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As Good As It Gets

A Major Disappointment

Exactly the movie you think it is, but not the movie you want it to be.

The film never slows down or bores, plunging from one harrowing sequence to the next.

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.

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.

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.

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.