The Karate Kid Part III

The third and final movie in the trilogy is great as well. Again I don’t think it’s better than the original but maybe better than the sequel? Again a new story and new characters that make this movie feel unique. I like how it gets a little dark too. Overall a great finish.

9.5/10 Forgive me for I have sinned - am I the only one who thinks this should be rated R for Terry’s provocative nature? Reads like a bad p*rno if you squint. I can’t even remember the plot from the sheer amount of *skin* and the tension between Daniel and him is palpable.

yasss

ok

The Karate Kid Part III brings Daniel LaRusso (Ralph Macchio) and Mr. Miyagi (Pat Morita) back to the familiar stomping grounds of Los Angeles, only to face a renewed and even more sinister threat from the resurrected Cobra Kai. Directed by John G. Avildsen and written by Robert Mark Kamen, this third installment introduces the formidable Terry Silver (Thomas Ian Griffith) and aims for a darker, more intense confrontation. My overall impression is that while it attempts to escalate the stakes, it largely falls flat, feeling like a rehash of previous conflicts without the same heart or genuine character development, ultimately becoming a disappointing entry in the beloved franchise.

Rating:
4.4/10 ⭐️ (★★ - Disappointing)
A disappointing rating for a sequel that struggles to justify its existence, offering a repetitive plot and largely uninspired character dynamics, leading to a dull and often frustrating viewing experience.

The Good:
* Characters (Strengths): Pat Morita continues to be the film's unwavering strength as Mr. Miyagi. His quiet wisdom and calm demeanor provide the few genuine moments of warmth and heart. His philosophical lessons, even in a weaker script, still resonate. Thomas Ian Griffith, in his film debut as Terry Silver, is a standout. He injects a much-needed jolt of over-the-top villainy and theatricality, making him a memorable, if cartoonish, antagonist. Martin Kove's return as John Kreese, while limited, provides a familiar face for fans.
* Technical Aspects (Strengths): Bill Conti's score, while not as iconic as the first film's, still provides some recognizable themes that evoke the spirit of the franchise. The action choreography by Pat E. Johnson remains competent, even if the stakes feel less earned.

The Not So Good:
* Narrative & Story (Weaknesses): The plot is highly repetitive, essentially re-treading the "bully challenges Daniel to a tournament" formula with less originality and higher stakes that feel artificial. The central conflict—Daniel's struggle with Terry Silver's manipulative tactics and his brief turn to the dark side—feels forced and out of character for Daniel, diminishing the established relationship with Miyagi. The "evil sensei" trope is amplified to a cartoonish degree. The story's pacing often drags in between the villain's schemes, making the nearly two-hour runtime feel much longer. The initial idea of a prequel or Wuxia-style film sounds far more innovative than what was delivered.
* Characters (Weaknesses): Daniel LaRusso's character regression is a major weakness. He appears naive and easily manipulated, seemingly forgetting all the wisdom imparted by Miyagi in the previous films. Ralph Macchio, despite his efforts, struggles to make this regression believable. Robyn Lively's character, Jessica Andrews, feels like a forced addition, her role as a potential love interest awkwardly changed to a friendship due to casting age differences, making their dynamic feel stilted and lacking genuine chemistry. Mike Barnes is a generic bully lacking the nuanced, relatable motivations of Johnny Lawrence.
* Directing & Filmmaking (Weaknesses): John G. Avildsen's direction feels uninspired, failing to bring new life to the familiar narrative. The film often feels visually flat, lacking the warmth or compelling atmosphere of the first two. Dramatic moments frequently feel forced or overacted, contributing to the film's less-than-stellar reception. The execution struggles to elevate the weak screenplay.
* Enjoyment & Engagement (Negatives): For many fans, the film's repetitive nature, Daniel's frustrating character arc, and the overly cartoonish villainy actively detract from enjoyment. It struggles to capture the heart and earnestness that made the previous films so beloved, leading to a sense of disappointment and disengagement. The film's poor critical reception, including numerous Razzie nominations, reflects this widespread sentiment.

The Verdict:
The Karate Kid Part III is a significant misstep in the beloved franchise, largely abandoning the thoughtful mentorship and character development of its predecessors in favor of a rehashed, often illogical, and overly melodramatic plot. While Pat Morita remains a consistent highlight and Thomas Ian Griffith delivers a memorably unhinged performance, Daniel LaRusso's frustrating character regression and the repetitive narrative ultimately undermine the film. It serves as a stark reminder of how not to continue a successful series, leaving a lasting impression as the weakest entry before the franchise's successful revitalization years later. Recommended only for die-hard fans completing their franchise viewing, and even then, with a heavy dose of skepticism.

Optional Additional Categories:
* Genre & Tone: The film leans heavily into martial arts drama but often devolves into melodrama and cartoonish villainy, struggling to maintain the earnest and heartfelt tone that defined the original films.
* Target Audience: While targeting the same family audience, the shift in tone and the repetitive plot might have alienated viewers looking for the depth of the first two installments.
* Originality & Innovation: The film is notably unoriginal, consciously repeating elements from the first film without adding new insights. Robert Mark Kamen's original prequel concept sounds far more innovative than the chosen direction.
* Themes & Messages (Further Discussion): The film attempts to explore themes of temptation, falling prey to dark influences, and the true meaning of karate, but these messages are often muddled by the contrived plot and Daniel's uncharacteristic choices.
* Comparison to Other Films: It stands as a prime example of a franchise sequel that failed to recapture the magic of its predecessors, often compared unfavorably to the original Karate Kid in terms of quality and impact. Its narrative choices are later revisited and somewhat redeemed in the Cobra Kai series.

liked more than ‘The Karate Kid Part II’