The Karate Kid, Part III

Review

Common Sense Media says

Disappointing, often violent sequel is for series fans only.
greenON: Content is age-appropriate for kids this age.
yellowPAUSE: Know your child; some content
may not be right for some kids.
redOFF: Not age-appropriate for kids this age.
not for kidsNOT FOR KIDS: Not appropriate for kids any age.

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Quality
 
Sometimes media can be age appropriate but a real waste of time. Our star rating assesses the media's overall quality.

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Parents say

Not yet rated

Kids say

AGE
12
QUALITY
 

What parents need to know

Parents need to know that revenge and bad intentions move the plot here. Some of the karate is vicious, and the trouble-making participants do not adhere to the principles of the martial arts. There are a few bloody fights. One sequence that might be frightening to young viewers finds tough guys threatening and endangering two heroes on a steep cliff. Mild coarse language is heard occasionally. Mr. Miyagi, wise mentor to The Karate Kid, is referred to as a "slope," an Asian slur. One character smokes cigars and drinks champagne.

  • Positive messages3
    Mr. Miyagi continues his education of The Karate Kid: "You must not lose to fear, only to your opponents."  Brute strength and revenge lose out to hard work, inspiration, and firm belief in yourself.
  • Positive role models4
    The wisdom and quiet integrity of Mr. Miyagi continues to provide guidance to The Karate Kid.  He lives what he preaches. Daniel learns another valuable lesson from his mentor and once again proves to be worthy and rewarded.
  • Violence2
    Lots of karate, some with the authentic moves, poses, etc. In other instances, participants are more vicious and cheat, purposely trying to hurt opponents. A fight scene includes breaking car windows and bloody fists. Bad guys vandalize a shop, and fight with those who try to protect it. The hero and a friend are threatened as they climb down a steep mountain.
  • Sex0
    Not applicable.
  • Language2
    Mild cursing throughout: "ass," "s--t," "screw you," "damn," "Christ," etc. Two racial slurs: "slope," referring to an Asian.
  • Consumerism1
    TWA, Amtrak, Century 21.
  • Drinking, drugs, & smoking1
    Villain is seen smoking a cigar and drinking champagne.
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What's the story?

Shortly after a major defeat to Daniel LaRusso (Ralph Macchio), his vanquished opponent John Krees (Martin Kove) plots revenge on him and his beloved coach, Mr. Miyagi (Pat Morita). Krees enlists the support of an unscrupulous businessman and the two set out to force Daniel to defend his title against a devious, unethical challenger, and to destroy Mr. Miyagi's lifelong dream, a fledgling bonsai shop. Daniel gets caught up in the corrupting atmosphere of revenge, and it's up to Mr. Miyagi to show him the way back to integrity and self-respect.

Is it any good?

 

A flimsy, predictable plot, ridiculous mustache-twirling villains, and some really bad acting make for a disappointing third outing in this successful 1980s franchise. With the exception of some nice visuals of Miyagi and Daniel in training and bonsai in a natural mountain setting, there's not much to recommend. Though the original's writer and director are on board again, it seems a feeble effort to capitalize on the built-in fan base. Even the karate bouts are shot with little flair or originality. It's harmless, mindless, and mostly charmless.

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What families can talk about

  • Families can talk about how Mr. Miyagi teaches Daniel much more than karate moves. What life lessons does Daniel learn? What other films have you seen that do a good job of portraying such a strong mentor-student relationship?

  • The filmmakers made the villains in this movie very cartoonish: sneering most of the time, laughing at the heroes, and fighting very unfairly. Were they believable villains? Memorable?

  • Daniel's spirit is compared to a bonsai tree. How does Daniel "choose how he grows" like the magical tree on the mountain side?

  • If you've seen The Karate Kid and/or The Karate Kid, Part II, did this sequel meet your expectations? Why or why not? What sequels have you seen that you liked as much as or even more than the original?

This review was written by Renee Schonfeld
Kid, 13 years old
November 13, 2010
AGE
11
 
It's good for kids that are in Year 4 and over
I love the Karate Kid but the language is kinda bad the use s--t, ass and other mild language. Mr. Silver is a bad role model so is Mike because firstly Mike breaks the rules in the tournament and he also enters a store and tries to beat up Daniel. Mr. Silver is teaching Daniel to be bad.
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Kid, 12 years old
March 29, 2011
AGE
12
 
Not for little kids!
Okay but very bad swearing!
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Teen, 16 years old
September 14, 2011
AGE
13
 
PG-13 rating for ''The Karate Kid Part III''
My rating for this movie is rated PG-13 for martial arts action violence,some language and a scene involving drug use
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This review was written by Renee Schonfeld
Topics:sports and martial arts, friendship, misfits and underdogs
Studio:Columbia Pictures
Director:John G. Avildsen
Cast:Pat Morita, Ralph Macchio
Genre:Family and Kids
Run time:112 minutes
Theatrical release date:June 30, 1989
DVD release date:February 1, 2005
MPAA rating:PG
This review was written by Renee Schonfeld
 

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ON: Content is age-appropriate for kids this age.
PAUSE: Know your child; some content may not be right for some kids.
OFF: Not age-appropriate for kids this age.
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