The Worst Film Ever

If the ambition is to provide two hours of instantly forgettable, popcorn-munching escapism, it succeeds.

Not sure how, but this is easily one of the best movies all summer. Multiple levels of funny, never takes itself seriously, super colorful, and creative.

True to its essence, the characters remain on the same line and manage to entertain the viewer, each highlighting their own distinctive qualities or touches.

Yes, yes, yes, I agree, the story is weak and Larusso is even weaker in this third installment of the Karate Kid where, after winning in a UFC-style match in Karate Kid 2, he somehow becomes afraid like a little kid in the finals against Mike Barnes. As a friend noted, it's like as if Larusso didn't learn anything from Mr Miyagi. However, what I loved about Karate Kid 3 is the Terry Silver character who, despite being twisted and devious, nevertheless shows that karate training could help a person succeed financially in life. In contrast, note how Mr Miyagi, John Kreese and Johnny Lawrence, in the new Youtube series Cobra Kai, were all struggling financially. What good is martial arts if the self-discipline and self-mastery learned do not transfer to real life??? Since Silver was the teacher of Mike Barnes and we know that Barnes is set to return in Season 2 of Cobra Kai, it will be interesting to see if Barnes has indeed become successful in life.

I won't beat around the bush here: At face value, this is a pretty poor film, not even in the same league as the first two installments. However, the touching relationship between Daniel LaRusso (Ralph Maccio) and Mr. Miyagi (Pat Morita) makes it a worthwhile addition to round out the trilogy.For a basic plot summary, Karate Kid III sees the famous pair have a falling-out over Daniel's karate future. Without Miyagi's guidance, Daniel falls into a trap, requiring him to defend his karate championship (despite his wishes) one more time.There are two major problems with this movie:1. First, the plot is paper-thin and utterly ridiculous. You know Daniel will be competing at the film's climax the second you push play on your remote, so all the "will he, won't he drama" is irrelevant and boring. It doesn't help that the villain of the story is nothing more than a cackling goon with the stereotypical leather jacket and slicked-backed greaseball ponytail. He's more ridiculous than truly hateable.2. Second, is the meaningless entry of yet another love interest for Daniel. This relationship goes absolutely nowhere and ultimately just wastes time that could have been spent more productively elsewhere.Luckily, KK3 is somewhat redeemed by one bright spot: Miyagi's care for Daniel. Perhaps one of the best mentor-mentee relationships in film history reaches even greater depths here when Daniel's "karate faith" is tested to the maximum. Despite all the contrived drama, you'll still be emotional at film's end due to the touching emotional bond between the duo.So, while this is easily the worst of the original Karate Kid trilogy, it is worth watching for the two title characters alone.

This third film is definitely my least favorite. Its main problem is that it suffers from superfluousness.Ralph Macchio is still great as Daniel and Pat Morita is still great as Mr. Miyagi. Thomas Ian Griffith is also a fantastic villain.However, the story is pretty lacking. For the most part, it feels like a rehash of the first movie without nearly as much spark or charm. It adds nothing new to the Karate Kid saga, and the whole thing comes off as unnecessary and tired.Daniel's new love interest is nothing special, and the fight at the end, once again, really isn't anything we haven't seen before.I still feel that Part II would have been the right way to end the series. This film isn't awful, but it is a mediocre and routine third installment all the way. Recommended only to Karate Kid fans.RATING: C

I know places and people, some that might pass for the world in The Karate Kid Part III. I have seen people drink themselves evil. I have seen young people fall apart because of those around them. But, I guess there is always the chance of coming out, and surviving, if you keep up the fight. Dysfunctional families live in decaying shacks, without money or food. Violent dogs are barking everywhere. Disagreements are settled by fistfights. The cinematography is stark and bare, with only the soundtrack adding some effect. The acting is very effective. This is the kind of film that proves that a small story can be much more meaningful than a larger one.