Mr. Miyagi was known for waxing poetic. So the fact that “Karate Kid: Legends” has nothing to say is all the more disappointing. One of the most interesting aspects of the original “The ...

One of the most interesting aspects of the original “The Karate Kid” and its early sequels is Mr. Miyagi’s radical proclivity for mercy, often mistaken for cowardice by those around him.

This image released by Sony Pictures shows, from left, Ralph Macchio, Ben Wang and Jackie Chan in a scene from "Karate Kid: Legends." (Jonathan Wenk/Sony Pictures via AP) Mr. Miyagi was known for ...