The Karate Kid (Special Edition)

Starring:Ralph Macchio, Pat Morita, Elisabeth Shue, Martin Kove, Randee Heller, William Zabka, Ron Thomas, Rob Garrison, Chad McQueen, Tony O'Dell, Israel Juarbe, William Bassett, Larry B. Scott, Juli Fields, Dana Andersen, Frank Burt Avalon, Jeff Fishman, Ken Daly, Tom Fridley, Pat E. Johnson
Director: John G. Avildsen
Studio: Sony Pictures
Product Type: DVD

Amazon.com

A sizable hit with both teen audiences and sports-themed movie enthusiasts, 1984's The Karate Kid had the right combination of heart and action to spawn three sequels of varying quality between 1986 and 1994; all four features have been packaged together in this three-disc set. Though plot elements varied from film to film, the core story (and the series' greatest strength) remained the same--the relationship between a wise Japanese martial arts teacher (skillfully underplayed by comedian Pat Morita) and his young American student (Ralph Macchio in the first three films, and future Oscar winner Hilary Swank in the final entry, The Next Karate Kid). The first of the Morita/Macchio matchups remains the best of the four features, with excellent performances from both leads and director John G. Avildsen (who also handled Rocky and the first two Kid sequels) expertly balancing the emotional moments with the pure excitement of the martial arts tournament that serves as its finale.

The subsequent sequels with Macchio seemed pulpier (especially The Karate Kid, Part II, with its rekindled wartime romance subplot), and the inevitable come-from-behind competitions lacking the impact of the original; 1994's The Next Karate Kid (directed by Christopher Cain) put a slight spin on the formula by replacing Macchio with belligerent teen Swank, but it too seems like a retread of the first film. Still, the messages inherent to each film--finding one's inner strength, trusting your heart--should ring true to new generations of younger viewers. Fans may find the Collection light on supplemental features--while all four films are presented in anamorphic widescreen format, only the original (which was previously released in pan-and-scan only) offers commentary by Avildsen, Macchio and Morita and several making-of featurettes; the three sequels, packed into two discs, offer no extras. --Paul Gaita

Customer Reviews:

gotta love it.......2007-05-25

if you have never seen karate kid, part of your life is missing. just kidding. that's going a little far, but it is a a great set. the third wasn't as good as the first two though. the 4th, with hilary, is good, too.

for Karate Fans Only.......2007-03-26

In my opinion all the Karate Kid DVD Movies are filled with action and entertainment. I like the actor Ralph Macchio. Would recommend this series to anyone who appreciates Martial Arts.

Great.......2007-03-08

Most enjoyable - the old good always prevails theme presented in a very entertaining way.

A Very Good Box Set Of Karate Kid Films.......2007-03-03

Karate Kid is one of those movies that is iconic which means you know the film by heart and phases from the film that become apart of everyday vocabulary in our culture and all people, of different walks of life can relate to it , it's classic and timeless that's what karate kid is . before karate kid there was kung fu it was nice but always distant somehow. then came karate kid this film did'nt just blow open the doors it kick them open to show a different society and method we could learn from but also relate to in this film, the good and bad to learn lessons from them. i just loved this film for being just straight foward in it's approach of teaching positive lessons to kids about life because as we all know life is'nt a bed of roses or whatever saying you use, it's tough. Daniel( Ralph Macchio ) and His Teacher ( Pat Morita ) are positive role models and have been since it's release in 1984. Do Yourself a Favor And Pick Up A Copy Of This Trilogy Of Films.

This Set is Wonderful in picture and in sound and are as good if not better than when they were released in the theaters and on video for the first time in 84 and 94 and this marks the first time the first karate kid has been released in widescreen. yeppy daniel son!

Karate Kid Stands along side some of the greatest classic films
Gremlins
Indiana Jones Trilogy
Fletch
Star Wars Trilogy
Back To Future
Who Framed Roger Rabbit?
Superman Trilogy
E.T.
Close Encounters Of Third Kind
Poltergiest
Willow
and the list goes on ...

The Karate Kid Collection (Four Film Set).......2007-02-08

All four stories are worth revisting every year or so; the last in the series was a pleasant surprise as a preview to a very big star.

Average customer rating:

Rovcky for adolescent
Great movie
Great memories
put him in a body bag johnny!
The Karate Kid

The Karate Kid (Special Edition)
Starring: Ralph Macchio , Pat Morita , Elisabeth Shue , Martin Kove , and Randee Heller
Director: John G. Avildsen
Manufacturer: Sony Pictures
ProductGroup: DVD
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The Karate Kid Part II
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Short Circuit

ASIN: B0008JIJ2E
Release Date: 2005-06-07

Amazon.com

John G. Avildsen not only directed Rocky, he tried remaking it over the years in a dozen different ways. One of them was this popular 1984 drama about a new kid (Ralph Macchio) in town targeted by karate-wielding bullies until he gets a new mentor: the handyman (Pat Morita) from his apartment building, who teaches him self-confidence and fighting skills. The screen partnership of Macchio's motor-mouth character and Morita's reserved father figure works well, and the script allows for the younger man to develop sympathy for the painful memories of his teacher. But the film's real engine, as with Rocky, is the fighting, and there's plenty of that. Elisabeth Shue is on board as the girl the klutzy Macchio dreams of winning. --Tom Keogh

Description

A fatherless teenager faces his moment of truth in The Karate Kid. Daniel (Ralph Macchio) arrives in Los Angeles from the east coast and faces the difficult task of making new friends. However, he becomes the object of bullying by the Cobras, a menacing gang of karate students, when he strikes up a relationship with Ali (Elisabeth Shue), the Cobra leader's ex-girlfriend. Eager to fight back and impress his new girlfriend but afraid to confront the dangerous gang, Daniel asks his handyman Miyagi (Noriyuki 'Pat' Morita), whom he learns is a master of the martial arts, to teach him karate. Miyagi teaches Daniel that karate is a mastery over the self, mind, and body and that fighting is always the last answer to a problem. Under Miyagi's guidance, Daniel develops not only physical skills but also the faith and self-confidence to compete despite tremendous odds as he encounters the fight of his life in the exciting finale to this entertaining film.

Customer Reviews:

Rovcky for adolescent.......2007-05-21

This was a big hit moviue and went one to make three sequel all of them except the next karate kids have the original boy from the first movie in them. For the most recent movie made in 1994 they replaced the boy with a seventeen year old girls who's parents are killed in a car crash. This movies has phonimal music. A young kid challanges the rival of his ex girl friend to a match after he plays a slight prank on him for beatening him up earlier in the movie. Can Mr. Miga train this boy into a fighting champion of power and honor to victory. Find out in the thrilling conclusion. This movie should be fine for ages 12 and up due to mild violence for its time and and occasional curse wored thrown in. A word of adivce try to by these together if you can. You can get part III and four together by themselves on one dvd without parts I and part II but I recommend you order then one at at time if you don't decide to get the whole collection at once. The reason why I suggest this is because the cheaptest I saw that they had 3 and four together one dvd with out the first two used is somewere inbetween 39 and 45 dollars if they charge you for shipping. Either get these together with the rest of the collection or buy part III and four on seperate dvds.

Great movie.......2007-05-17

My nephew was recently being picked on and we decided to put him and his cousins in Karate classes for self-defense. Soon after, Wal-Mart ran an ad with The Karate Kid DVD in it. Perfect! I loved it as a kid and now the children in the family fell in love with it.
The Karate teacher even uses parts from the movie to make his point about something and the class knows what he means. The movie teaches that Karate is for defense and that it's bad to use it to pick on others. This is definitely a movie worth the purchase.

Great memories.......2007-05-14

I was glad that I bought it. My kids 8 and 5 yrs old love it as well. Now they want to take Karate lessons...

put him in a body bag johnny!.......2007-05-08

I've got one thing to say.....sweep the leg! cobra kai never die! a classic!

The Karate Kid.......2007-01-16

This was a gift for a grandson. He is happy with the movie as I thought he would be. He was told that his grandmother and I had seen the movie on TV and liked the characters, actors and the story.

Average customer rating:

rumble in Hokido
Best of the Karate Kid movies
Great Nostalgia
There's a reason....
One step above the Crane technique... (Pt. 2 of 3)

The Karate Kid Part II
Starring: Ralph Macchio , Pat Morita , Pat E. Johnson , Bruce Malmuth , and Eddie Smith
Director: John G. Avildsen
Manufacturer: Sony Pictures
ProductGroup: DVD
Binding: DVD

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ASIN: B00005JXY3
Release Date: 2001-07-10

Amazon.com

Literally picking up about five minutes after the conclusion of the 1984 The Karate Kid, this 1986 sequel, also directed by John G. Avildsen, sends Ralph Macchio's and Pat Morita's characters to the latter's home turf in Japan, where the older man is confronted by an old rival, and Macchio's newly confident fighter gets a tougher challenge than the punks back home. Sillier than its predecessor, this follow-up at least has some distracting soap opera elements in Morita's coming to terms with an old flame, while Macchio woos a lovely local girl. Ironically, it's the action that evokes laughter, particularly a climactic fight that gets over the top quickly. --Tom Keogh

Customer Reviews:

rumble in Hokido.......2007-05-24

This was the second movie in the series to be released. It was made about two year after the first movie came out in the middle 1984. For those of you that did not see the first movie there is a briefy flash back lasting about 5 to ten minutes at the beginnig showing some of the footage from the first movie. Daniel travels to Onknowa were he gets involved in a brutal feud between mr Manyagie and his rivial who trained under his sick father. Shortly after the father dies of an illness the rivial and his sons due several nasty thins to presuade MR. Mayege to fight him. Finally after threaten to sell the land and destroy all the homes he excepts to fight him at midnight. Can Mr. Maygga make peace with his old nemisis and bring honor back to the Maygga family. There is also a special collector version of albums which contains the musice for all four films. However this cd limited edition set is super, super, super, rare only two copies are avilable on Amazon used and the selling price for these two copies is about 90 to 120 dollars with the shipping fee include. If you like this I recommend you buy the collection unless you want to by them seperately one at a time. I recommend you try not to get karate kids part III and part four one disk by themselve with out one and two becaue the cheaptest you can get the last two movies with out the first 2 movies is about $40. Will Daniel save the day again and resolve the feud find out in the thrilling conclusion.

Best of the Karate Kid movies.......2007-05-13

This was the only movie in this series I wanted on DVD. This movie is very
romantic, and the exotic setting just makes it even more enjoyable. I
actually liked the movie because of the romantic part of the story rather than the fight scenes. Great DVD!

Great Nostalgia.......2007-02-13

It really brings back some memories I had forgotten... It is a good film to watch. Sure there are some silly moments, but all in all, I rate this movie highly because of the introduction to Japanese Culture this movie provided to an entire American Generation.

There's a reason...........2005-12-20

There's a reason why this movie made more at the box office then the first one did and it's because this one got real. Daniel is no longer fighting for a title but for his life in this awesome squeal. This is my favorite out of the entire series cause it gets real and honest and has Daniel fighting for his life as his mentor prepares to fight for his. In this movie Daniel is left to find his own way basically as his mentor has some problems of his own this time around and this makes for a very interesting spin as Daniel suddenly finds that his mentor is not made of stone.

One step above the Crane technique... (Pt. 2 of 3).......2005-12-16

You could tell from the ending of the first `Karate Kid' that this was only the beginning of the story. The continuing journey of Daniel LaRusso bursts wide open in 'The Karate Kid Part II' Mr. Miyagi must return to his home land of Okinawa to see his dying father, but he is also well aware that the scars of his past are still there waiting for him after all this time. Daniel learns of Mr. Miyagi's best friend Sato and how Miyagi broke the village tradition to ask for the hand of his best friend's betrothed wife. Daniel learns through his trip that karate is more than tournaments and trophies. He learns that it is about honor and pride. He soon understands that there are people who take honor very seriously that they will stop at nothing seek out the purity of honor if it has been disgraced. That means anything is possible, even a fight to the death. Only through the sacred rules and techniques of the Miyagi family karate can Daniel overcome the tremendous obstacles he will face at this step in his journey.

This movie is one of the fabled sequels that live up to its predecessor. The story is darker and Pat Morita's performance is his best by far. I am surprised that he didn't get nominated a second time for an academy award. The villains are just as evil as the Cobra Kais (who actually make a brief appearance in the film) and the final fight shows that karate is not about fancy moves and glory. The message learned from `Part II' is that when it comes to fighting the most powerful technique is the one that your opponent doesn't see.

Average customer rating:

better than the second
bad acting
Sorry LaRusso...you lost... (Pt. 3 of 3)
Everybody was kung fu fighting
Kung Fu Hustle...

The Karate Kid Part III
Starring: Ralph Macchio , Pat Morita , Robyn Lively , Thomas Ian Griffith , and Martin Kove
Director: John G. Avildsen
Manufacturer: Sony Pictures
ProductGroup: DVD
Binding: DVD

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ASIN: B00005JXY4
Release Date: 2001-07-10

Customer Reviews:

better than the second.......2007-05-24

some npoeple think this movie lack some of plot and action of the previous II films. Based on the movie I have watched so far. I would give it about about 3.5 with the music included. The evil master of the dodju from the first movie goes out of business as a result of loosing the first touranment ninths month prior to this movie. He comes up with a diabolical member of the cobra doja who save hisw life in Vietnam to get revenge. He offers a kid 50% of the profiuts for the stuff he is selling. The kids threaten and trashed the appartment to force Dannel to sign the dead. Will Dynal give in and will my Minya agree to train him again find out in the thrilling conclusion. This was the last moviue that Daniel was in made 1989 and the final and last film the next karate kid or karate kid part 4 which stared a young 17 year old girl as the main charcter was not be made until about 5 years after the release of the third movie in the middle of 1994. These movies have been on dvd a long time so there somewhat hard to find in local stores. I'm not sure how long number 3 and 4 have been out but I belived this year is about the sixth anniverrsary of the dvd release of Karte Kid part II whicm cam eout in middle of 2001. I got to go now it's around 11:15 PM. I have to go to bed early tonight sometime inbetween midnight and 2 am so I can get up around 7:00 tommorow other wise I might not get up in time to watch the brand new land before time TV series which just aired about a month ago on cartoon network.

bad acting.......2007-02-18

What kills me about this movie is the bad acting. Part 1 and 2 was good it fit it's time the mid 80's. By the time part 3 came out RM was too old to play that role and he acted like a dorky little pussey throughout the whole movie. How could daniel and miyagi been so stupid not to know they getting played just watch it you will see how naive they really were. This movie lacks alot imagination and there no sole to it. They could have used better acting or even have johnny come back and help Daniel get back at kreese. I don't know i first saw this in the movies, in 1988 i was disappointed then, and still am today. There just so much more of a twist to the story to keep you interested like i said Daniel La russo acted like a DORK BIG TIME.

Sorry LaRusso...you lost... (Pt. 3 of 3).......2005-12-16

What better way to end the saga of Daniel LaRusso than a final installment in `The Karate Kid Part III'. There was only one major problem...it was a great idea done terribly wrong. The story takes place right after Part II, where a sinister plot is hatched by the true villain of `The Karate Kid' saga, John Kreese. John pays a visit to Terry Silver, fellow soldier turned millionaire scumbag and loyal Cobra Kai. Kreese tells Terry of his downfall thanks to Daniel and Mr. Miyagi and Terry is more than willing to help his friend get his revenge. They hire a violent up and coming fighter named Mike Barnes to force Daniel to fight him for the All Valley Tournament title. Daniel is still true to the Miyagido style of karate and would rather spend his days helping Mr. Miyagi with their new business in Banzai trees. When Daniel is threatened under unavoidable circumstances, Terry jumps in to pose as a friend and teacher to Daniel. Learning a new more violent style of karate from Terry causes extreme tension between Daniel and Mr. Miyagi. For too long Miyagi taught Daniel that Karate was not about defending a title and Daniel is torn apart wondering why he has strayed from his friends teachings. No sooner when Daniel discovers that he was played for sap, Mr. Miyagi re-unites with Daniel not for revenge, but to prove the point that has been shown throughout the entire saga. One must be pure in heart and true to his honor in order to emerge a champion.

I gave this film a low rating because the movie as a whole did not live up to the plot. What knocks Part III down from the rest of the story is the sub par acting. `The Karate Kid Part III' comes off looking a lot like `3 Ninjas', with its cartoonish villainy and Ralph Macchio just whines too much. Not even the heavy use of adult language and the major role of John Kreese could save this movie. This movie could have been made much better because the premise of this story is quite good and it does work. I guess it was the staff, letting the movie going public know it was time to put an old dog to sleep. Unfortunately they didn't, but I'm not even going there. If you are a fan of `The Karate Kid' as a whole you will watch this movie more than once and really make an effort to enjoy it. Still, there will be a voice in the back of your mind saying...Sorry LaRusso...you lost this time.

Everybody was kung fu fighting.......2005-11-08

Well this was just bad. I guess they felt as they had done a second movie, someone said we should just put a period on the sentance and make another. But this was just bad, wrapping up all elements of the first and second into too neat a bundle.

Daniel (who is probably about 40 by the time this movie was made) and Miaghi have returned from Okinawa to California having settled the business in Miaghi's hometown. While they were gone, Kreese, the evil sensai from the Cobra Kai dojo has hit rock bottem. After being disgraced at the tournament by the loss as well as his sore loser behavior, Kreese has lost his shirt. Cobra Kai has closed due to lack of enrollment, and he's bankrupt. Out of the blue, he meets up with an old buddy (from his days in Nam, no less) who looks like a young, thin Steven Segal who not only takes him in but agrees to plot revenge against Daniel and Miaghi. (I won't repeat his notable quotables, as they were just too corny.)

Daniel is once again the target of bullies, this time Kreese's renegad students who are causing havok among the town. They don't feel any qualms about beating up girls and kids that are smaller than them. What tough guys. When Daniel asks Miaghi to train him again, Miaghi refuses because he wants Daniel to not aspire to title and reward, but to be a true artist. In an uncharacteristic move, Steven Segal offers to train Daniel to become a killing machine, and Daniel accepts it. Once the plot against him is reveiled, Miaghi trains Daniel to win the tournament.

The whole plotting and revenge was a little too hoakey for me. By the time this movie got made there were a lot of action-revenge type movies out there (ex. Jean Claude Van Damme's and Steven Segal's movie careers), but as we felt we knew Daniel pretty well by then it was disappointing to see him give into evils and temptations. There was the proverbial happy ending, but they had done the Rocky story so many times in these movies that you expected nothing but a happy ending. If you feel you want to see Daniel triumph over the bullies yet again, then watch this because good will always triumph over evil somehow.

Kung Fu Hustle..........2005-11-04

And here's where the wheels started to come off. Macchio was in his late twenties when Part 3 went into production, and that's only the most obvious evidence that this unnecessary sequel was a low-rent money-grab of the flimsiest order. What's most noteworthy about Part 3 (indeed, it could be the only noteworthy aspect) is the hilarious cartoonishness of its villains. (I doubt that "cartoonishness" is an actual word, but I bet you understand its meaning. So that makes it a word.) Back from Part 1 (and the prologue of Part 2) is Karate Master Kreese, but if you thought HE was the pinnacle of prickitude, well you haven't seen anything yet. We also get Kreese's old army buddy, Terry Silver, who is A) an evil black-belt Karate Master, B) a cackling and self-admitted dumper of toxic waste (!), and C) played by Thomas Ian Griffith. PLUS there's a brutal new upstart in the world of tournament karate, so you just know that this kid's gonna get involved. AND we have sniveling henchman Snake...as played by the director's own son! Now that's one spooky legion of doom for anyone to face, let alone an elderly Asian man and the world's oldest teenager.

The best thing I can say about Part 3 is that it's a clear indication that SOME time and effort when into Part 2. Whereas the first sequel was just too quaint and familiar, Part 3 approaches the Karate Kid formula as if it's the world's last home-cooked meatloaf. There are only so many times we can see Daniel whimpering at the mistakes he's made while Miyagi stands around tossing out vague platitudes and wizened smiles. Part 3 trots out the same training montages, the same tournament finale, the same chaste little romance, the same 1980s cheeseball tunes, the same old song and dance. But this time it all feels cynical and hollow...which is NOT the vibe we still get from Part 1.

Average customer rating:

Rovcky for adolescent
Great movie
Great memories
put him in a body bag johnny!
The Karate Kid

The Karate Kid
Starring: Ralph Macchio , Pat Morita , Elisabeth Shue , Martin Kove , and Randee Heller
Director: John G. Avildsen
Manufacturer: Sony Pictures
ProductGroup: DVD
Binding: DVD

General | Action & Adventure | Genres | DVD | Video

Comic Action | Action & Adventure | Genres | DVD | Video

General | Drama | Genres | DVD | Video

Sports | Drama | Genres | DVD | Video

7-9 Years | Kids & Family | Genres | DVD | Video

10-12 Years | Kids & Family | Genres | DVD | Video

Family Films | Kids & Family | Genres | DVD | Video

DVDs Under $7.49 | Today's Deals in DVD | Special Features | DVD | Video

( K ) | Titles | Features | DVD | Video
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The Karate Kid Part III
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ASIN: 0800179501
Release Date: 1998-04-14

Amazon.com

Customer Reviews:

Rovcky for adolescent.......2007-05-21

Great movie.......2007-05-17

Great memories.......2007-05-14

I was glad that I bought it. My kids 8 and 5 yrs old love it as well. Now they want to take Karate lessons...

put him in a body bag johnny!.......2007-05-08

I've got one thing to say.....sweep the leg! cobra kai never die! a classic!

The Karate Kid.......2007-01-16

This was a gift for a grandson. He is happy with the movie as I thought he would be. He was told that his grandmother and I had seen the movie on TV and liked the characters, actors and the story.

Average customer rating:

Missing Something
I Wish I had Courage Like You!
I've got mixed feelings about this one
Who Says The Good Guy Has To Be A Guy?
well

The Next Karate Kid
Starring: Pat Morita , Hilary Swank , Michael Ironside , Constance Towers , and Chris Conrad (II)
Director: Christopher Cain
Manufacturer: Sony Pictures
ProductGroup: DVD
Binding: DVD

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General | Drama | Genres | DVD | Video

Adventure | Kids & Family | Genres | DVD | Video

Drama | Kids & Family | Genres | DVD | Video

DVDs Under $7.49 | Today's Deals in DVD | Special Features | DVD | Video

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ASIN: B00005LK96
Release Date: 2001-08-28

Amazon.com

A vast improvement over its immediate predecessor, The Karate Kid III, this appealingly understated 1994 drama features a compelling performance by Hilary Swank, who would later win a Best Actress Oscar ^® for her work in Boys Don't Cry. Swank plays 17-year-old Julie Pierce, the recently orphaned and troubled granddaughter of an old war buddy of Miyagi Yakuga (Noriyuki "Pat" Morita, the lone holdover from the previous Karate Kid films). Harassed at school by adolescent boys under the sway of an evil coach (Michael Ironside), Julie reluctantly finds refuge in the calm teachings of Mr. Miyagi. While the film's violence is as contrived and silly as that of the other KK features, the script provides exotic compensations via a subplot set in a peaceful Buddhist monastery. Still, it's Morita's crafty professionalism and Swank's emotional authenticity that makes this film more watchable than anyone might have expected. --Tom Keogh

Customer Reviews:

Missing Something.......2005-12-21

This movie was alright but it is seriously lacking something. I watched it when it came out on VHS and I kept on waiting for Daniel to show up or hell be mentioned but in this movie it was as though he never exsisted and isn't Daniel supposed to be living with his mentor in CA? So if this is the case and his mentor sent the grandmother to CA to his house shouldn't he have warned her about Daniel being there at least? They could have mentioned what happend to Daniel but in this movie they totally scratch him out and this movie is lacking because of it. Another thing is this movie doesn't touch the other three in any way shape or form. Pat Morita and Ralph Macchio had an on screen chemistry that you just couldn't denye was there and it made the movies all that much better but Pat and Hilary don't have that same chemisty that made Pat and Ralph such a great acting team and it shows in the movie. Also the other Karate Kid movies each have a theme to them especially the second one and this one leaves you with no theme what so ever except bullies always get what they deserve in the end which is a tad over done by this installment and the fight scene at the end is a little over done as I think they were aiming for the same affect they had in the Karate Kid II but they missed it by a long shot. Over all this movie is pretty good. Has some good moments but it should not have been a stand a lone movie all on its own in my opinion as it could have been much better then.

I Wish I had Courage Like You!.......2005-11-04

Can anyone who has seen The Next Karate Kid please explain to me the nature of the film's villains? The look like a professional security force, they act like a WWF tag-team, they tromp around school like they've got full diplomatic immunity...they even have a drill sergeant. In high school. I just don't get it.

Anyway, these guys don't like young Julie Pierce, so they terrorize her repeatedly - and they even come dangerously close to what we, nowadays, would call "rape." All Julie wants is to be left alone with her beloved crippled hawk (Kes?), godammit! Julie's well-intentioned grandmother is at the end of her granny-rope, so she enlists the aid of old family friend Mr. Miyagi. Given that this is now the fourth time we've met Mr. Miyagi, and we've never once seen him interact with a teenage girl, the viewer is left to wonder if this arrangement is such a grand idea. But wouldn't you know it? The brusque and bouncy Julie slowly warms up to the adorable Mr. Miyagi, and yadda yadda, etc.

To quote one of the wise sages who comment at the IMDb, The Next Karate Kid is "the pits." Hilary Swank must cringe whenever she sees the flick pop up on cable; indeed, she's the one thing that makes The Next Karate Kid worth seeing. Not because she gives a particularly excellent performance (although she's better than the material deserves), but because this is such a GOOFY movie. For no good reason the flick takes a 20-minute detour into a freakin' monastery, for cryin' out loud! Plus this is a film in which Mr. Miyagi goes shopping for a PROM DRESS! Gee, anyone think we're just blatantly pandering to the "other" demographic at this point? Then just wait till the Hi - larious scene in which Mr. Miyagi walks in on Julie while she's changing...and he almost sees her boobies! Never thought I'd say it but...where's Daniel-san these days? Surely he could still be in need of some wise advice.

Anyway, Julie gets a date, grows some confidence, and kicks the ass of head bully #1. Also there's Michael Ironside as an evil high school sergeant who is apparently invisible to cops. Miyagi helps kick his butt at the end.

I've got mixed feelings about this one.......2005-09-17

The Next Karate Kid (1994.) The fourth film in the Karate Kid series.

INTRODUCTION:
The Karate Kid was one of the greatest motion pictures of the eighties, no questions asked. The sequels to the film, while good, certainly lacked something in comparison to the original. There were three films in the series in the eighties. And then, in a rather odd and unexpected twist of fate, a fourth installment in the series came out of nowhere in the middle of then nineties. For the new installment, Ralph Macchio would not be returning. However, Pat Morita would be. How does this often forgotten film in the series go? To find out, keep reading.

OVERVIEW:
It's been several years since the classic Karate Kid films. Mr. Miyagi (Pat Morita) has taken a trip to Boston to meet with some Japanese-American war veterans, and while there stays with the widow of one of his deceased war buddies. He invites her to go and spend some time at his California house, and in the meantime stays in Boston with her granddaughter (Hilary Swank.) When this girl gets suspended from school, Miyagi begins teaching her karate, as a way of helping her deal with her problems. To make things worse, a new friend of hers at school is getting tormented by other guys from school led by a ruthless ex-military type (Michael Ironside.) The young heroine returns to school following her suspension, changed dramatically following Miyagi's teachings.

REVIEW:
I have very mixed feelings about this film. First of all, the good. The acting in this film is very good. Pat Morita's portrayal of Miyagi is excellent, as it always is. Hilary Swank does a good job in her role, and Michael Ironside is fantastic as Kreese's replacement in the series. Bill Conti once again does the orchestration for the film, and I shouldn't have to tell you he did it well again. But, of course, there are a ton of negatives too. This installment in the series wasn't necessary. By this time the series was getting a bit played out, and this really did nothing to revive or build on the series. And needless to say, without Ralph Macchio the series really loses something. Miyagi is the only character this film has that the old ones did. And as a whole, the plot seems rehashed. I personally think this movie would have been better without the Karate Kid name attached. The film also features considerably less action than its predecessors - It's obvious the creators were going for a more family-oriented movie this time around, and as such, it isn't as violent as other entries in this series. Final verdict? This is a good movie. Not great, not horrible - just an average movie. It's worth watching, but don't be expecting a masterpiece on the same level as the original film.

DVD:
The DVD release of this film is pretty lame. Filmographies, trailers, and some DVD-ROM stuff (which requires a computer) are the ONLY extras you get. Take my advice and get the Karate Kid Collection box set instead - it's a better value than buying the movies separately.

OVERALL:
Overall, I think I have made my feelings clear. They're mixed when it comes to this movie. For everywhere this movie succeeds, it fails somewhere else. What we have here is a totally average product. It's worth watching at least once, but if you're looking for classic Karate Kid action, you're not gonna find it here.

Who Says The Good Guy Has To Be A Guy?.......2005-08-28

My kids were very happy to find this one at Wal-Mart for $5.50 and so was I. I LOVED this one, mainly because of the girl factor. A young Hilary Swank makes a great karate kid!

well.......2005-06-23

just saw this movie two hours ago and it was not the best ive ever seen. john what were you thinking when you didn't direct this one. anyway the start was fun but the middle was a letdown.

Average customer rating:

The Karate Kid [Region 2]
Starring: Ralph Macchio , Pat Morita , Elisabeth Shue , Martin Kove , and Randee Heller
Director: John G. Avildsen
ProductGroup: DVD
Binding: DVD

Martial Arts | Sports | Genres | DVD | Video

( K ) | Titles | Features | DVD | Video
ASIN: B00005KFU1

Average customer rating:

The Karate Kid [Region 2]
Starring: Ralph Macchio , Pat Morita , Elisabeth Shue , Martin Kove , and Randee Heller
Director: John G. Avildsen
ProductGroup: DVD
Binding: DVD

Martial Arts | Sports | Genres | DVD | Video

( K ) | Titles | Features | DVD | Video
ASIN: B00005MOL9

The Karate Kid Part III & The Next Karate Kid

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The Karate Kid Part III & The Next Karate Kid

Manufacturer: Columbia
ProductGroup: DVD
Binding: DVD

Martial Arts | Sports | Genres | DVD | Video

Kid Paddle Vol 1 - Kid Karate (Original French Version - with English Dubbed Version Included)

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Kid Paddle Vol 1 - Kid Karate (Original French Version - with English Dubbed Version Included)

ProductGroup: DVD
Binding: DVD

Martial Arts | Sports | Genres | DVD | Video

Product Description

Pres De 120 Minute De Kid Paddle Episode 1: Le Championnat Episode 2: Kid Karate Episode 3: La Vie En Bleu Episode 4: Disekator Contre Les Blorks Episode 5: La Famille Ideale Episode 6: Mise En Boite Episode 7: Mister Crypt Le Tenebreux Episode 8: Radar Lopu Garou Episode 9: M. Rick Icky Episode10: L'Hopital Des Zombies

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