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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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