Karate Kid II

IMDB Rating: 5.9/10

MY Rating: C+
Re-Watch Value: B
Music Rating: B-

First Viewed: Home

Honestly, it has been awhile since I actually watched all Karate Kid movies and with the new sequel out "Cobra Kai"(which I have not seen as of yet) this movie is quite enjoyable. If I remember correctly. watching this when I was younger, I quite remembered it to be awful, unentertaining, and unacceptable. Now with a huge appreciation to Japanese historical culture, pop culture, collectables, food, manga, and animation, this second sequel to the Karate Kid movie gives us a sense of historical and cultural exposure and lesson of what Japan was at least like(I mean it is still a movie) during the late 70s and early 80s. This movie unfortunately still has the ridiculous and unbelievable slow fighting scenes that you can tell was rehearsed as well as the corny acting by Ralph Macchio who plays Daniel Larusso. But the countering effect to the weak part of this movie is saved by the acting and the wise scripting lines of Pat Morita(passed away in 2005) who plays that Yoda figure Mr. Miyagi. It's his incredible acting, and the story of Mr. Miyagi that makes you cheer for him, cry for him and laugh with him. If the first three movies of the Karate Kid made Miyagi as the main protagonist and character and NOT Daniel Larusso, the culture and the balance of this movie would've changed for the better. Honestly, Pat Morita showed us his most magnificent and awe-inspiring acting ability and deserved winning the 1985 Best Supporting Actor Oscar Award. And just like Star Wars Empire Strikes Back as my favorite 2nd sequel movie to the original, this the Karate Kid II is my favorite of the three.



Oh, and may I say of how incredible Bill Conti's score is for the Karate Kid movies with the use of the Japanese Bamboo Pan flute. Absolutely beautiful.