The Next Karate Kid
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Movie Reviews of The Next Karate Kid
Movie Review: A FILM FOR THE MASSES
Summary: 5 Stars
Some waited on line for the 4th installment of that "other" series (Star Wars), but when this film came out, me and my comrades were online at the theatre for days and we were not disappointed when we finally got in to see the premiere, what with our Miyagi Dojo tatoos blazzoned on our chests. WE WERE NOT DISAPPOINTED. This is the best in the epic Karate Kid series and that is saying a lot. This one becomes the best because there is an underlying message not evidenced in the first. Oscar-winner Hilary Swank turns in her best performance as the orphaned student who high-kicks her way into the heart of the viewer. Some said Noriyuki "Pat" Morita was typecast, but he is not playing a role anymore. He has BECOME Miyagi. What Morita has said with his stunning role in this dramatic masterpiece is, Miyagi cannot rest until the Kobra Kai has been fully eliminated from the world through use of Miyagi's Christ-like diplomatic karate approach. Miyagi is a messiah for our time... and for Hollywood in general. The fact that there is no longer a mental distinction between Morita and Miyagi is evidence enough for the world. We will not be bullied into the John Creese mentallity and we will follow Miyagi (the greatest martial arts character since Bruce Lee's work) wherever he may lead us. Fans take heart, as we have proven with this film, the karate kid series will not be stopped by the mere fact that the title character has moved on to other things. In today's society we need a karate kid... a next karate kid!Movie Review: I loved this movie
Summary: 5 Stars
It took me forever to finally find this movie and the funny thing is now they're playing it a lot after I haven't seen it for years on the TV. However, I'm so glad that I purchased this movie as it was one of my favorite movies a few years ago and still is.Movie Review: No complaints. :)
Summary: 5 Stars
What can I say?? Amazon has the things you can't find easily..like DVDs of movies from 100 years ago...that you want to share with your children. I always look here first, because I love the access & reviews. Thank you!!Movie Review: Miyagi Sensei ( * * * 1/2 )
Summary: 4 Stars
MILD SPOILERS
Hilary Swank gives us an intense, goodhearted early performance as Julie, "THE NEXT KARATE KID" in THE KARATE KID series of films. Noriyuki "Pat" Morita reprises Mr. Miyagi, the wise elder who teaches "Julie-san" karate, both as a way of bolstering the orphaned teenager's self-esteem and as a way of defending herself against a bunch of punks under the sway of their obnoxious coach, played by Michael Ironside.
The violence in THE NEXT KARATE KID is very toned down and a lot less plausible than in the original film. Even the most abusive man on earth would hardly take it upon himself to teach a gang of boys to target one specific girl, and if he did, he'd end up under arrest in a prison psych ward, especially if he was a High School Coach. As a result, Ironside and his minions are barely believable. The climactic battle between Julie and the punks had me smiling, as these implacable terrorizers had their collective @$$es kicked by a chick in what ended up being a two minute fight sequence.
However, THE NEXT KARATE KID has some wonderful and not-to-be-missed scenes inside a Zen Buddhist monastery, where Miyagi teaches Julie the art of Empty Hand Combat even while imbuing her with the spiritual fibre she will need in order not to fight.
The monks are wise and good natured, even when Julie kills a cockroach:
Miyagi (sternly): Monks no kill cockroach, have have respect for all life.
Julie: It's a roach. It's gross. And hey, I've seen you kill bugs.
Miyagi: Miyagi not monk in monastery. But still have respect for all life!
Later . . .
Miyagi: Monks have surprise for you!
Julie (panicking): Okay, I admit I killed a spider in my room! But it was an accident, and I buried it, and I even said a little prayer over the grave!
Monks: Happy Birthday To You...Happy Birthday To You...Happy Birthday dear Julie-san...Happy Birthday to you!
There is a humorous sequence inside a bowling alley, where the inexperienced but perfectly centered monks play perfect game after perfect game against a bowling league. It's all very memorable and the seemingly magical ability of the monks to turn gutter balls into strikes will have you laughing out loud. True Zen practice, however, has no magical side effects.
Miyagi is referred to as "Sensei" ("Teacher") by the monks, a term of ultimate respect in the Zen community. The film never addresses whether Miyagi was ever a Zen monk, but it's possible. He is wise and kindly (and showing his age); his gentleness with Julie creates the same filial dynamic which Miyagi and Daniel shared in the original.
This is THE NEXT KARATE KID, and nowhere as good as the first, but it certainly has a quality all its own.
Movie Review: SO much better than the third movie!
Summary: 4 Stars
I am SO glad that this one was not as bad as KK3. The plot is interesting, Mr. Miyagi is acting like himself again, and Hillary Swank is a great actress. The very beginning was a little shaky, but after that the movie became very good.This movie has the idea of the first one somewhat, but featuring a quick-tempered girl, Julie. Mr. Miyagi is staying at her house while her grandmother goes to his house for some peace and quiet. Miyagi first has to earn Julie's respect during his stay. While he is there, he teaches her Kata for self-defense against a guy she hates, as well as how to dance for the upcoming prom. It may sound cliché, but when you see it you will like it.
Mr. Miyagi also takes Julie to a Buddhist monastery, with monks who turn out to be quite humorous. The best part is when they visit Julie's house and go "Zen bowling" on her prom night.
Overall, this was a great comeback from the horrible KK3. The only reason I gave it four stars instead of five is nothing can truly match up to the original Karate Kid. My advice? Buy the DVD of this one and the original, skip KK2 and KK3. This is the perfect sequel for the first one, as it does not ruin the charactars.