At The Movies

Karate Kid: Legends Runtime: 94 min Studio: Columbia Pictures Franchise: Karate Kid Franchise Position: 7 Plot Summary: Li Fong, a kung fu prodigy from Beijing, moves to New York City to attend a prestigious school. There, he befriends a classmate and her father. However, his peace is disrupted when he attracts the attention of a local karate champion. Seeking guidance, Li turns to his former master Mr. Han and karate sensei Daniel LaRusso, who help him navigate the challenges ahead. Ratings: My Rating: 7.5 IMDb: 6.3 Rotten Tomatoes: 3/5 Box Office Mojo: $115.8 million worldwide Critics Review: Critics have offered mixed reviews. Some appreciate the film's nostalgic appeal and the performances of Jackie Chan and Ralph Macchio. Others feel the story lacks depth and innovation, labeling it as derivative and predictable. Christian Perspective: The film emphasizes themes of mentorship, integrity, and personal growth, aligning with values often highlighted in Christian teachings. The gu...

Cobra Kai Runtime: 1,950 min Studio: Sony Pictures Television Franchise: Karate Kid Franchise Position: 6 Former rivalries reignite as Johnny Lawrence reopens the Cobra Kai dojo, reigniting old conflicts and mentoring a new generation of students. Ratings: My Rating: 8.7 The Dove Foundation: TV-14 IMDb: 8.7 Rotten Tomatoes: 94 Metacritic: 74 Plot Summary: Decades after the original tournaments, Johnny Lawrence seeks redemption by reopening Cobra Kai. He trains a new generation of students while struggling with his own past. Daniel LaRusso faces challenges as his old rival returns to mentor young fighters. Themes of mentorship, rivalry, forgiveness, and moral choices dominate as both generations learn lessons in courage, integrity, and discipline. Critics Review: Critics praised Cobra Kai for blending nostalgia with fresh storytelling, strong character development, and engaging martial arts sequences. Its balance of humor, drama, and moral lessons has made it popular with both original ...

The Karate Kid Runtime: 140 min Studio: Columbia Pictures Franchise: Karate Kid Franchise Position: 5 A young boy learns martial arts, discipline, and inner strength under the guidance of a wise mentor in a foreign city. Ratings: My Rating: 8.0 The Dove Foundation: PG IMDb: 6.2 Rotten Tomatoes: 66 Metacritic: 64 Plot Summary: Dre Parker, a young boy from Detroit, moves to Beijing with his mother and struggles to adapt to the culture and environment. He becomes the target of local bullies trained in kung fu. Mr. Han, a maintenance worker and kung fu master, mentors Dre, teaching him martial arts, discipline, and moral integrity. Dre must confront challenges and face his fears in a martial arts tournament, applying the lessons of courage, respect, and honor. Critics Review: Critics gave generally positive reviews for the film’s performances, action choreography, and heartfelt moral lessons. While some compared it unfavorably to the original, the film was praised for its updated setting, ...

The Next Karate Kid Runtime: 111 min Studio: Columbia Pictures Franchise: Karate Kid Franchise Position: 4 Mr. Miyagi mentors a troubled teenage girl, teaching her discipline, courage, and the true meaning of honor through karate. Ratings: My Rating: 7.4 The Dove Foundation: PG IMDb: 5.8 Rotten Tomatoes: 35 Metacritic: 48 Plot Summary: After losing his longtime friend and mentor figure, Mr. Miyagi meets Julie, a rebellious and angry teenager struggling with personal loss and social challenges. He trains her in martial arts, teaching not only self-defense but also the importance of discipline, patience, and inner peace. Together, they confront bullies and a rival dojo, ultimately learning lessons in courage, perseverance, and moral integrity. Critics Review: Critics were mixed, praising Pat Morita’s performance and the continuation of moral themes, but some felt the film lacked the energy and charm of the original series. While it introduces a female protagonist, many found the storylin...

The Karate Kid Part III Runtime: 115 min Studio: Columbia Pictures Franchise: Karate Kid Franchise Position: 3 Daniel LaRusso faces a new threat as a vengeful rival plots against him, testing his discipline, courage, and loyalty under the guidance of Mr. Miyagi. Ratings: My Rating: 7.7 The Dove Foundation: PG IMDb: 5.1 Rotten Tomatoes: 36 Metacritic: 49 Plot Summary: After defeating the Cobra Kai dojo, Daniel enjoys a brief period of peace, but a wealthy dojo owner manipulates his old rival Johnny and a new sensei to challenge Daniel. Through this conflict, Daniel must remain true to Mr. Miyagi’s teachings, confronting deception, temptation, and anger while reinforcing his moral and martial discipline. The film culminates in another high-stakes tournament where courage, honor, and perseverance are key. Critics Review: The film received mixed reviews. Critics praised the action choreography and the return of familiar characters but felt the plot was formulaic and relied too heavily on r...

The Karate Kid Part II Runtime: 130 min Studio: Columbia Pictures Franchise: Karate Kid Franchise Position: 2 Daniel LaRusso travels with Mr. Miyagi to Okinawa, where he reconnects with his mentor’s past and faces new challenges from a rival who threatens both his and Mr. Miyagi’s honor. Ratings: My Rating: 8.3 The Dove Foundation: PG IMDb: 6.8 Rotten Tomatoes: 77 Metacritic: 72 Plot Summary: Following his victory in the All-Valley Karate Tournament, Daniel accompanies Mr. Miyagi to Okinawa to visit his ailing father figure. There, Daniel becomes embroiled in a long-standing feud with a local dojo rival, faces personal and moral challenges, and learns deeper lessons about honor, forgiveness, and courage. The climax brings both personal growth and redemption through the principles of martial arts and integrity. Critics Review: Critics appreciated the film’s scenic Okinawa setting and exploration of Mr. Miyagi’s backstory, though some felt the sequel lacked the charm and novelty of the o...

The Karate Kid Runtime: 126 min Studio: Columbia Pictures Franchise: Karate Kid Franchise Position: 1 A young boy learns discipline, courage, and honor through martial arts under the guidance of a wise mentor. Ratings: My Rating: 8.5 The Dove Foundation: PG IMDb: 7.2 Rotten Tomatoes: 89 Metacritic: 76 Plot Summary: Daniel LaRusso moves to a new town and becomes the target of bullies trained in karate by the Cobra Kai dojo. Under the guidance of Mr. Miyagi, Daniel learns martial arts, balance, and life lessons about honor, discipline, and perseverance. The story culminates in a martial arts tournament where Daniel must confront his fears and uphold his integrity. Critics Review: Critics praised the film for its heartfelt story, strong performances by Ralph Macchio and Pat Morita, and the mentor-student dynamic that balances action with meaningful life lessons. While some considered the plot formulaic, the movie’s cultural impact and memorable training sequences have made it a beloved cl...