This KARATE KID sequel followed after the success of the first film and it feels more like the ROCKY franchise than ever. Things are mixed up a bit, as there's no tournament this time around, just Daniel heading towards adulthood and getting involved with a girl for the first time. I did like the change of setting to Japan, although the movie was shot in Hawaii and doesn't always look too convincing. Pat Morita is warm and quirky as before, but Ralph Macchio matches him to craft a more likeable lead than in the first film. Less training here and more bad guy stuff from stock villains, building to a suitably powerful climax that reminded me of Van Damme's KICKBOXER, of all things.
Review of The Karate Kid Part II
