The Karate Kid Part II (1986)

Directed by John G. Avildsen. Starring Ralph Macchio, Noriyuki “Pat” Morita, Tamlyn Tomita, Yuji Okumoto, Danny Kamekona, Nobu McCarthy, Martin Kove. [PG]

Inevitable sequel to the sleeper smash hit alters the setting and drops the martial arts tournament clichés, but fails to expand the characterizations or provide the leads with anything better than formula stakes and conflict. Upon notice that his father is dying, Mr. Miyagi returns to his small village on Okinawa Island, which rekindles a rivalry with friend-turned-archenemy Kamekona. As for Daniel-san, he accompanies his friend/mentor on the trip (his mom doesn’t seem to care since she’s moving to Fresno without him, perhaps so she can collect her Mother of the Year award), and earnestly collects a new bully (Okumoto) and a new love interest (Tomita). It’s all very by-the-numbers and contrived, but Macchio and Morita are still an engaging pair onscreen, and the filmmakers know how to push buttons against better judgment. One character’s complete about-face in the third act is hard to swallow, however, and there’s nothing here to compete with the semi-iconic “wax on, wax off” and crane-stance bits from the original—not only is there a shortage of actual karate training/fighting, but this episode’s new-fangled “drum technique” business is barely explored and, thanks to the closeup camerawork, doesn’t even get employed satisfactorily in the final showdown! Look for BD Wong in a bit part.

56/100