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.
149 Reviews
Better than its reputation, but it could have been better as well
TheLittleSongbird13 July 2010
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
This fourth part to Karate Kid saga is a remake with a sensational actress , Hilary Swank and usual, Pat Morita
ma-cortes7 March 2010
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 .
Part IV - Without Daniel!
AaronCapenBanner1 September 2013
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.
The Film That Introduced Hilary Swank to the Mainstream Audience
tfrizzell3 August 2000
"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.
Give Me a Break
jana_obrien12 June 2011
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.
It doesn't completely suck
thewag77724 February 2005
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.
Average attempt at breathing new life into the series, but it has its moments, and it's nowhere near as bad as people say it is.
callanvass24 January 2011
Warning: Spoilers
(Credit IMDb) During a commemoration for Japanese soldiers fighting in the US Army during World War II Mr. Miyagi meets the widow of his commanding officer. He gets to know her granddaughter Julie, an angry teenager. She is full of pain about the death of her parents during an accident and has lots of problems with her grandmother and her fellow pupils. So Mr. Miyagi decides to teach her Karate to bring her back on the right way
Ralph Machio's (Excuse the spelling) career had faltered at this point, aside from late hit with My Cousin Vinny, so he was no longer considered the bankable star he once was. A successful formula is repeated here, with this basically being a watered down remake of the first. Hillary Swank's star appeal had yet to be established here, but she certainly showed many flashes with her charismatic performance here. I enjoyed the relationship between Miyagi and Julie, it was genuine and a good attempt at reviving this series. What really hampered this movie was the generic storytelling of the villains. They had no depth to them, and they just felt like ordinary bad-guy foil for Julie and Miyagi to overcome. I liked some of the meditation scenes, I enjoyed Miyagi taking Julie see the monks, there was a lot more enjoyable stuff then 3.9 rating indicates. Training scenes could have been better developed, using a girl wasn't as effective as Daniel's, but hey, what can you do?
Performances. Pat Morita carries this film with his presence and style. He deserved a better film, but at least he wasn't in a horrible one. He has good chemistry with Swank, and I believed in them both. You can't go wrong with the patented Miyagi. Hilary Swank is charming, and pretty cute to boot. She showed a lot of snippets here of her amazing talent that was to become. Lot of similar, successful traits that Daniel (Machio) had to make the character successful in the first three. Michael Ironside is a great villain, but is going through the motions here, and he has no depth to him. Chris Conrad is rather cheesy, and wooden as the love interest.
Bottom line. Far from a successful film, but it definitely had a few moments that made me smile. Believe me; you can do a whole lot worse then The Next Karate Kid. 3.9? Come on, I've seen a lot worse with higher ratings. It's worth a look, but nothing more then that
5/10
Ralph Machio's (Excuse the spelling) career had faltered at this point, aside from late hit with My Cousin Vinny, so he was no longer considered the bankable star he once was. A successful formula is repeated here, with this basically being a watered down remake of the first. Hillary Swank's star appeal had yet to be established here, but she certainly showed many flashes with her charismatic performance here. I enjoyed the relationship between Miyagi and Julie, it was genuine and a good attempt at reviving this series. What really hampered this movie was the generic storytelling of the villains. They had no depth to them, and they just felt like ordinary bad-guy foil for Julie and Miyagi to overcome. I liked some of the meditation scenes, I enjoyed Miyagi taking Julie see the monks, there was a lot more enjoyable stuff then 3.9 rating indicates. Training scenes could have been better developed, using a girl wasn't as effective as Daniel's, but hey, what can you do?
Performances. Pat Morita carries this film with his presence and style. He deserved a better film, but at least he wasn't in a horrible one. He has good chemistry with Swank, and I believed in them both. You can't go wrong with the patented Miyagi. Hilary Swank is charming, and pretty cute to boot. She showed a lot of snippets here of her amazing talent that was to become. Lot of similar, successful traits that Daniel (Machio) had to make the character successful in the first three. Michael Ironside is a great villain, but is going through the motions here, and he has no depth to him. Chris Conrad is rather cheesy, and wooden as the love interest.
Bottom line. Far from a successful film, but it definitely had a few moments that made me smile. Believe me; you can do a whole lot worse then The Next Karate Kid. 3.9? Come on, I've seen a lot worse with higher ratings. It's worth a look, but nothing more then that
5/10
Could have been better
Agent108 August 2002
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.
Rather delightful
regahsof16 January 2013
Warning: Spoilers
Having seen the other Karate Kids, I was curious about this film, though I had never seen or even heard of it. The usual elements are back. New kid in town that struggles to adjust; a Mr. Miyagi that helps to instill self-confidence in the teen; and the climax of needing to use the recently learned karate in a pivotal fight scene. I was taken in both by Hilary Swank's character, expressing the range of emotions and soon willing to be positively formed (the Karate Kid characters are always so kinetic, aren't they?) and Mr. Miyagi as the walking book of Oriental proverbs. I loved it! Slow in some parts, but some intriguing scenes.
Not Great, but not bad either
georgeford-1794713 October 2015
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.
The Next Karate Kid,Why so much hate?
Chamilakisgeorgios21 April 2014
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.
I Actually Enjoyed This One
carologletree10 January 2016
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
absolutely terrible
peelboy100031 August 2015
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.
just...why?
ggblond8 September 2020
No plot
Calicodreamin8 November 2020
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.
Sad End to the Saga
deepfrieddodo20 April 2021
It's a bad film, a few redeeming factors, but a really bad end to The Karate Kid saga. The script is terrible, with dialogue horribly shoehorning in "my parents died in a car accident" very early on. Plus scenes throughout the film happen for absolutely no reason (inside bungee jump goes unexplained), no motive no consequence.
The worst part is the bad guys though, where (clearly adult) high school monitors are led by a teacher (?) who incites murder. His little army have more Hitler Youth vibes than necessary, with the main one's, Ned, first scene getting a bit too rape-y for a family film. Seriously creepy, this muscle-bound man-child seemingly working full time as security, terrorising anyone who won't 'go to the docks' with him (the docks are clearly important to this character). They even dress in their own little black uniform as if they're mix between greasers and Nazis.
Swank plays the angry teen okay, but it's not a good character, simply a cliche. Even Pat Morita, who is as good in this as the previous three, couldn't save this one.
The worst part is the bad guys though, where (clearly adult) high school monitors are led by a teacher (?) who incites murder. His little army have more Hitler Youth vibes than necessary, with the main one's, Ned, first scene getting a bit too rape-y for a family film. Seriously creepy, this muscle-bound man-child seemingly working full time as security, terrorising anyone who won't 'go to the docks' with him (the docks are clearly important to this character). They even dress in their own little black uniform as if they're mix between greasers and Nazis.
Swank plays the angry teen okay, but it's not a good character, simply a cliche. Even Pat Morita, who is as good in this as the previous three, couldn't save this one.
two ways to look at it
davispittman20 April 2016
There are two ways to view the next karate kid. You can compare it to the previous 3 karate kid films, or you can take it on it's own. The movie is not as horrible as everyone tries to say it is, but it does not live up to the quality of cinema that the other ones achieved. Hilary Swank's performance is pretty good, especially considering how young and inexperienced she was back then. Pat Moriati is of course great here, there was no doubt or debate about whether he would be good or not. The plot is so so, its not completely original, but it doesn't really fall completely flat. The plot is sweet/cute at times, and is empowering and uplifting at other times. If you are looking for a kinda clichéd, but pretty well acted, borderline sub par fourth installment, then this movie just may be for you. 5/10.
Abomination
jmderham-125 August 2010
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.
Guilty Pleasure
anentet7 January 2022
Poor Retread of Tired Material
zkonedog11 March 2017
When analyzing this fourth film of the Karate Kid series (although I would consider it more of a "distant cousin" to the original trilogy), the first phrase that comes to mind is "you can only go to the well so many times". With "The Next Karate Kid", the well ran dry.
For a basic plot summary, the film sees Mr. Miyagi (Pat Morita) mentoring a troubled teen (Hilary Swank) who's parents have passed away. A mash-up of Karate Kid I, II, and III then occurs, with themes from each film present but briefly touched upon.
Though I could go on and on about why this film is poor, here is the primary reason: the high expectations. The original "Karate" trilogy is so incredible, that anything less from the established characters is going to be a letdown. Thus, the whole movie I kept waiting for great things to happen, but they never did. I can't think of one single scene from this film that tops any scene from the first three.
The only thing that elevates "Next" above a one star is the performance by Morita as Miyagi. As in KK III, he steals the show with his comedy and words of wisdom.
I think that the fourth Karate Kid film can be summed up thusly: Had the original trilogy never been made, this film may be looked at as decent. However, when comparing it to the gold standard of that trilogy, it is hugely disappointing.
For a basic plot summary, the film sees Mr. Miyagi (Pat Morita) mentoring a troubled teen (Hilary Swank) who's parents have passed away. A mash-up of Karate Kid I, II, and III then occurs, with themes from each film present but briefly touched upon.
Though I could go on and on about why this film is poor, here is the primary reason: the high expectations. The original "Karate" trilogy is so incredible, that anything less from the established characters is going to be a letdown. Thus, the whole movie I kept waiting for great things to happen, but they never did. I can't think of one single scene from this film that tops any scene from the first three.
The only thing that elevates "Next" above a one star is the performance by Morita as Miyagi. As in KK III, he steals the show with his comedy and words of wisdom.
I think that the fourth Karate Kid film can be summed up thusly: Had the original trilogy never been made, this film may be looked at as decent. However, when comparing it to the gold standard of that trilogy, it is hugely disappointing.
Not a lot of Karate but still rocks!
Angelus213 June 2010
Warning: Spoilers
I remember watching this movie at the age of nine and being completely smitten by Hilary Swank as the feisty Julie. Now years on, the film seems to be unable to match the greatness of it three predecessors, but I am trying to re-collect the feelings I felt as a child, being mesmerised by the film, the characters, the build-up to fight scenes.
The film is still fun to this day and it generally has some great moments that make it definitely worth ones time. The character Miyagi is still cool, I felt that we needed to see Julie learn a bit more Karate...But still it's a film that tries to journey into a new area...About finding one self and to a child this film genuinely excites.
The film is still fun to this day and it generally has some great moments that make it definitely worth ones time. The character Miyagi is still cool, I felt that we needed to see Julie learn a bit more Karate...But still it's a film that tries to journey into a new area...About finding one self and to a child this film genuinely excites.
Not as bad as I expected
ckhosra122 October 2005
When I first saw this movie was included in the Karate Kid DVD Set, I almost thought about just buying Karate Kid by itself. But after watching it, I really enjoyed it. It was really cheesy at parts, 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. This movie is worth at least a one-time viewing if you really liked the Karate Kid movies.
Hillary Swank did a pretty good job too. The plot was pretty hoaky, and it was similar to the first Karate Kid, but there was a different dynamic since the hero was a girl this time.
Miyagi is great as usual, which is the main reason I even bothered to watch the movie in the first place. This movie is worth at least a one-time viewing if you really liked the Karate Kid movies.
Hillary Swank did a pretty good job too. The plot was pretty hoaky, and it was similar to the first Karate Kid, but there was a different dynamic since the hero was a girl this time.
Really Bad
argostemp26 October 2003
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.
Predicable and poor
Hayden-8605518 November 2020
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.
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