The Karate Kid Part III (1989)

Set one year after the tournament that ended the first film, Part III attempts to move the story forward while also looking back. A character from the duo's past is downtrodden, but has a rich benefactor who's little more than a two dimensional comic book villain replete with fat cigars to chomp on.
Mr Miyagi is at a loose end, too, but all he has is Daniel, who's turning into a jerk, in danger of becoming the thing that he hates. A new love interest adds little of value, so it's left to Miyagi to be the rock that can keep the maturing student on the correct path, but the sensei's role is again lessened from what it was in Part II (1986). He provides instruction only when needed, hoping that faith and common sense will act as guides in his absence.
As enjoyable as it is to see the story continued, it's the weakest of the trilogy, with a retread ending that lacks the power of the original film.

2½ deep roots out of 5

The Karate Kid Part II (1986)

Freed from the 'sports movie' template, and after some convenient missing-cast explanations, the action moves to Okinawa, Miyagi's place of birth. Events in the tiny village enable the father/son and sensei/student relationship that was formed in TKK Part I to evolve in a more engaging way, but this time it's Miyagi who takes centre stage, with Daniel-san playing the support role.
Conflict comes in the form of rekindled feelings for an old flame and an old friend, the latter of which still feels the pain of an old wound.
Parts of the Daniel sub-story play out in a manner that's altogether too similar to how they did before, but there's a maturity to the consequences now, which makes it more meaningful to an adult audience; however, younger fans may find less to latch onto than they did in the first film.

3½ village deeds out of 5

The Karate Kid (1984)

After moving to California with his mom, Daniel quickly makes an enemy of a clichéd high school bully. Both parties have an interest in karate, which adds flavour to what's on the surface a straightforward 80s underdog story.
There are teenager levels of romance to contend with, but it's illustrated with the best intentions, so it's not as forced as it could've been. The real treasure is the believable sincerity that characterises the relationship that Mr Miyagi has not just with the eager-to-learn Daniel but with the wider world.
Actor Pat Morita's understated performance keeps Miyagi as a supporting character while simultaneously elevating him to become the true emotional core of the story; with a single wordless glance he can communicate a whole chapter's worth of feelings. He embodies what belief, patience, wisdom and sensitivity can achieve when each element achieves balance.

3 DIY accomplishments out of 5

Rocky V (1990)

The Rocky series attempts to go full circle, returning the retired Stallion to his roots while acknowledging that changes have occurred since his rise to fame. It’s a decent idea, but it’s barely watchable at times. Seeing an absorbed, aged fighter trying to live vicariously through someone else is depressing for all the wrong reasons. We finally get to see him be a father for a while, too. However, the downside of that is having an angsty teen’s story sandwiched between the square peg in a round hole scenario.
The money-hungry manager in his limo is like a parody of a parody.
And what's worse, movie fight scenes are an art unto themselves, but in Rocky V they’re like blindfolded finger-painting with boxing gloves on.

2 hits for the home team out of 5

Rocky (1976)

Despite being associated with boxing, there's very little in-the-ring action, and when we do get there it’s embarrassingly fake. Nevertheless, the film is still a roaring success. It gave Stallone an iconic role. The not very bright boxer, the thick as shit underdog, was something he personified beautifully.
The themes of self-respect and the need to prove a point, not to the world, that’s merely a by-product, but to Rocky himself are what drive the narrative in the right direction.
It was also written by Stallone, so credit is due for that.
The supporting cast are equally impressive, giving the story extra heart and deeper emotion. It's a film that deserves its lauded status.

4 because he’s a contendaaah out of 5