Minahzur Rahman The film wasn't too bad; in fact, it was pretty decent. I'd say it was on par with the third one. I like the title of this movie "The next karate kid" instead of calling it Part IV or something. I also like the idea that the film focuses on a female character - that was a good idea especially considering the previous three movies focuses on a male character. Not only that, but I also liked that it was Hilary Swank that was chosen to lead the female role, and I don't think anyone else could've done it any better. She was really popular back then. She did a fine role in this film. This is a film that is probably geared towards the female audience I reckon. The first two films were really good. The third and fourth movies were the weak entries, but at the same time, it wasn't too shabby either. I enjoyed all four movies. All four of these karate kid movies were part of my childhood. Yes! I'm also a fan of martial arts, so that makes it even more worthwhile to watch.

zkonedog When analyzing this fourth film of the Karate Kid series (although I would consider it more of a "distant cousin" to the original trilogy), the first phrase that comes to mind is "you can only go to the well so many times". With "The Next Karate Kid", the well ran dry.For a basic plot summary, the film sees Mr. Miyagi (Pat Morita) mentoring a troubled teen (Hilary Swank) who's parents have passed away. A mash-up of Karate Kid I, II, and III then occurs, with themes from each film present but briefly touched upon.Though I could go on and on about why this film is poor, here is the primary reason: the high expectations. The original "Karate" trilogy is so incredible, that anything less from the established characters is going to be a letdown. Thus, the whole movie I kept waiting for great things to happen, but they never did. I can't think of one single scene from this film that tops any scene from the first three.The only thing that elevates "Next" above a one star is the performance by Morita as Miyagi. As in KK III, he steals the show with his comedy and words of wisdom.I think that the fourth Karate Kid film can be summed up thusly: Had the original trilogy never been made, this film may be looked at as decent. However, when comparing it to the gold standard of that trilogy, it is hugely disappointing.

gwnightscream Pat Morita, Hilary Swank, Chris Conrad, Constance Towers, and Michael Ironside star in this 1994 drama sequel. In this chapter, Mr. Miyagi (Morita) attends a WWII ceremony in Boston, MA honoring him and his late friend. He visits his friend's widow, Louisa (Towers) and meets her granddaughter, Julie (Swank). He notices that Julie is angry because her parents are dead and takes her anger out on Louisa. He asks Louisa to spend time in his house in California while he helps Julie. He takes Julie under his wing teaching her karate to defend herself against bullies in school and regain her self-confidence. Julie also meets Eric (Conrad), a boy in school who's a cadet for the air force and they fall for each other. Eric and Julie face the same bullies in league with Col. Dugan (Ironside) who's a war nut. This is a pretty good sequel, Morita and Swank are great together and Bill Conti's score is excellent as usual. I recommend this.

Desertman84 Now enters the new Karate Kid in a female persona for The Next Karate Kid,also known as The Karate Kid Part IV. After a disastrous Karate Kid Part III,the producers have extended the series to Part IV this time with a new female lead.The Next Karate Kid is the fourth and final film in the original The Karate Kid series. It stars Hilary Swank and Pat Morita. The film was was directed by Christopher Cain and written by Mark Lee.It is the only film in the original series that doesn't feature Ralph Macchio,who played Daniel LaRusso.The story of the film picks up with janitor/martial arts maven Miyagi Yakuga. This time, his pupil is orphaned 17-year-old Julie, the granddaughter of Miyagi's war buddy. Relentlessly bullied by her male classmates and feeling responsible for her parents' fatal accident, Miyagi takes this time to take Julie to a Buddhist monastery in order to teach her the true ways of karate.In here,she learns, through direct lessons, balance, co-ordination, awareness, and respect for all life self-worth.The film ends as we know how when Julie finally takes revenge on the male classmates who used to bully her.The film follows the same formula of the first three sequels using a new protégé.So there are no surprises in it. It was too long and very predictable.Also,it offers little excitement, even in its culminating fight sequence.The only good thing about this film was the performance of future Academy Award winner,Hilary Swank who made a breakout performance in it.And most of all,it was a little better than the second sequel as this film did not receive any Razzies nomination unlike the latter which got 5.In summary,inspite of the fact that the series tries to infuse a new blood with a new lead,the Karate Kid series has already lost steam and this time,it is evident to put a close into it.