The Karate Kid Part II and Part III

The Karate Kid Part II (John G. Avildsen, 1986)

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Rating: Q=5, P=5 / Average OJ

Scale 1=3, Scale 2=2, Scale 3=3, Scale 4=2

Coming of Age, Karate, Martial Arts, Complex Relationships

The second film in the Karate Kid universe is fun and helps develop the wonderful relationship between Daniel and Mr. Miyagi. But I found the film was a little over-the-top and fantastical and could have done so much more. There were some good relationship moments--the best one when Daniel comforts a grieving Mr. Miyagi. So many tears! Sato's nephew and the feud between Miyagi and Sato is really stretching things, though.

The Karate Kid Part III (John G. Avildsen, 1989)

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Rating: Q=6, P=5 / Average OJ

Scale 1=3, Scale 2=3, Scale 3=3, Scale 4=2

Coming of Age, Karate, Martial Arts, Complex Relationships

Again, Part III develops the relationship between Daniel and Mr. Miyagi and I liked it slightly more than Part II if for just one big reason--Daniel struggles and takes the easy route which goes against everything Mr. Miyagi has taught him. This struggle is interesting and hard to watch, but it results in great life lessons. The bad guy characters are all totally outrageous, almost caricatures, but it works somehow. This film also delivers my favorite Mr. Miyagi line: "Daniel-San! OK to lose to opponent. Not OK to lose to FEAR!"

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The Karate Kid, revisited

The Karate Kid (John G. Avildsen, 1984)

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Rating: Q=7, P=7 / Obsession

Scale 1=3, Scale 2=4, Scale 3=3, Scale 4=4

Coming of Age, Karate, Martial Arts, Complex Relationships

After watching both seasons of the Netflix hit show Cobra Kai, which is based on The Karate Kid films, I had to revisit the original. It was wonderful to re-watch and get all the good feels. I love films about father-son relationships and young men forming their identities. This story is still so relevant today, which is why the spin-off show is particularly successful. Bullying and toxic masculinity exists. We need to support and teach young men how to find the balance they need in life. Gangs and violence are not the answer.

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Cobra Kai Seasons 1 & 2

Cobra Kai Season 1 (Various, 2018)

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Rating: DSQ=10, SP=6 / Can't Get Enough

Scale A=3, Scale B=4, Scale C=3, Scale D=3, Scale E=3

Karate, Complex Relationships, Bullying, High School

I was skeptical, at first, that I would like this show. But many people kept telling me I would. And they were all right. It's fantastic. Yes, it is a little soap-opera-like. Yes, it is violent at times. But it's all about masculinity, father-son relationships, coming of age, redeeming yourself, etc. In other words, everything I like in a show. Well worth the watch. If you liked The Karate Kid films, you'll probably like this. And the fight choreography is excellent, too, if that matters to you.

Cobra Kai Season 2 (Various, 2019)

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Rating: DSQ=10, SP=6 / Can't Get Enough

Scale A=3, Scale B=4, Scale C=3, Scale D=3, Scale E=3

Karate, Complex Relationships, Bullying, High School

Everything that I liked about Season 1 continued into Season 2. But even more conflicts and tension and interesting relationship developments. Can't wait for the next!

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Kingdom of Heaven

Kingdom of Heaven (Ridley Scott, 2005)

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Rating: Q=5, P=4 / Average OJ

Scale 1=3, Scale 2=2, Scale 3=2, Scale 4=2

12th Century, Crusades, Religion, War, Action/Adventure

The next film in my quest to watch all things related to the Crusades was Kingdom of Heaven. I enjoyed this film more than I expected, despite the mediocre acting and plot. Orlando Bloom (as Balian) is fine, better than in most of his roles. The whole romance between Balian and Sybilla is unnecessary. And every other character has so little screen time. But the setting, lighting, music, and costumes all helped me feel immersed in the time. I will say that if you aren't at least a little familiar with the history, there would probably be lots of questions.

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