Review of The Karate Kid Part III (1989) by Spookie M — 20 Mar 2011

The story picks up almost a year after the first film, and following the events of the sequel. Having lost the Cobra Kai dojo and all of his students, Sensei John Kreese (Martin Kove) visits his Vietnam War comrade Terry Silver (Thomas Ian Griffith), who is also a karate expert and fellow Cobra Kai; indeed, he is later indicated to be the real owner of the Cobra Kai dojo. Silver and Kreese scheme to take revenge on Daniel and his teacher, Mr. Miyagi (Noriyuki "Pat" Morita), and make Cobra Kai successful once again.

Upon returning home to Los Angeles, Daniel uses his college funds to realize Miyagi's dream of opening a bonsai tree store. When Daniel visits a pottery store across the street, he meets Jessica Andrews (Robyn Lively), and they instantly become friends.

Silver recruits "Karate's Bad Boy" Mike Barnes (Sean Kanan) and promises him 25% of potential Cobra Kai profits if he succeeds in claiming Daniel's title at the upcoming All-Valley Karate Tournament, but Barnes demands 50% and Silver gives it to him. After breaking into Miyagi's home, Silver overhears Daniel tell Miyagi that he will not be participating in the tournament, as Miyagi felt that defense of the title would merely be fighting for personal reward.

That evening at the bonsai store, Daniel and Jessica are confronted by Mike and Snake (Jonathan Avildsen), one of Silver's goons. They threaten to harm Daniel if he does not enter the tournament. Daniel declines, and Mike departs in a heated rage. At a later date, Daniel and Jessica are once again confronted by Mike and Snake, who are now joined by Mike's personal trainer Dennis (Christopher Paul Ford). When Daniel again refuses to enter the tournament, a small skirmish breaks out before Miyagi shows up to fend off the three men. Later, Miyagi and Daniel arrive home to find their stock of bonsai has been stolen, with a tournament application hanging in their place.