152 reviews
This is one of those harmless sequels that seems to draw unnecessary ire. This is a "rip-off" sequel, but the cast plays it well, and it's true to its formula. Michael Ironside is a fine villain. And Hillary Swank, who went on to win a Best Actress Oscar, shows sparkle and potential in the lead. There are many worse movies to rent to watch with your niece. My score -- 6/10.
- aromatic-2
- Jan 7, 2001
- Permalink
I really didn't think The Next Karate Kid was THAT bad. Flawed yes, but it is not terrible I don't think.
As I have said, the film does have its flaws. The story is quite predictable and formulaic, though in its defence, the story wasn't necessarily a strong point in the previous three either. Second, the script has its weak spots, it did have its moments such as with Miyagi's humour. Third, there are some unrealistic moments here, the ending especially. Fourth, it isn't as efficiently paced as the first or third films.
However, it is nicely filmed, the cinematography is good and the scenery is very nice. The soundtrack is pleasant, and the karate is good. The direction is good enough, and the characters are still at least engaging. The acting is decent, Hilary Swank is a worthy replacement for Ralph Macchio, while Pat Morita elevates this movie to a better level acting who is arguably the best character of the film and giving a strong performance in the process.
Overall, it was pretty decent, and better than its reputation. It could have been better, but I have seen much worse movies. 6/10 Bethany Cox
As I have said, the film does have its flaws. The story is quite predictable and formulaic, though in its defence, the story wasn't necessarily a strong point in the previous three either. Second, the script has its weak spots, it did have its moments such as with Miyagi's humour. Third, there are some unrealistic moments here, the ending especially. Fourth, it isn't as efficiently paced as the first or third films.
However, it is nicely filmed, the cinematography is good and the scenery is very nice. The soundtrack is pleasant, and the karate is good. The direction is good enough, and the characters are still at least engaging. The acting is decent, Hilary Swank is a worthy replacement for Ralph Macchio, while Pat Morita elevates this movie to a better level acting who is arguably the best character of the film and giving a strong performance in the process.
Overall, it was pretty decent, and better than its reputation. It could have been better, but I have seen much worse movies. 6/10 Bethany Cox
- TheLittleSongbird
- Jul 12, 2010
- Permalink
When I first saw this movie it was playing on TV. I almost didn't watch it because really could it be any better than the original. I decided to give it a try anyways. After watching it, I really enjoyed it. It was really cheesy but other parts were enjoyable and funny.
Miyagi is great as usual, which is the main reason I even bothered to watch the movie in the first place. I've always loved his character. This movie is worth at least a one-time viewing if you really liked the Karate Kid movies. It's fine for what it is. It's not the greatest movie in the world but definitely something you could enjoy on a nice rainy day with the kids.
Hillary Swank did a pretty good job too. This movie brought Hillary to the forefront and was a good jumping off point. She did the best she could with a not so great plot.
Miyagi is great as usual, which is the main reason I even bothered to watch the movie in the first place. I've always loved his character. This movie is worth at least a one-time viewing if you really liked the Karate Kid movies. It's fine for what it is. It's not the greatest movie in the world but definitely something you could enjoy on a nice rainy day with the kids.
Hillary Swank did a pretty good job too. This movie brought Hillary to the forefront and was a good jumping off point. She did the best she could with a not so great plot.
- georgeford-17947
- Oct 12, 2015
- Permalink
- callanvass
- Jan 23, 2011
- Permalink
Strange, utterly needless sequel has Pat Morita returning one last time as Mr. Miyagi. Set several years after Part III, Daniel is off on his own, leaving Miyagi free to instruct another troubled teenager, this time a woman, played by Hillary Swank, who is the granddaughter of his old commanding officer, who is being terrorized in her school by(you guessed it!) bullying martial arts/military cadet students(led by the dependable Michael Ironside) Plot is utterly predictable and uninspired; Miyagi's story was tied to Daniel's so having him instruct this girl is incongruous; it just didn't involve the viewer. Though not as silly as Part III, this is still not credible either, and marks an unfitting end to a story best left alone.
- AaronCapenBanner
- Aug 31, 2013
- Permalink
I thought this movie was going to be a disgrace to the series. After all, part 3 didn't measure up to part 2, and this one doesn't have Daniel Sawn. Miyagi's humour wasn't quite as witty in this one as in part 3, but it was funny enough to make the movie worth watching.
The girl's part was pretty good. She's a lost teenager who needs direction. I find the plot a little hard to believe. That the aunt would simply agree to leave her home and her niece under the care of Mr. Miyagi, a man she just met. Of course, he was a friend of her brother.
I did appreciate the monastery. One might think from some of my other reviews that I wouldn't have liked the dancing monks, but I thought it was amusing. It showed that they know how to have some fun. Now if these were monks in ancient China dancing to pop-music, that would have been another matter.
Probably the most intelligent part of the movie was when the girl thought it was stupid that the monks wouldn't kill a bug. Miyagi told her that street gangs killing each other is stupid, nations trying to destroy each other is stupid, but having respect for all life is not stupid. Miyagi has expressed such wisdom in the other films as well.
I give this movie a 4 out of 10. Sure, there were some things I liked about it. It wasn't as funny as part three, and no character could ever live up to Sato in part 2. This movie has no re-watch value. I can't imagine watching it again, but it is worth seeing once.
The girl's part was pretty good. She's a lost teenager who needs direction. I find the plot a little hard to believe. That the aunt would simply agree to leave her home and her niece under the care of Mr. Miyagi, a man she just met. Of course, he was a friend of her brother.
I did appreciate the monastery. One might think from some of my other reviews that I wouldn't have liked the dancing monks, but I thought it was amusing. It showed that they know how to have some fun. Now if these were monks in ancient China dancing to pop-music, that would have been another matter.
Probably the most intelligent part of the movie was when the girl thought it was stupid that the monks wouldn't kill a bug. Miyagi told her that street gangs killing each other is stupid, nations trying to destroy each other is stupid, but having respect for all life is not stupid. Miyagi has expressed such wisdom in the other films as well.
I give this movie a 4 out of 10. Sure, there were some things I liked about it. It wasn't as funny as part three, and no character could ever live up to Sato in part 2. This movie has no re-watch value. I can't imagine watching it again, but it is worth seeing once.
I cant believe that some people gave this such high marks! First off, I have a hard time believing that this group of thugs would be allowed to go around tormenting students, and sexually harassing girls. The principal OVERHEARS the head thug bullying Julie into meeting him "at the docks...most girls have to BEG me for an invitation, and you're turning Me down?!?!" Yet, even though he OVERHEARS this and SEES the girl trying to pull herself away from this dork, the Principal STILL sends HER to the office?!? Yea, right. You cant tell me she is the FIRST girl he has tormented, and you cant tell me that no girls went home and told their parents.
It appears that the football coach (?) has his own private gang/ army and he allows them, encourages even, to torture others. He says "If a student throws a piece of paper on the floor, you make them eat it" Yea, RIGHT! This gang walks the halls together, dressed like a bunch of 1950 throw-back thugs, in their tight jeans and tight, matching black t-shirts, and black leather belts. GET REAL! And apparently, they also have the right to wander the halls of the school in the middle of the night. No parent would put up with this crap going on in their child's school. If MY kid came home, told me this crap was going on, you can bet Id be on the phone with state superintendent.
The coach (?) beats up his students outside, on the field, in broad daylight. This is okay? My FAVORITE, though, was the coach telling his "gang" to blow up that dudes car.This whole thing was a joke. The thug busts out the guys windows on prom night and says "MEET ME AT THE DOCKS" OK, see, Id go inside Julies house, pick up the phone, call the cops and SAY" Some crazy dude in a jeep just busted out my windows and told me to meet him at the docks if I was brave enough" Then, let the cops go to the docks and find his jeep, and arrest his butt. This movie was just lame.
It appears that the football coach (?) has his own private gang/ army and he allows them, encourages even, to torture others. He says "If a student throws a piece of paper on the floor, you make them eat it" Yea, RIGHT! This gang walks the halls together, dressed like a bunch of 1950 throw-back thugs, in their tight jeans and tight, matching black t-shirts, and black leather belts. GET REAL! And apparently, they also have the right to wander the halls of the school in the middle of the night. No parent would put up with this crap going on in their child's school. If MY kid came home, told me this crap was going on, you can bet Id be on the phone with state superintendent.
The coach (?) beats up his students outside, on the field, in broad daylight. This is okay? My FAVORITE, though, was the coach telling his "gang" to blow up that dudes car.This whole thing was a joke. The thug busts out the guys windows on prom night and says "MEET ME AT THE DOCKS" OK, see, Id go inside Julies house, pick up the phone, call the cops and SAY" Some crazy dude in a jeep just busted out my windows and told me to meet him at the docks if I was brave enough" Then, let the cops go to the docks and find his jeep, and arrest his butt. This movie was just lame.
- jana_obrien
- Jun 11, 2011
- Permalink
"The Next Karate Kid" is not a very impressive film. However, it introduces a young actress named Hilary Swank to the mainstream audience. Amazingly, just five short years after this film Swank would be holding the Oscar for her gender-bending role in "Boys Don't Cry". In this film she takes Macchio's role and does an admirable job even though the material is just not there. 2.5 out of 5 stars.
While I totally objected to this chapter ever being made, at least it had a young Hilary Swank (I seem to be her only male fan). While this film was kind of hokie and predictable, at least it accurately portrayed the horrors of men trying to shop for women. Pat Morita's performance in that scene alone was priceless. While this proved to be nothing more than a spin-off grasping at straws, at least no one completely embarrassed themselves. Also, where the heck was Ralph Macchio! Couldn't he have made a guest appearance. It's not like he had anything to do at the time.
Here is introduced a new kid , girl , with the subsequently two times Oscarized Hilary Swank . This is an entertaining and fun martial arts movie with the intimate Pat Morita (his final appearance as Keisake Miyagi) , and , as always , the show belongs to Noriyuki-Miyagi . The story deals with a troublesome teenager named Julie (a newcomer Hilary Swank) , thanks to Miyagi she learns that Karate is her salvation , as she battles an evil nemesis , facing off a violent young group trained by an expert fighter (Michael Ironside) . Along the way, the Japanese Miyagi (Noriyuki, Pat Morita) born in Okinawa teaches his martial arts and to combat at a Zen temple along with some sympathetic monks . Meanwhile , Julie falls in love with a friendly youngster (Chris Conrad) .
This enjoyable movie , a sort of female junior version of 'Rocky' , develops a sincere and deep friendship between two protagonists , the rookie young girl and the wise old man . Using more than her fists , Julie learns about herself and the sense of life . Agreeable and likable acting by main actors : Pat Morita and Hilary Swank . Furthermore , it appears as secondaries , the ordinary baddie : Michael Ironside , and the veteran Constance Towers who formerly worked in various films directed by John Ford . The picture contains adequate cinematography by Laszlo Kovacs and long-standing musical score , though with some disco-music , by composer Bill Conti , trilogy's usual , who composed Rocky saga as well. This feel-good message picture was professionally directed by Christopher Cain , though John G. Avildsen was originally slated to shhot his fourth Karate Kid film , but he dropped out in order to make 8 seconds (1994) . The three previous films , all of them produced by Jerry Weintraub and directed by John G Avildsen , are the following ones : original ¨Karate Kid I (1984¨) in which are presented the classic characters : Ralph Macchio and Pat Morita , ¨Karate Kid II (1986)¨ where the protagonists travel to Okinawa and ¨Karate Kid III (1989)¨ where Daniel again battling nasty enemies . Finally , this ¨The Next Karate Kid (1994)¨, rating : acceptable and passable sequel , worthwhile seeing . This heartwarming will appeal to Karate Kid trilogy fans .
This enjoyable movie , a sort of female junior version of 'Rocky' , develops a sincere and deep friendship between two protagonists , the rookie young girl and the wise old man . Using more than her fists , Julie learns about herself and the sense of life . Agreeable and likable acting by main actors : Pat Morita and Hilary Swank . Furthermore , it appears as secondaries , the ordinary baddie : Michael Ironside , and the veteran Constance Towers who formerly worked in various films directed by John Ford . The picture contains adequate cinematography by Laszlo Kovacs and long-standing musical score , though with some disco-music , by composer Bill Conti , trilogy's usual , who composed Rocky saga as well. This feel-good message picture was professionally directed by Christopher Cain , though John G. Avildsen was originally slated to shhot his fourth Karate Kid film , but he dropped out in order to make 8 seconds (1994) . The three previous films , all of them produced by Jerry Weintraub and directed by John G Avildsen , are the following ones : original ¨Karate Kid I (1984¨) in which are presented the classic characters : Ralph Macchio and Pat Morita , ¨Karate Kid II (1986)¨ where the protagonists travel to Okinawa and ¨Karate Kid III (1989)¨ where Daniel again battling nasty enemies . Finally , this ¨The Next Karate Kid (1994)¨, rating : acceptable and passable sequel , worthwhile seeing . This heartwarming will appeal to Karate Kid trilogy fans .
This movie is very bad. First of all the acting is awful. I mean the first 3 movies had cheesy acting and some cheesy moments, but this movie has got to have some of the worst acting in film history. The main character played by Hillary Swank is the worst. her expositions and line delivery is so bad and off that it makes the movie hard to watch. Also the villains are horrible as well. The villains in the 3rd movie were bad too but in this movie they are so over the top and unrealistic that you simply can't take them seriously. The evil teacher in this movie played by Michael Ironside is WAY to over the top. They make him straight up evil. Anyways, the movies plot is lame, the acting sucks, the characters are terrible,and the film is unnecessary and pointless. Don't watch this garbage.
- peelboy1000
- Aug 30, 2015
- Permalink
Personally i have seen this movie about half a dozen times.I think it is great.Do not get me wrong,in my humble opinion the original karate kid(1984)with Ralph Macchio was better but Hilary Swank gets the job done nevertheless.An exciting story,a lot of action,a little bit of drama and sentimentality when it was required and exceptional acting;What is not to love?All that hate does not make any sense.Someone who liked the first movie should like this one too and even if you were not a big fan of the first movie you absolutely have to give it a try.Mr Miyagki for once more turns out to be an excellent teacher that every (karate)kid would want to have.
This is a must see and it goes in my personal top 25 movies.
This is a must see and it goes in my personal top 25 movies.
- Chamilakisgeorgios
- Apr 20, 2014
- Permalink
In a few ways this movie isn't too bad, the acting is cheesy but decent enough, the characters are well developed, and good cinematography. But... there is literally no plot, it's just a bunch of random storylines. Not to mention these senior boys look like they're about 30.
- Calicodreamin
- Nov 7, 2020
- Permalink
This is a really bad movie. First, it is supposed to follow other parts of Karate Kid with ideas, action and energy. However, the only action we get happens in the last 7 minutes of the movie. Everything else is more a "drama" genre, about a spoiled and angry clichéd teenage girl who is all about "you're ruining my life" and "leave me alone". When Mr. Miyagi says that "boys are easier" I would definitely agree that Daniel-san was much more sophisticated and simple. However, this girl is actually a terrible paradigm of a teenage girl. We watch her little arguments, school problems, etc. and poor Miyagi trying to teach her to be as sophisticated as his former student. Had there not been Mr. Miyagi in this movie, it would be a complete disaster. With him, it is a little bit better. The chemistry and energy from the first part completely disappeared in this movie. The girl does not have the charm nor the energy of Daniel-san. Therefore, while I gave the first part a 10, I give this movie a 3. (Without Mr. Miyagi it would be between 1 and 2.)
- ak-fortuna91
- Jan 25, 2014
- Permalink
After several referrals from friends and hearing their incessant quoting, I decided to see this film. I grew up with the Macchio movies, but never had the pleasure of watching this train wreck of a movie.
We meet Swank's character, and with no regard for subtlety, we learn her story: teenage girl, parents died, mad at life, no respect, looks like a dude. To show her defiance, she sneaks out a lot. Where does she go? That's right. Swank visits an injured hawk on the top of her school building that she feeds raw meat to every other day. Genius.
Jester from Top Gun is the Faux Cobra Kai's sensai. It's depressing to watch Michael Ironside's career take a nose dive (get it) with each of his scenes. "Absolutely." The FBK is pretty ridiculous. Somehow they get away with trespassing, vandalism, arson, property damage and assault because they are some sort of pseudo-ROTC. And what was with the prom-night bungee-jump scene? The love connection between the two homosexuals (Swank and Conrad) is entertaining. As is the first fight scene at the gas station. Miyagi taming a vicious Doberman, and the owner of the dog picking a fight with him because of it? . And of course, watching Swank perform Karate moves is nothing short of hysterical.
Best Line of the Movie: Miyagi explains to Swank, "Your Grandpa saved Miyagi life... a long time ago... so Miyagi tried to say thank you... teach him karate. He love Karate. He teach your father. Your father teach you." To which Swank replies, "And then they died. Everybody died." Awesome. It was this scene and the delivery of that line that I learned the real range of Swank's talents. I also projected what I was drinking out of my mouth across the room. How this was the jump-off to Swank's career, I have no idea.
It's just sad this movie was the last thing we will remember from Pat Morita's acting career. I understand he needed the money, but this is a travesty towards his memory. RIP, Morita. We forgive you.
We meet Swank's character, and with no regard for subtlety, we learn her story: teenage girl, parents died, mad at life, no respect, looks like a dude. To show her defiance, she sneaks out a lot. Where does she go? That's right. Swank visits an injured hawk on the top of her school building that she feeds raw meat to every other day. Genius.
Jester from Top Gun is the Faux Cobra Kai's sensai. It's depressing to watch Michael Ironside's career take a nose dive (get it) with each of his scenes. "Absolutely." The FBK is pretty ridiculous. Somehow they get away with trespassing, vandalism, arson, property damage and assault because they are some sort of pseudo-ROTC. And what was with the prom-night bungee-jump scene? The love connection between the two homosexuals (Swank and Conrad) is entertaining. As is the first fight scene at the gas station. Miyagi taming a vicious Doberman, and the owner of the dog picking a fight with him because of it? . And of course, watching Swank perform Karate moves is nothing short of hysterical.
Best Line of the Movie: Miyagi explains to Swank, "Your Grandpa saved Miyagi life... a long time ago... so Miyagi tried to say thank you... teach him karate. He love Karate. He teach your father. Your father teach you." To which Swank replies, "And then they died. Everybody died." Awesome. It was this scene and the delivery of that line that I learned the real range of Swank's talents. I also projected what I was drinking out of my mouth across the room. How this was the jump-off to Swank's career, I have no idea.
It's just sad this movie was the last thing we will remember from Pat Morita's acting career. I understand he needed the money, but this is a travesty towards his memory. RIP, Morita. We forgive you.
- jmderham-1
- Aug 24, 2010
- Permalink
The 4th and final karate kid film with Mr Miyagi is by far the worst. It's only notable for being one of Hillary Swank's first films and the brilliant Pat Morita, everything else in this film is terrible and even Hillary Swank's performance is fairly bad compared to her others.
The villains are terrible and one dimensional, the villains in the Ralph Macchio trilogy are far superior and more fun, in this they're just cruel and have no character. The fights aren't very exciting either and lack the cinematography and music of the originals, however there are some notable moments such as the final fight whilst not great is ok and has high stakes and the chase through the school was rather tense. The music is decent too, but not enough to save the film.
3/10: Total rubbish, probably worth a skip.
The villains are terrible and one dimensional, the villains in the Ralph Macchio trilogy are far superior and more fun, in this they're just cruel and have no character. The fights aren't very exciting either and lack the cinematography and music of the originals, however there are some notable moments such as the final fight whilst not great is ok and has high stakes and the chase through the school was rather tense. The music is decent too, but not enough to save the film.
3/10: Total rubbish, probably worth a skip.
- Hayden-86055
- Nov 17, 2020
- Permalink
I really like this movie and find it to be underrated. I like that this movie had new dynamic in some ways.
Hilary Swank was really good as Julie. She portrayed a troubled adolescent really well and has an interesting relationship with Mr. Miyagi. Pat Morita is his usual amazing self.
Eric made for a pretty cool supporting character and a nice love interest for Julie. I also loved getting to know Miyagi's friends.
The training scenes and fight at the end were pretty well done. "You Gotta Be" by Des'ree is a fantastic song, too.
The movie was not without it's silly moments and questionable elements of the plot, but overall I enjoyed it. Like I said, I found it refreshing that they tried something new with this.
I wouldn't say it's anywhere near as good as the original Karate Kid or Part II, but I enjoyed it more than part III.
RATING: B
Hilary Swank was really good as Julie. She portrayed a troubled adolescent really well and has an interesting relationship with Mr. Miyagi. Pat Morita is his usual amazing self.
Eric made for a pretty cool supporting character and a nice love interest for Julie. I also loved getting to know Miyagi's friends.
The training scenes and fight at the end were pretty well done. "You Gotta Be" by Des'ree is a fantastic song, too.
The movie was not without it's silly moments and questionable elements of the plot, but overall I enjoyed it. Like I said, I found it refreshing that they tried something new with this.
I wouldn't say it's anywhere near as good as the original Karate Kid or Part II, but I enjoyed it more than part III.
RATING: B
- carologletree
- Jan 9, 2016
- Permalink
i am a big fan of the 1st three, even the 3rd one had its good qualities, but there is nothing good about this movie i can say , i am shocked pat Morita did this movie, the story and acting is laughable , the plot makes no sense , the jade smith one is better than this, I'm sorry to say this is a karate kid movie, thank god they didn't make another, i feel like someone used a crane kick on my head after watching it , if i could give it a zero i would. I am so sorry pat that you did this.
Okay this movie doesn't touch the original three and it's not a masterpiece but it's tolerable and there is enjoyment to be found. I'm the biggest fan there is of the original 3, but this movie isn't quite as bad as they say.
- landenmeadors
- Jul 15, 2020
- Permalink
This film is so bad. I mean, who commissions this stuff? And the costume designer deserves an award for making everyone look like they had just stepped out of 1983. A bloke puts a female wig on and fights....nuff said.
I have seen this before. Pat Moriata is not bad, but it doesn't seem to help that all the actors suck. Even the main lead.
I have a feeling that an evil teacher acted that way in the real world, he would be arrested. The first was great, second was ok, remake not bad. This I would skip
I have a feeling that an evil teacher acted that way in the real world, he would be arrested. The first was great, second was ok, remake not bad. This I would skip
- princessstrickland21
- Jan 4, 2019
- Permalink