The Karate Kid (Special Edition)

Amazon.com

John G. Avildsen not only directed Rocky, he tried remaking it over the years in a dozen different ways. One of them was this popular 1984 drama about a new kid (Ralph Macchio) in town targeted by karate-wielding bullies until he gets a new mentor: the handyman (Pat Morita) from his apartment building, who teaches him self-confidence and fighting skills. The screen partnership of Macchio's motor-mouth character and Morita's reserved father figure works well, and the script allows for the younger man to develop sympathy for the painful memories of his teacher. But the film's real engine, as with Rocky, is the fighting, and there's plenty of that. Elisabeth Shue is on board as the girl the klutzy Macchio dreams of winning. --Tom Keogh

Description

A fatherless teenager faces his moment of truth in The Karate Kid. Daniel (Ralph Macchio) arrives in Los Angeles from the east coast and faces the difficult task of making new friends. However, he becomes the object of bullying by the Cobras, a menacing gang of karate students, when he strikes up a relationship with Ali (Elisabeth Shue), the Cobra leader's ex-girlfriend. Eager to fight back and impress his new girlfriend but afraid to confront the dangerous gang, Daniel asks his handyman Miyagi (Noriyuki 'Pat' Morita), whom he learns is a master of the martial arts, to teach him karate. Miyagi teaches Daniel that karate is a mastery over the self, mind, and body and that fighting is always the last answer to a problem. Under Miyagi's guidance, Daniel develops not only physical skills but also the faith and self-confidence to compete despite tremendous odds as he encounters the fight of his life in the exciting finale to this entertaining film.

Customer Reviews:

Entertainment for the whole family.......2007-09-13

As a mother of boys, I am always looking out for movies about boys that will hold interest and give a positive theme. The Karate Kid is just perfect! It has a few curse words, but they ARE few. My boys range from 15 years to 6 years, and they all stayed with this one. Yes, the cheesy 80's styles and music were good for a chuckle or two, but otherwise the message is timeless. Enjoy!!
Note: My boys enjoyed the second one aw well...

Even after all these years..........2007-08-23

I loved this movie when I was a little kid and even after watching it after all this time it's still awesome. You're still rooting for Daniel to win and kick [...] and he does it! I ran around the house for days (when I was younger) doing the crane after first watching the movie. It's just classic.

Best of the bunch.......2007-08-01

The sequels were enjoyable for those who watched the original but by itself, the first is just better and more of a gem-Like Rocky movies. ''Pat'' Morita shines in this role which he's best known for around the world. Starting out a sobering and harsh figure, intimidating even as a short old man to Daniel, the young kid/fish out of water. Being bullied by the punk kids who rule the highschool and are karate experts at a local fancy dojo/martial arts school, Daniel gets Mr. Miyagi to teach him how to defend himself against his preppy but still dangerous classmates. He does this in exchange for helping the old man with his extreme makeover home edition. This leads to one of the most memorable lines of all the 80s movies. ''Wax on, Wax off''. Not to be a spoiler but after Daniel is seemingly beeing taken advantage of after hours and hours of hard labor and blowing up at the old man, intimidated as he was by him, he is in for a real surprise. The chores were all part of the training and he's now no longer defenseless. It's a cute idea that when you see for yourself comes across as natural and realistic. Good stuff Maynardsan. Now the two have a genuine bond and the movie plays out with two characters and actors that play off of each other almost like they'd worked together in some karate kid play for years. There are a lot of teacher/student karate flicks but this one was high quality, good sense of humor, good characters, good willed and like many say, a surprisingly good story to go along with the kicking and punching. Pat Morita is definitely doing a great acting job since he's far from the stern figure that Mr. Miyagi is-stern especially in the beginning of this first movie. This man was a comic in real life you know. Friends said that he played Mr. Miyagi partly based off of his own father and other people he knew of japanese descent from his dad's generation. Reportedly, his older brother saw the movie and teared up saying ''that's papa up there.'' Great actors, great script, great production. Is it on the hokey side looking back on it over twenty years later? Yeah, sure when compared to the sarcastic self-parodying stuff our tastes lean towards now...But so what? This really is one of those movies you can dig out from time to time and watch over again.

MUCH BETTER THEN YOU WOULD THINK!.......2007-08-01

I hadn't seen this film in 20 years and I am amazed at how well it has held up! Macchio and Morita give excellent performances in this "Rocky" type underdog movie for kids. The thing is, it isn't really just for kids!The uplifting story and acting ring true to anyone who was ever a "new kid" or picked on. It has made me want to re-visit the whole series!....Here we go again!

"You remember lesson about balance? Lesson not just karate only. Lesson for all life.".......2007-07-27

In 1984 Columbia Pictures released one of the best teen movies of all time. These days "teen movie" has come to imply a brainless flick about brainless characters working their way through a brainless script. (Eurotrip, anyone?) We may call The Karate Kid a teen movie only in the sense that most of its characters are teens, the concerns it addresses resonate especially strongly with the young, and yes, it has a powerful message for those approaching adulthood.

Daniel LaRusso (Ralph Macchio) has just moved from New Jersey to California's San Fernando Valley. Almost immediately he falls for rich girl Ali (and considering Ali is played by a 20-year old Elisabeth Shue, who can blame him) which brings him into conflict with a group of bad boy karate students, primarily Ali's ex-boyfriend Johnny, leading to a series of bad beatings for Daniel. As Daniel pithily sums things up, "Problem is, I'm getting my ass kicked every other day." In the real world, police would probably be called and assault charges pressed after some of the stuff these guys pull, but Daniel, young though he is, has that whole manly man, New Jersey tough guy I-don't-narc thing going, so that's a non-option.

One night during a particularly brutal beating, Daniel is rescued and his attackers soundly thrashed by an apparently unlikely savior: the middle-aged Okinawan maintenance man at Daniel's apartment complex, Mr. Miyagi. Miyagi works a deal with the karate student's arrogant, overbearing sensei: his students will lay off Daniel until a karate tournament two months hence, at which time Daniel will face them in the ring.

This leads to some of the most fondly remembered scenes, and unforgettable imagery and dialogue, in the movie as Miyagi begins to teach Daniel unarmed combat skills under the guise of household maintenance chores. "Wax on, wax off" immediately and indelibly worked itself into American pop culture. This has persisted into the 21st Century. Today, and perhaps forever, even people who've never seen this film recognize "Wax on, wax off" and "Mr. Miyagi" has become shorthand for a well-intentioned and highly skilled though somewhat pedantic and obscure person.

What The Karate Kid has going for it, more than anything else, is the chemistry between its two leads. Ralph Macchio and Noriyuki "Pat" Morita both fully inhabit their roles, as a childless father and fatherless child find each other. (Though Daniel's absent father is never explained, I suspect divorce.) Macchio was 22 when he made this movie, believably playing a mid-teen, and showed immense presence and acting chops, by turns brave and scared, stubborn and decent, with a level of good looks and talent that should have led to a more successful career than he eventually had. Pat Morita as Mr. Miyagi is just wonderful, grumping, huffing, spouting aphorisms left and right, and just generally creating an endearing, absolutely unforgettable character. Elisabeth Shue as Ali is amazingly beautiful (and, 20-plus years later, as anyone who's seen Hide and Seek can attest, gives persuasive evidence for the existence of a Fountain of Youth) and her character so sweet and thoroughly decent it's believable Daniel would fight against immense odds to be with her.

The karate tournament sequence is thrilling, although, I do have to say, the less you know about how such events work in the real world the more you'll probably enjoy it. Writer Robert Mark Kamen either knew very little about such things or chose artistic license and drama over strict adherence to fact. For instance, as badly and visibly as Daniel was limping after his knee injury there's no way on God's green earth that tournament officials would have let him compete in the final bout against Johnny. As soon as Johnny did that elbow strike to Daniel's already injured knee, he would have been not only instantly disqualified from the match but banned from the sport entirely. And so on. In this sense we just have to suspend our disbelief and go for it.

Unlike the typical teen movie, The Karate Kid, without being preachy or overbearing, has many things to say. It's about the importance of family, and that we're not limited in family simply to that we're born into - we can CHOOSE our family. It's about finding the courage to stand up for ourselves, both morally and physically. It's about the power of self-discipline and love to prevail in a sometimes violent world.

The Karate Kid Collection (Four Film Set)

Average customer rating:

Great Buy
EVERYTHING Karate Kid! (eh, and then some)
gotta love it
for Karate Fans Only
Great

The Karate Kid Collection (Four Film Set)
Starring: Ralph Macchio , Pat Morita , Elisabeth Shue , Martin Kove , and Randee Heller
Director: John G. Avildsen
Manufacturer: Sony Pictures
ProductGroup: DVD
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ASIN: B0006OBPTA
Release Date: 2005-02-01

Amazon.com

A sizable hit with both teen audiences and sports-themed movie enthusiasts, 1984's The Karate Kid had the right combination of heart and action to spawn three sequels of varying quality between 1986 and 1994; all four features have been packaged together in this three-disc set. Though plot elements varied from film to film, the core story (and the series' greatest strength) remained the same--the relationship between a wise Japanese martial arts teacher (skillfully underplayed by comedian Pat Morita) and his young American student (Ralph Macchio in the first three films, and future Oscar winner Hilary Swank in the final entry, The Next Karate Kid). The first of the Morita/Macchio matchups remains the best of the four features, with excellent performances from both leads and director John G. Avildsen (who also handled Rocky and the first two Kid sequels) expertly balancing the emotional moments with the pure excitement of the martial arts tournament that serves as its finale.

The subsequent sequels with Macchio seemed pulpier (especially The Karate Kid, Part II, with its rekindled wartime romance subplot), and the inevitable come-from-behind competitions lacking the impact of the original; 1994's The Next Karate Kid (directed by Christopher Cain) put a slight spin on the formula by replacing Macchio with belligerent teen Swank, but it too seems like a retread of the first film. Still, the messages inherent to each film--finding one's inner strength, trusting your heart--should ring true to new generations of younger viewers. Fans may find the Collection light on supplemental features--while all four films are presented in anamorphic widescreen format, only the original (which was previously released in pan-and-scan only) offers commentary by Avildsen, Macchio and Morita and several making-of featurettes; the three sequels, packed into two discs, offer no extras. --Paul Gaita

Customer Reviews:

Great Buy.......2007-08-17

My two sons are very happy with the DVDs. One of my old time favorites and now one of their new time favorite.

EVERYTHING Karate Kid! (eh, and then some).......2007-08-14

When "Karate Kid" first showed up in theatres, "Ghostbusters" was right there in competition with it! My mom told my buddy and I that we had a choice of one or the other. Well, right away we said, "Ghostbusters!" We knew that the other movie was popular, but not this time. Well, a year or two after it was released, I spent the night at another friend's house, and "Karate Kid" was highly recommended. When my family moved, and Karate Kid II came to the theatres, we were in line for tickets! I always enjoyed it, and when I heard it was to be a box set, I decided to get the collection. Whether you get this for, "Wax on, wax off!", "Paint the fence.", "Finish him, Johnny!! Get him a body bag!", or whether you just enjoy Miyagi, it isn't disappointing. But there are setbacks. All in all, I thought it was indeed a 5 star collection. Here are the movies, with some brief thoughts.

The Karate Kid: Well, this is where it all begins! This is where Daniel moves with mother (Ma) from New Jersey to California. This is where a young man finds a mentor in an older maintenance man named Miyagi. This is the beginning of a confrontation between Daniel and a gang called Cobra Kai. This is where Daniel learns the Karate that Miyagi knows to love. The great thing about this is indeed the special features. Lots of cast and crew interviews, from a section dedicated to the music composed by Bill Conti. If this was the first movie you saw Pat Morita in, and you were only ten, were you fooled into thinking that he was a Karate expert, and not simply a comedian?! This is the beginning, and it is a classic!

Karate Kid II: I personally thought this was just as good and the original. Miyagi goes to Okinawa for his sick and dying father, and Daniel joins him. As the subtitle states, "The story continues," and Miyagi runs into an old foe, and Daniel confronts a whole new foe in the menacing nephew. Good story, lots of good stuff, great song by Peter Cetera to go along with it, (Glory of Love) and a movie that fans will love for years to come. Not as many special features, but still some good stuff.

Karate Kid III: Back from Okinawa, back in the States! Somebody is looking to get even with Daniel and Miyagi. A grudge match between masters is in the making, and Daniel faces a most ruthless opponent! If you are looking for lots of fights, III definitely dishes them out! By now, the ending is rather obvious. Consider this to be Daniel, with an even bigger attitude. Miyagi's lessons in this are beyond tournaments and trophies, and much more valuable. No real special features in this.

The Next Karate Kid: Out with Ralph Macchio, in with Hilary Swank. Yuck! Ok, it wasn't too terrible. But there was nothing classic about it. Nothing I care to remember about this one really. There are some interesting scenes, but they fade away rather quickly. As the credits roll, you simply say, "Oh well. That's that." And then you put it away. Not a total loss. No real special features.

But hey, this is your collection. You can take it or leave it! It does have everything you could possibly want (or not possibly want) as fare as Karate Kid goes. For the most part, I really enjoy this collection!

gotta love it.......2007-05-25

if you have never seen karate kid, part of your life is missing. just kidding. that's going a little far, but it is a a great set. the third wasn't as good as the first two though. the 4th, with hilary, is good, too.

for Karate Fans Only.......2007-03-26

In my opinion all the Karate Kid DVD Movies are filled with action and entertainment. I like the actor Ralph Macchio. Would recommend this series to anyone who appreciates Martial Arts.

Great.......2007-03-08

Most enjoyable - the old good always prevails theme presented in a very entertaining way.

Average customer rating:

KARATE KID PART 2 IN NOT DOO DOO!
rumble in Hokido
Best of the Karate Kid movies
Great Nostalgia
There's a reason....

The Karate Kid Part II
Starring: Ralph Macchio , Pat Morita , Pat E. Johnson , Bruce Malmuth , and Eddie Smith
Director: John G. Avildsen
Manufacturer: Sony Pictures
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ASIN: B00005JXY3
Release Date: 2001-07-10

Amazon.com

Literally picking up about five minutes after the conclusion of the 1984 The Karate Kid, this 1986 sequel, also directed by John G. Avildsen, sends Ralph Macchio's and Pat Morita's characters to the latter's home turf in Japan, where the older man is confronted by an old rival, and Macchio's newly confident fighter gets a tougher challenge than the punks back home. Sillier than its predecessor, this follow-up at least has some distracting soap opera elements in Morita's coming to terms with an old flame, while Macchio woos a lovely local girl. Ironically, it's the action that evokes laughter, particularly a climactic fight that gets over the top quickly. --Tom Keogh

Customer Reviews:

KARATE KID PART 2 IN NOT DOO DOO! .......2007-08-02

This is a pretty good sequel! It doesn't quite have the magic of the first film, but it does have a beautiful new setting in Okinawa. Macchio and Morita are great again in this "Rocky" type underdog movie. Like "Rocky" the sequels are kind of formula, but very watchable 3 1/2 stars!

rumble in Hokido.......2007-05-24

This was the second movie in the series to be released. It was made about two year after the first movie came out in the middle 1984. For those of you that did not see the first movie there is a briefy flash back lasting about 5 to ten minutes at the beginnig showing some of the footage from the first movie. Daniel travels to Onknowa were he gets involved in a brutal feud between mr Manyagie and his rivial who trained under his sick father. Shortly after the father dies of an illness the rivial and his sons due several nasty thins to presuade MR. Mayege to fight him. Finally after threaten to sell the land and destroy all the homes he excepts to fight him at midnight. Can Mr. Maygga make peace with his old nemisis and bring honor back to the Maygga family. There is also a special collector version of albums which contains the musice for all four films. However this cd limited edition set is super, super, super, rare only two copies are avilable on Amazon used and the selling price for these two copies is about 90 to 120 dollars with the shipping fee include. If you like this I recommend you buy the collection unless you want to by them seperately one at a time. I recommend you try not to get karate kids part III and part four one disk by themselve with out one and two becaue the cheaptest you can get the last two movies with out the first 2 movies is about $40. Will Daniel save the day again and resolve the feud find out in the thrilling conclusion.

Best of the Karate Kid movies.......2007-05-13

This was the only movie in this series I wanted on DVD. This movie is very
romantic, and the exotic setting just makes it even more enjoyable. I
actually liked the movie because of the romantic part of the story rather than the fight scenes. Great DVD!

Great Nostalgia.......2007-02-13

It really brings back some memories I had forgotten... It is a good film to watch. Sure there are some silly moments, but all in all, I rate this movie highly because of the introduction to Japanese Culture this movie provided to an entire American Generation.

There's a reason...........2005-12-20

There's a reason why this movie made more at the box office then the first one did and it's because this one got real. Daniel is no longer fighting for a title but for his life in this awesome squeal. This is my favorite out of the entire series cause it gets real and honest and has Daniel fighting for his life as his mentor prepares to fight for his. In this movie Daniel is left to find his own way basically as his mentor has some problems of his own this time around and this makes for a very interesting spin as Daniel suddenly finds that his mentor is not made of stone.

Average customer rating:

Turn On, Turn Off
HAM FISTED DIRECTION SINKS THIS ONE!
better than the second
bad acting
Sorry LaRusso...you lost... (Pt. 3 of 3)

The Karate Kid Part III
Starring: Ralph Macchio , Pat Morita , Robyn Lively , Thomas Ian Griffith , and Martin Kove
Director: John G. Avildsen
Manufacturer: Sony Pictures
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ASIN: B00005JXY4
Release Date: 2001-07-10

Customer Reviews:

Turn On, Turn Off.......2007-08-25

Turn this movie on with the left hand it won't take you long to turn it off with the right. I gave it 1 star, because I couldn't figure out how to give it none, this movie was joke, it is horrible, it has no plot, terrible acting, but no acting could've improved it. The story should've ended after the sequel it had nowhere to go. I thought the sequel was actually better than the first, It had more deeper story going into Miyagi's past and as opposed to being just about a tournament, this story was about life and death. Somehow in the third movie, Daniel went from the guy who beat Chosen a Japanese Karate master in a battle to the death, to someone who couldn't even stand in the ring with this karate student under 18 chap back home. This movie takes some credibility out of the saga, if they ended it with the sequel, it would be open to far less ridicule. Don Not watch it, even if you are a die hard.
The only enjoyable part was when Miyagi Kicked the crap out of all 3 guys at the dojo.

HAM FISTED DIRECTION SINKS THIS ONE! .......2007-08-03

Like the first sequel to the Karate Kid and the "Rocky" sequels I did not expect this to be an Oscar winner, but thought it would be enjoyable. This is not as good as the first two movies and I will have to watch the Next Karate Kid to decide if it is better than that one. The biggest problem with this installment is that the direction is so heavy handed it's like a sledgehammer to the face! I never thought I would get to use the term "ham fisted" in a review, but this is the perfect opportunity! The new villain in this movie should get the "Ham of the Year " award! I was able to get through it, but it was worse than I remembered. Morita saves the picture, but even he looks like he is sleepwalking through this mess. The DVD transfer looks good.

better than the second.......2007-05-24

some npoeple think this movie lack some of plot and action of the previous II films. Based on the movie I have watched so far. I would give it about about 3.5 with the music included. The evil master of the dodju from the first movie goes out of business as a result of loosing the first touranment ninths month prior to this movie. He comes up with a diabolical member of the cobra doja who save hisw life in Vietnam to get revenge. He offers a kid 50% of the profiuts for the stuff he is selling. The kids threaten and trashed the appartment to force Dannel to sign the dead. Will Dynal give in and will my Minya agree to train him again find out in the thrilling conclusion. This was the last moviue that Daniel was in made 1989 and the final and last film the next karate kid or karate kid part 4 which stared a young 17 year old girl as the main charcter was not be made until about 5 years after the release of the third movie in the middle of 1994. These movies have been on dvd a long time so there somewhat hard to find in local stores. I'm not sure how long number 3 and 4 have been out but I belived this year is about the sixth anniverrsary of the dvd release of Karte Kid part II whicm cam eout in middle of 2001. I got to go now it's around 11:15 PM. I have to go to bed early tonight sometime inbetween midnight and 2 am so I can get up around 7:00 tommorow other wise I might not get up in time to watch the brand new land before time TV series which just aired about a month ago on cartoon network.

bad acting.......2007-02-18

What kills me about this movie is the bad acting. Part 1 and 2 was good it fit it's time the mid 80's. By the time part 3 came out RM was too old to play that role and he acted like a dorky little pussey throughout the whole movie. How could daniel and miyagi been so stupid not to know they getting played just watch it you will see how naive they really were. This movie lacks alot imagination and there no sole to it. They could have used better acting or even have johnny come back and help Daniel get back at kreese. I don't know i first saw this in the movies, in 1988 i was disappointed then, and still am today. There just so much more of a twist to the story to keep you interested like i said Daniel La russo acted like a DORK BIG TIME.

Sorry LaRusso...you lost... (Pt. 3 of 3).......2005-12-16

What better way to end the saga of Daniel LaRusso than a final installment in `The Karate Kid Part III'. There was only one major problem...it was a great idea done terribly wrong. The story takes place right after Part II, where a sinister plot is hatched by the true villain of `The Karate Kid' saga, John Kreese. John pays a visit to Terry Silver, fellow soldier turned millionaire scumbag and loyal Cobra Kai. Kreese tells Terry of his downfall thanks to Daniel and Mr. Miyagi and Terry is more than willing to help his friend get his revenge. They hire a violent up and coming fighter named Mike Barnes to force Daniel to fight him for the All Valley Tournament title. Daniel is still true to the Miyagido style of karate and would rather spend his days helping Mr. Miyagi with their new business in Banzai trees. When Daniel is threatened under unavoidable circumstances, Terry jumps in to pose as a friend and teacher to Daniel. Learning a new more violent style of karate from Terry causes extreme tension between Daniel and Mr. Miyagi. For too long Miyagi taught Daniel that Karate was not about defending a title and Daniel is torn apart wondering why he has strayed from his friends teachings. No sooner when Daniel discovers that he was played for sap, Mr. Miyagi re-unites with Daniel not for revenge, but to prove the point that has been shown throughout the entire saga. One must be pure in heart and true to his honor in order to emerge a champion.

I gave this film a low rating because the movie as a whole did not live up to the plot. What knocks Part III down from the rest of the story is the sub par acting. `The Karate Kid Part III' comes off looking a lot like `3 Ninjas', with its cartoonish villainy and Ralph Macchio just whines too much. Not even the heavy use of adult language and the major role of John Kreese could save this movie. This movie could have been made much better because the premise of this story is quite good and it does work. I guess it was the staff, letting the movie going public know it was time to put an old dog to sleep. Unfortunately they didn't, but I'm not even going there. If you are a fan of `The Karate Kid' as a whole you will watch this movie more than once and really make an effort to enjoy it. Still, there will be a voice in the back of your mind saying...Sorry LaRusso...you lost this time.

Average customer rating:

BETTER THAN THE OTHER SEQUELS! ENJOYABLE!
Missing Something
I Wish I had Courage Like You!
I've got mixed feelings about this one
Who Says The Good Guy Has To Be A Guy?

The Next Karate Kid
Starring: Pat Morita , Hilary Swank , Michael Ironside , Constance Towers , and Chris Conrad (II)
Director: Christopher Cain
Manufacturer: Sony Pictures
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ASIN: B00005LK96
Release Date: 2001-08-28

Amazon.com

A vast improvement over its immediate predecessor, The Karate Kid III, this appealingly understated 1994 drama features a compelling performance by Hilary Swank, who would later win a Best Actress Oscar ^® for her work in Boys Don't Cry. Swank plays 17-year-old Julie Pierce, the recently orphaned and troubled granddaughter of an old war buddy of Miyagi Yakuga (Noriyuki "Pat" Morita, the lone holdover from the previous Karate Kid films). Harassed at school by adolescent boys under the sway of an evil coach (Michael Ironside), Julie reluctantly finds refuge in the calm teachings of Mr. Miyagi. While the film's violence is as contrived and silly as that of the other KK features, the script provides exotic compensations via a subplot set in a peaceful Buddhist monastery. Still, it's Morita's crafty professionalism and Swank's emotional authenticity that makes this film more watchable than anyone might have expected. --Tom Keogh

Customer Reviews:

BETTER THAN THE OTHER SEQUELS! ENJOYABLE!.......2007-08-04

This film just edged out Karate Kid part 2 as a better movie. Pat Morita and Hilary Swank(in an early role)do their best in this fairly good and enjoyable sequel. I would give it 3 1/2 stars. The DVD transfer looks very good. I found the box set for the price of the first film,so it was worth buying the set.

Missing Something.......2005-12-21

This movie was alright but it is seriously lacking something. I watched it when it came out on VHS and I kept on waiting for Daniel to show up or hell be mentioned but in this movie it was as though he never exsisted and isn't Daniel supposed to be living with his mentor in CA? So if this is the case and his mentor sent the grandmother to CA to his house shouldn't he have warned her about Daniel being there at least? They could have mentioned what happend to Daniel but in this movie they totally scratch him out and this movie is lacking because of it. Another thing is this movie doesn't touch the other three in any way shape or form. Pat Morita and Ralph Macchio had an on screen chemistry that you just couldn't denye was there and it made the movies all that much better but Pat and Hilary don't have that same chemisty that made Pat and Ralph such a great acting team and it shows in the movie. Also the other Karate Kid movies each have a theme to them especially the second one and this one leaves you with no theme what so ever except bullies always get what they deserve in the end which is a tad over done by this installment and the fight scene at the end is a little over done as I think they were aiming for the same affect they had in the Karate Kid II but they missed it by a long shot. Over all this movie is pretty good. Has some good moments but it should not have been a stand a lone movie all on its own in my opinion as it could have been much better then.

I Wish I had Courage Like You!.......2005-11-04

Can anyone who has seen The Next Karate Kid please explain to me the nature of the film's villains? The look like a professional security force, they act like a WWF tag-team, they tromp around school like they've got full diplomatic immunity...they even have a drill sergeant. In high school. I just don't get it.

Anyway, these guys don't like young Julie Pierce, so they terrorize her repeatedly - and they even come dangerously close to what we, nowadays, would call "rape." All Julie wants is to be left alone with her beloved crippled hawk (Kes?), godammit! Julie's well-intentioned grandmother is at the end of her granny-rope, so she enlists the aid of old family friend Mr. Miyagi. Given that this is now the fourth time we've met Mr. Miyagi, and we've never once seen him interact with a teenage girl, the viewer is left to wonder if this arrangement is such a grand idea. But wouldn't you know it? The brusque and bouncy Julie slowly warms up to the adorable Mr. Miyagi, and yadda yadda, etc.

To quote one of the wise sages who comment at the IMDb, The Next Karate Kid is "the pits." Hilary Swank must cringe whenever she sees the flick pop up on cable; indeed, she's the one thing that makes The Next Karate Kid worth seeing. Not because she gives a particularly excellent performance (although she's better than the material deserves), but because this is such a GOOFY movie. For no good reason the flick takes a 20-minute detour into a freakin' monastery, for cryin' out loud! Plus this is a film in which Mr. Miyagi goes shopping for a PROM DRESS! Gee, anyone think we're just blatantly pandering to the "other" demographic at this point? Then just wait till the Hi - larious scene in which Mr. Miyagi walks in on Julie while she's changing...and he almost sees her boobies! Never thought I'd say it but...where's Daniel-san these days? Surely he could still be in need of some wise advice.

Anyway, Julie gets a date, grows some confidence, and kicks the ass of head bully #1. Also there's Michael Ironside as an evil high school sergeant who is apparently invisible to cops. Miyagi helps kick his butt at the end.

I've got mixed feelings about this one.......2005-09-17

The Next Karate Kid (1994.) The fourth film in the Karate Kid series.

INTRODUCTION:
The Karate Kid was one of the greatest motion pictures of the eighties, no questions asked. The sequels to the film, while good, certainly lacked something in comparison to the original. There were three films in the series in the eighties. And then, in a rather odd and unexpected twist of fate, a fourth installment in the series came out of nowhere in the middle of then nineties. For the new installment, Ralph Macchio would not be returning. However, Pat Morita would be. How does this often forgotten film in the series go? To find out, keep reading.

OVERVIEW:
It's been several years since the classic Karate Kid films. Mr. Miyagi (Pat Morita) has taken a trip to Boston to meet with some Japanese-American war veterans, and while there stays with the widow of one of his deceased war buddies. He invites her to go and spend some time at his California house, and in the meantime stays in Boston with her granddaughter (Hilary Swank.) When this girl gets suspended from school, Miyagi begins teaching her karate, as a way of helping her deal with her problems. To make things worse, a new friend of hers at school is getting tormented by other guys from school led by a ruthless ex-military type (Michael Ironside.) The young heroine returns to school following her suspension, changed dramatically following Miyagi's teachings.

REVIEW:
I have very mixed feelings about this film. First of all, the good. The acting in this film is very good. Pat Morita's portrayal of Miyagi is excellent, as it always is. Hilary Swank does a good job in her role, and Michael Ironside is fantastic as Kreese's replacement in the series. Bill Conti once again does the orchestration for the film, and I shouldn't have to tell you he did it well again. But, of course, there are a ton of negatives too. This installment in the series wasn't necessary. By this time the series was getting a bit played out, and this really did nothing to revive or build on the series. And needless to say, without Ralph Macchio the series really loses something. Miyagi is the only character this film has that the old ones did. And as a whole, the plot seems rehashed. I personally think this movie would have been better without the Karate Kid name attached. The film also features considerably less action than its predecessors - It's obvious the creators were going for a more family-oriented movie this time around, and as such, it isn't as violent as other entries in this series. Final verdict? This is a good movie. Not great, not horrible - just an average movie. It's worth watching, but don't be expecting a masterpiece on the same level as the original film.

DVD:
The DVD release of this film is pretty lame. Filmographies, trailers, and some DVD-ROM stuff (which requires a computer) are the ONLY extras you get. Take my advice and get the Karate Kid Collection box set instead - it's a better value than buying the movies separately.

OVERALL:
Overall, I think I have made my feelings clear. They're mixed when it comes to this movie. For everywhere this movie succeeds, it fails somewhere else. What we have here is a totally average product. It's worth watching at least once, but if you're looking for classic Karate Kid action, you're not gonna find it here.

Who Says The Good Guy Has To Be A Guy?.......2005-08-28

My kids were very happy to find this one at Wal-Mart for $5.50 and so was I. I LOVED this one, mainly because of the girl factor. A young Hilary Swank makes a great karate kid!

Average customer rating:

Karate for Kids
Karate for Kids?
Great video for kids who want to try karate!

Karate For Kids
Starring: Karate for Kids
Manufacturer: Standing Room Only
ProductGroup: DVD
Binding: DVD

General | Kids & Family | Genres | DVD | Video

General | Special Interests | Genres | DVD | Video

Martial Arts | Sports | Genres | DVD | Video

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( K ) | Titles | Features | DVD | Video
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ASIN: B0004Z3558
Release Date: 2004-11-23

Description

This exciting program contains 3 levels of instruction and exercise for kids that focus on self-improvement and fitness rather than competition. In Level 1, Karate Instructor Ted Nordblum takes the kids through a hip and upbeat work-out teaching basic karate stretches and techniques. Karate Instructor Brandon Gaines, a third-degree black belt, hosts Level 2, which builds on the basics by showing kids the application of Karate techniques and adding some new moves that are a little more difficult. Level 3 features Sixth degree black belt and International Karate Champion Kenn Firestone, leading three proficient young black belt students in advanced karate techniques. Health, fitness and positive values are all a part of this fun and fast-paced program that will motivate and energize kids.

Customer Reviews:

Karate for Kids.......2007-06-06

It is a good tape for kids. My daughter(a yellow belt) likes it because it has 3 levels of basic karate. Level 1 she finds easy. Level 2 is a little more challenging. She likes level 3; She says it has more self defense moves than what is offered in her classes.

Karate for Kids?.......2007-04-21

I have mixed feelings about this video. I should start by saying that the content is really very good. Even so, the video is dated and more than a little cornball at times (the music video elements). The soundtrack is pedantic. Overall, it drives me crazy. However, my boys (3 and 8 years old) LOVE IT! My oldest son has been asking to study martial arts for a while now. We bought the video as a Christmas present to see if he would focus and take it seriously before we spent money on lessons.

The video instruction is progressive but easy to follow. It is not content rich but is content sound. The kids are getting great exercise. My 3 year old is hysterical to watch. Not the highest quality video all around but, for us, it was worth every penny.

Great video for kids who want to try karate!.......2006-12-17

My 9 year-old son just loves this video. The instruction is great. Quality of the video is very good. There are three levels which include stretches, instruction and practice. Each session includes one adult instructor with four children as participants. My son now uses this video once every two days announcing "I'm going to do my exercises!" as he heads upstairs. He's learned an amazing amount in a short period of time and now knows enough about karate to go looking for a class.

Average customer rating:

Entertainment for the whole family
Even after all these years...
Best of the bunch
MUCH BETTER THEN YOU WOULD THINK!
"You remember lesson about balance? Lesson not just karate only. Lesson for all life."

The Karate Kid
Starring: Ralph Macchio , Pat Morita , Elisabeth Shue , Martin Kove , and Randee Heller
Director: John G. Avildsen
Manufacturer: Sony Pictures
ProductGroup: DVD
Binding: DVD

General | Action & Adventure | Genres | DVD | Video

Comic Action | Action & Adventure | Genres | DVD | Video

General | Drama | Genres | DVD | Video

Sports | Drama | Genres | DVD | Video

7-9 Years | Kids & Family | Genres | DVD | Video

10-12 Years | Kids & Family | Genres | DVD | Video

Family Films | Kids & Family | Genres | DVD | Video

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ASIN: 0800179501
Release Date: 1998-04-14

Amazon.com

Customer Reviews:

Entertainment for the whole family.......2007-09-13

Even after all these years..........2007-08-23

Best of the bunch.......2007-08-01

MUCH BETTER THEN YOU WOULD THINK!.......2007-08-01

"You remember lesson about balance? Lesson not just karate only. Lesson for all life.".......2007-07-27

Average customer rating:

The Magic
Excellent
The Magic of Magic
Get it. It's hot!
My kids watch it over and over again since we bought it.

The Magic of Martial Arts
Director: Marsha Scarbrough
Manufacturer: Independent
ProductGroup: DVD
Binding: DVD

General | Action & Adventure | Genres | DVD | Video

General | Kids & Family | Genres | DVD | Video

Adventure | Kids & Family | Genres | DVD | Video

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Martial Arts | Sports | Genres | DVD | Video

General | Educational | Genres | DVD | Video

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General | Children's Music | Styles | Music

General | Instructional | Miscellaneous | Styles | Music
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ASIN: B0000E1QUM
Release Date: 2003-10-01

Customer Reviews:

The Magic.......2007-07-26

bad design
never want to watch it again
does not teach much
really want to return it
poor quality

Excellent.......2003-08-08

My son is 4.5 and goes to Karate. He loved this video. It is also very good for kids who don't do Karate as it shows them how to handle bullys and also their anger. Highly recommended.

The Magic of Magic.......2002-07-02

This video is an excellent introduction of the true spirit of martial arts to children. In good taste, it discusses the realities of environmental violence to children and teaches them
the wisdom of running away from potential trouble, whenever possible. Furthermore, it emphasizes that the use of physical techniques against another person is a last resort.

The ingenious and creative uses of "magic", music, and comedy make this presentation fun and amusing to watch for both children and adults.

Get it. It's hot!.......1999-12-16

Your kids will love this wonderful video. It teaches children about self-defense without any of the hype or violence we see so much of on TV today. And the characters even sing, too... Great music. I give it two thumbs up! Highly recommended.

My kids watch it over and over again since we bought it........1999-10-07

God forbid that my tape breaks. For the first time I can leave my children for half an hour and not worry if they are allright. They eaven read the credits. My children used to watch Power Rangers, but it is to violent. Magic of Martial Arts should be made into a serries.

Self Defence for Kids "The Magic of Martial Arts"

Average customer rating:

Self Defence for Kids "The Magic of Martial Arts"

Manufacturer: CustomFlix
ProductGroup: DVD
Binding: DVD

General | Music Video & Concerts | Genres | DVD | Video

Martial Arts | Sports | Genres | DVD | Video

General | Educational | Genres | DVD | Video

( S ) | Titles | Features | DVD | Video
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Karate For Kids

ASIN: B000MX80CU
Release Date: 2007-01-26

Description

"Power Without Violence". In this award-winning video,"The Magic of Martial Arts", children learn self defense and non-violence conflict resolution from Master Eastwest, a playful martial artists who mixes magic tricks, jokes and music with interactive karate instructions. Children learn how to use karate. and when NOT to use it! Three unforgettable songs encourage kids to walk away from trouble, control anger and feel like a winner inside. The Magic of Martial Arts help keep kids safe while it shows them a rollicking good time! "Recommended by International Karate Association.

BOOST Karate for Children - by Robert Ferguson and Bill Wallace

Average customer rating:

BOOST Karate for Children - by Robert Ferguson and Bill Wallace

Manufacturer: Black Belt Communications
ProductGroup: DVD
Binding: DVD

General | Action & Adventure | Genres | DVD | Video

General | Kids & Family | Genres | DVD | Video

Martial Arts | Sports | Genres | DVD | Video

General | Educational | Genres | DVD | Video

( B ) | Titles | Features | DVD | Video

Action & Adventure | Independently Distributed | Stores | DVD | Video

Kids & Family | Independently Distributed | Stores | DVD | Video

Special Interests | Independently Distributed | Stores | DVD | Video

Independently Distributed | Indie & Art House | Stores | DVD | Video
ASIN: B0009T2JN8
Release Date: 2005-05-01

DVD:

DVD

DVD