idea of hybrid identity lay at the heart of the film's enduring power. "We all want a Han or a Miyagi in our lives," she said. "That mentor who believes in us and teaches us how to live -- not just how to fight. But what felt new here was the idea that you don't have to accept the identity the world gives you. You can discover who you are, and then forge it." That thematic depth extended to the supporting cast as well. "We were fortunate to find actors who brought real dimension to every role," Entwistle said. "There's a single mother giving everything for her son. A burned-out ex-boxer finding purpose again. And a teenage girl who helps Li feel seen in a world that wants to ignore him. Every character mattered." Still, the emotional centre of the film remained the unprecedented pairing of Chan and Macchio -- a cinematic crossover that fans long believed impossible. Rosenfelt said the dynamic between the two men was grounded in respect and generosity. "They had both played iconic roles in this franchise, but from different worlds," she said. "To bring them together -- not just to coexist, but to collaborate -- was a dream. They were both so open, so giving. There was no ego. Just mutual respect." Entwistle agreed, and emphasising how the collaboration felt symbolic of the film's broader message. "What I loved most was that neither of them wanted to outshine the other," he said. "It wasn't about whose version of the franchise was better. It was about passing the torch -- together." That concept of generational handoff informed every layer of the story. "We built the structure like a relay," Rosenfelt explained. "Each generation brings something valuable and then passes it on. Jackie brought the spiritual philosophy. Ralph brought the emotional weight. And Ben brought the future -- the idea that maybe you don't have to choose between one legacy or another. Maybe you can build your own." Entwistle believed the final product transcended genre. "Yes, it was a martial arts movie," he said. "But it was also a coming-of-age story. A family drama. A culture clash. A comedy. An immigrant story. And ultimately, it was about resilience -- about how you keep going when the odds feel impossible." As for how it might resonate with audiences, Rosenfelt expressed quiet optimism. "You didn't have to know who Daniel LaRusso was to love this story," she said. "But if you did, you'd feel the emotion in every callback. We walked a fine line, but we handled it with care. We protected the legacy." Behind the scenes, Entwistle said the tone was equally rewarding. "Jackie brought such joy," he said with a smile. "He'd sing to the crew between takes. He made everyone laugh. He gave advice to every department, not just the actors. That energy was contagious. When the people making the film are having fun, the audience can feel it." Ultimately, Karate Kid: Legends may be less about revisiting the past than building something new. Rosenfelt believed the film represented more than a revival -- it reflected where cinema and culture, were heading. "We didn't just want to revisit the past," she said. "We wanted to build something that honoured it -- and dared to evolve."
Hindustan Times
07-07-2025
- Entertainment
- Hindustan Times
When does Karate Kid: Legends release on OTT? Date, time, and where to watch
Karate Kid: Legends is officially dropping on digital platforms Tuesday, July 8, confirms Decider. The film reunites Jackie Chan and Ralph Macchio as Mr. Han and Daniel LaRusso, and introduces a new protagonist, Li Fong, played by Ben Wang. Directed by Jonathan Entwistle and written by Rob Lieber, the movie builds directly on the Cobra Kai universe - but with fresh twists. Though early reviews have been mixed, the film's arrival is still a major moment for fans who have followed the story since the original Karate Kid days. Jackie Chan and Ben Wang in a still from Karate Kid: Legends(X) But while it is available to buy or rent, many are already asking when it will show up on Netflix for free streaming. Where and when to watch Karate Kid: Legends online According to Decider, starting at midnight ET on July 8 (that's 9 p.m. PT on July 7), Karate Kid: Legends becomes available to rent or buy across digital platforms like Amazon Prime Video, Apple TV and Fandango At Home. Prices may vary, but on Amazon, expect to pay $19.99 to rent and $24.99 to buy. If you rent it, you will have 30 days to start the film, and once you hit play, 48 hours to finish it. When will it stream on Netflix? Right now, the movie isn't available on any major subscription-based service. But because of the ongoing Netflix-Sony deal, Karate Kid: Legends is expected to land on Netflix in the coming months. This deal gives Netflix first streaming rights to Sony movies shortly after their digital/home media release, known as the "Pay 1 window." Past Sony films like Kraven the Hunter took about three months to land on Netflix. Others arrived sooner - some in just over two months, a few after nearly four. It's been inconsistent. Since Karate Kid: Legends opened in theaters in May 2025, it's possible we'll see it on Netflix by late August or early September. That's just an estimate, though. If you're waiting for the Netflix release, your only option for now is renting or buying. Meanwhile, Cobra Kai is still streaming on Netflix. If you haven't watched it, or just want to catch up, it's a good time. This new movie brings in familiar faces but heads in a fresh direction. It's different from the earlier films, but longtime fans may enjoy the callbacks. Netflix hasn't said anything official yet, but if trends hold, it probably won't be a long wait. ALSO READ: Karate Kid Legends movie review: Jackie Chan, Ralph Macchio's charm and bromance can't save this mid, predictable muck FAQs When does Karate Kid: Legends come out digitally? It's available to rent or buy starting July 8, 2025. Is Karate Kid: Legends streaming on Netflix yet? No, not yet. But it's expected to arrive by late August or early September. How much does it cost to rent or buy the movie? On Amazon Prime, it's $19.99 to rent and $24.99 to buy.
Otago Daily Times
28-06-2025
- Entertainment
- Otago Daily Times
Opening ceremony held for third cinema
Chris Rottenberry and Grace Rottenberry hold daughter Mia, 2, at the first screening in the newly refurbished cinema. PHOTOS: SUPPLIED The curtains have been pulled on the third screening room at The Riviera Cinema in Oamaru after it had its first public screening last week. Since taking over in June last year, the cinema's owners, husband and wife team Chris and Grace Rottenberry, say business has been booming. Mr Rottenberry said they were happy to give the refurbished third cinema a new lease of life. "We feel relieved after six months of work in the space and a little emotional as Grace and I did a majority of the refurb ourselves. There is something special about transforming a space like that with your own hands," Mr Rottenbury said. Elijah Rottenberry, 4, officially opens the cinema at the ribbon-cutting ceremony. The "grand opening" on June 19 was a screening of French film-maker Agnes Vardas' 1962 film Cleo from 5 to 7 for the Oamaru Film Society. Mr Rottenberry said it was a "fantastic turnout". "We nearly filled the cinema, and the screening was accompanied by food, wine and a ribbon-cutting ceremony. "It was a nice little celebration," he said. The first screening was at 7pm and they only just finished all the refurbishments on the cinema at 6.20pm, so it "really got down to the wire", Mr Rottenberry said. The first public screening was an advance screening of Karate Kid: Legends which was "about half full and a nice way to kick things off", he said. The Riviera operates two screens: one theatre seats 78 and the other 58. The new theatre seats 42, with 36 individual chairs and three two-seater couches. Mr Rottenberry said the third theatre had come at the "perfect time", as it had a "robust" film programme for the coming school holidays.
