The Karate Kid Part II

Daniel Larusso is back this time in Okinawa, Japan to visit Mr. Miyagi's home village, but upon arrival they discover it's being overrun by his old nemesis and his construction company. The climatic fight scene in the vintage karate ring was about as good as a sequel can get and wasn't relying on the first film for material. If you liked the first "KARATE KID", this one is almost as good, but please; do not see the 3rd sequel, it is Macchio's worst film ever.

This movie tells a storyline that completely jives with everything we know but one that still manages to be original and interesting, and Daniel and Kumiko have such good chemistry together, and the ending of this movie is masterful, it's easily on my top 10 endings list, it had a lot more stakes than the original's ending. This movie is better than the original, it's amazing.

I really enjoyed the first film, and was wondering whether this one would work. On the most part it does. It is formulaic in plot, has some weak parts in the script and it isn't as efficiently paced as the first, yet I loved the message of forgiveness and how well filmed it was. Also, the direction is solid, the karate sequences well choreographed and the energy is evident. The acting is good too, with Ralph Macchio appealing once again and Pat Morita strong and wise, not to mention always watchable. Overall, I was surprised at how much I liked The Karate Kid, Part II. 7/10 Bethany Cox