Review of The Karate Kid Part II (1986) by James R — 17 Feb 2010

Virtually every film in the eighties that was a big hit would have a sequel produced almost immediately, and the majority of them would rehash the same formula without adding anything fresh; "The Karate Kid Part II" does indeed follow the same formula, but it does get a lot of mileage out of a fresh setting.

The majority of the story takes place in Mr. Miyagi's home village in Okinawa, where the backstory of his character is finally revealed, and the film is a very interesting look at a different culture where personal honour is the most important thing.

Of course, the melodramatic nature of this storyline causes it to be somewhat corny and overwrought at times, but the characters are likable enough and the performances are sincere enough to make it work.

Unfortunately, the film makes the mistake of throwing a "deus ex machina" into its last act when a violent storm randomly appears out of nowhere to affect the outcome of the plot, but it is able to recover for an over-the-top, but satisfying (and surprisingly violent) climactic fight scene.