This is a true classic from the 1980’s. If you have never seen The Karate Kid, then you surely you must have heard of it. It was a standout picture from this decade, and brought some remember able moments in cinematic history. John G. Avildsen directed this one, and it was written by Robert Mark Kamen.
The simple tagline was “Only the ‘Old One’ could teach him the secrets of the masters”
The basic story is about a boy who grows up trying to fit in. He is lost without his former friends from where he lived before. He fancy’s a girl at school who has had a better life than him in some ways. He wants to be popular and yet surprisingly tries many ways to find acceptance at the new school he is at. He has no father, and is raised by a single mother. The character Daniel Larusso played by Ralph Macchio is mentored by the late Pat Morita who plays the infamous Mr. Kesuke Miyagi. He teaches Daniel discipline through the ways of martial arts, particularly karate. Miyagi molds Daniel into growing up with his wits and using his fists as a last resort.
Daniel loves his mother dearly, and would willingly do anything he could to help her. There are moments of teen frustration and anguish throughout the story, which most people should identify with. He meets up with Elisabeth Shue who plays Ali Mills she helps to encourage him along the way while falling for him. The final showdown happens later between Daniel and Johnny Lawrence who is played by William Zabka who does an excellent job playing a real jerk. More appearances in this include Ron Thomas as Bobby Brown, Rob Garrison as Tommy, Chad McQueen as Dutch, Tony O’Dell as Jimmy, Martin Kove is John Kreese, Israel Juarbe is Freddy Fernandez, and William Bassett is Mr. Mills. Larry B. Scott is Jerry, Juli Fields is Susan, and Dana Andersen is Barbara.
I think the characters are interesting and you get to know them well in the story, this movie spawned a total of 3 more sequels, and the entire collection is available on DVD. You will appreciate seeing this one. I recommend everyone to watch this if you haven’t already. Peter Cetera’s “Glory of Love” would later be used as the theme song in the sequel “The Karate Kid, Part II (1986)”.
If you enjoy science fiction films, then this one was a treat to watch. It is a fairly simple story about an everyday man who happens to become blessed by an unlikely accident. The film stars John Travolta as George Malley he has a good personality, and seems to get along with the local town folk. After the life changing event on his 37th birthday, his thoughts and mental abilities are increased far beyond what any normal person could ever imagine. A flashing illuminated light changes his sense of reality from what he once knew previously. This is an extraordinary tale about average everyday people, and them experiencing things in a new way. It was directed by Jon Turteltaub, who has also done films such as National Treasure (2004) with Nicolas Cage. The screenplay and story of Phenomenon (1996) was written by Gerald Di Pego.
George Malley is able to absorb massive amounts of information at a rapid pace; he has the ability to move things with his mind if he focuses hard enough. He also conjures up new ideas of technology while trying to help out the community. He even gets Prof. John Ringold played by Jeffrey DeMunn from NASA to stop by his house to test and assess him. There is a love interest for George Malley as Lace Pennamin moves to town played by Kyra Sedgwick (Actor Kevin Bacons Wife). She is also a single mother raising two children. David Gallagher plays her son Al Pennamin and his sister Glory is played by Ashley Buccille.
Forest Whitaker plays Nate Pope and really brought something special to the role as George’s good friend. The amazing Robert Duvall appears in this as Doc Brunder and also is an acquaintance to George. Richard Kiley plays Dr. Wellin, Tony Genaro plays Tito, Sean O’Bryan is Banes, Michael Milhoan is Jimmy, Troy Evans is Roger, Vyto Ruginis is Ted Rhome, Brent Spiner appears as Dr. Bob Niedorf and Bruce A. Young appears as FBI Agent Jack Hatch (as Bruce Young).
This film has a good human spirit behind it, and leaves you reassessing things in your life that are most important to you. I recommend watching this one with your family and friends.
