"The Karate Kid" was absolutely a classic, whether a fine film or note, it is nostalgic. There are very distinct flaws in the first film which really starts to fester. The first film had a unique story, simple, but unique. The movie is one of the best films about overcoming an adversary I had ever seen growing up. The rest of the films that tried to play with the same plots really bombed.
The cast in the main body of the series is Ralph Macchio and Noriyuki 'Pat' Morita. 'Pat' Morita portrayed one of the most iconic figures in film history in Mr. Miyagi. The portrayal, or demanded performance wasn't astounding by any feat but it did better than I think anyone could have ever asked for. On the other side of the cast, Ralph Macchio was the single biggest flaw. He constantly overacts in every scene, like each frame decides the future of his career. In the end, it did, but not benefiting it.
I think one of the most unique facts surrounding the Karate Kid series is that the director of "Rocky", John G. Avildsen, helmed the first 3 Karate Kid movies. "Rocky" is or should be in every living breathing creature's top 10 list of greatest films of all time. Then came, what feels like a cash flow.
The first Karate Kid really does stand alone in the series. I feel like the original Karate Kid is Kellogs Corn Flakes, and the second Karate kid isn't for sale in the country... perhaps its Okinawa Flakes. The third film comes back into the local market, but its store brand, and organic.
I go against the trend in caring more for the third than the second, but thats preferring a Ford Pinto vs. the Yugo.
The stories in the second and third films take a serious nose dive, and I cannot imagine the director not being taken over by alcoholism during and after filming. It seemed the actors weren't given a script but told limited facts about what was expected and really winged it, including the dialog.
Moving on, we hit the worst road block in the series, "The NEXT Karate Kid". If you've got the time, don't. Take the money you would spend on a rental or purchase, and just light it on fire.
Now... the most recent of the series, was released this year. The film stars the son of Will Smith, Jaden Smith. Jaden shows us a bit of what is to come in this film. His screen presence is already elevated, and with the help of Jackie Chan, provide a solid film. I don't think the film has succeeded more than average expectations but it did prove entertaining. Jackie Chan isn't known for his acting ability, but he reveals a sign of it's existence in the film. Chan still provides with Chan-like energy in his choreography while leaving out the Chan hour of comedy.
The film didn't finish well, in fact the ending was the most sour portion of the film. If the ending had delivered, I think it could have projected the film to eye level or higher than the original Karate Kid. At the end of the day, it was a remake, a remake to an already successful and still relevant film, expectations are higher for remakes, and this remade story wasn't presented well enough to justify itself.
"The Karate Kid"
7 / 10
"The Karate Kid II"
3.5 / 10
"Karate Kid III"
4.5 / 10
"Karate Kid" (2010)
6.5 / 10
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"The Next Karate Kid"
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