Jackie Chan, Shifu Han – Kung fu master, and Ralph Macchio, Sensei LaRusso – Karate master, create the yin and yang in the martial arts, which make Ben Wang’s role as Li Fong rise like a phoenix.

Karate Kid Legends is the sixth installment of the Karate Kid and follows the similar baseline story – a young teenager being uprooted from life’s challenges that is thrown off the path and finds balance through the discipline of martial arts. In this saga, Li and his mother Dr. Fong (Ming-Na Wen) relocate from Beijing, China to start a new life in the great big apple, New York City.

The story also expands to include a blend of boxing, kung fu and karate, which each had their exceptional fighting styles. The boxing moves were complimented by Joshua Jackson in the role of Victor Lipani. Jackie Chan and Ralph Macchio were the perfect duo as training masters for Ben Wang’s character Li. Chan is animated and a legendary martial artist, while Macchio takes after the late Pat Morita’s beloved character Mr. Miyagi’s demeanor of being calm and collective.

Wang is incredible in the arts yet knows how to project being wholesome and charming. During the confrontation scenes and Battle of the 5 Boroughs, they used new captivating techniques and mesmerizing rooftop location. Overall, the message is clear, disciplined practitioners in martial arts demonstrate a strong sense of self-mastery, both physically and emotionally. Karate Kid Legends emphasizes the traditional respect for instructors, training partners, and the art itself, fostering a sense of humility and self-discipline.

What is a karate film without symbolism? Movie goers will be touched with the film’s definition of having two respective styles of martial arts, like branches of a tree, but they stem from the same root. Bonsai!

Catch Karate Kid Legends in theaters May 30, 2025. There is also a tenacious cameo surprise before the credits roll.

Warwick Thornton evokes an emotional perspective with his masterful cinematography in The New Boy. This endearing independent film takes place in the 1940’s in an Australian monastery, starring Cate Blanchett as Sister Eileen and Aswan Reid as the enigmatic aborigine, New Boy.

For the Cate Blanchett enthusiasts, she is impeccable in every role capacity. Aswan Reid has natural talent to interpret emotions without having to utter a single word. Together, they are charismatic and enlightening.

Sister Eileen appears welcoming and comforting with a nurturing personality and warm smile. At first, the orphan boys seem to be well mannered and cooperative. They are polite towards the savage New Boy, who does not speak. However, their attitudes change when the older boy gets baptized and leaves the monastery to go work.

Then, there is the intriguing flickering spark that New Boy creates from his hands, fingertips. He appears to have invigorating healing abilities when he helped out an injured orphan boy. Sister Eileen is perplexed by this inexplicable event. She misunderstands New Boy’s phenomenon, which challenges her faith against the wonders of spiritual belief from the natives.

The story is slow paced, which allows the viewer to ponder on the scenes that highlight the peculiar circumstances surrounding the monastery. The priest has been dead for a year without any explanation. Subsequently, Sister Eileen takes over the monastery – taking in young aborigine boys, teaching them basic reading, writing skills and introducing them to Christianity, while they are trained for labor work.

There are a lot of questions left unanswered: What secrets does Sister Eileen hide behind her smile? Is New Boy a miracle healer? Is the glowing spark a symbolism to the light of life?

The New Boy might not appeal to the regular viewer. However, the mysterious topics in this film will fascinate to those with a curious, open mind.

Fountain of Youth is the latest action-adventure release from acclaimed director Guy Ritchie, available today on Apple TV+. Blending the thrilling spirit of Indiana Jones with the mystery of The Da Vinci Code, the film stars John Krasinski as the son of a legendary archaeologist and the headstrong brother of Natalie Portman. Together, they embark on a global quest to uncover the mythical Fountain of Youth at the request of a terminally ill billionaire—only to discover that some secrets are meant to stay buried.

With stunning international set pieces and a fast-paced narrative, Fountain of Youth delivers high-octane entertainment as Krasinski and Portman leave a trail of mayhem in their wake. Eiza González, currently one of the most in-demand talents in Hollywood, showcases her action prowess in a standout role, lighting up the screen with expertly choreographed fight sequences.

Full of humor, intrigue, and imagination, Fountain of Youth is a spirited adventure the whole family can enjoy. Stream it now on Apple TV+.

SYNOPSIS: “Fountain of Youth” follows two estranged siblings (John Krasinski and Academy Award winner Natalie Portman) who partner on a global heist to find the mythological Fountain of Youth. They must use their knowledge of history to follow clues on an epic adventure that will change their lives … and possibly lead to immortality.

An Apple Original Film, “Fountain of Youth” is directed by Guy Ritchie and written by James Vanderbilt. Hailing from Skydance Media, “Fountain of Youth” is produced by David Ellison, Dana Goldberg and Don Granger for Skydance, alongside Vinson Films (Tripp Vinson) and Vanderbilt’s Project X Entertainment (James Vanderbilt, William Sherak, Paul Neinstein), with Guy Ritchie, Ivan Atkinson and Jake Myers, and Radio Silence (Matt Bettinelli-Olpin, Tyler Gillett, Chad Villella and Tara Farney) serving as executive producers.