Disclaimer: Contains spoilers!
Plot Summary: A bullied teen befriends an old man who teaches him karate in order to become the best around!
Review: It's time now to go over "The Karate Kid" franchise in all its glory (of love). I don't think my views on each film will come as much of a shock since the general consensus on each sequel is fairly accurate. It should also go without saying this is the best of the five films and is a rightful '80s icon; I find myself quoting lines often--sometimes without realizing it--and it's one of those movies you have memorized from how many times you end up seeing it in your life. However, as much as I love this movie, you need a certain understanding and appreciation of the era or this will come off oh so corny. Okay, let's have a little look-see, shall we?
The best part of this film is most certainly the relationship and character dynamics between Daniel and Mr. Miyagi, played by Ralph Macchio and Pat Morita respectfully. The kind of friendship they form, almost father/son-esque, is not something we often get to see especially considering the difference in their age, culture, and life perspectives. The two have a good chemistry together as Daniel helps Miyagi become less of a recluse and Miyagi helps Daniel stop being a little bitch; watching the two bond together along with Daniel becoming Miyagi's student and protege is endearing. At the same time, the audience can relate to Daniel, because he's just a regular kid trying to finish high school after moving away from all his friends. The only aspect I wish they focused on more was Daniel's mom reacting to Miyagi...it's like she's grateful but absent from the equation half the time. The secondary characters complement the story well with the luscious Elisabeth Shue playing Daniel's, sort of, girlfriend, Ali (with an 'i'), and of course the Cobra Kais as the bullies. The story is entertaining what with Daniel getting his ass kicked multiple times until Miyagi intervenes and decides to teach him karate in the most roundabout way imaginable; yeah, I'm sure Danny-boy waxing off was second nature at that point. I never understood, if Miyagi had such a badass house, why is he living at the apartment complex with Daniel? Anyway, watching Daniel learn to fight is cheesy, but it somehow works because of the '80s magic. By the time Daniel enters the tournament to fight the bullies, the movie shifts into overdrive of pure schlock...but in the best of ways of course! I mean, you knew Daniel was going to win, but it's still satisfying to watch the Cobra Kais get their comeuppance. Though, to be fair, I'd say Danny-boy would be dead in a heartbeat if the fights weren't controlled with refs.
There's a lot to love with this surprise hit. The music is awesome, the story is satisfying, there are genuinely humorous moments, the characters are interesting, and you simply feel this sense of entertainment the whole way through without noticing how long the movie is. Yes, the film can come off lame at times, but that's half the charm; if only the rest of the franchise could have maintained this charm. I have my own criticisms, like Ali's friends not dying, but most of the problems are minor aspects that hardly influence the overall experience. This movie is definitely a certified classic and everyone should check it out. It's not groundbreaking but I think calling it a crowd-pleaser, as critics have, is the best way to sum up "The Karate Kid."
Notable Moment: When Daniel does the infamous crane kick to win the tournament. The entire scene is ripe for parody due to its overwhelming awesomeness. You've got that line from the screaming extra about Johnny being a cream puff, "sweep the leg," and so much more! What's not to love?
Final Rating: 8/10
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