The Next Karate Kid

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The Next Karate Kid

PG

1994

1h 44m

Kids & Family

Drama

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Popcornmeter

20%

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51 Reviews

24%

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50,000+ Ratings

Karate master Mr. Miyagi goes to Boston to attend a military reunion. There, he visits with Louisa, the widow of his former commander, and meets her granddaughter, Julie. Julie's parents were recently killed in a car accident, and she is still reeling from the loss. When Julie surprises Miyagi with her knowledge of karate, he takes her to a Buddhist monastery for training and to help her come to terms with her angst.

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Critics Consensus

The Next Karate Kid is noteworthy for giving audiences the chance to see a pre-Oscars Hilary Swank, but other than a typically solid performance from Pat Morita, this unnecessary fourth installment in the franchise has very little to offer.

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Norman Wilner

Toronto Star

05/30/2025

3/5

Better than you'd expect from a series that should have breathed its last two pictures ago.

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Paul Harris

The Age (Australia)

05/29/2025

2/5

Christopher Cain's direction is, to put it kindly, perfunctory at best.

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Michael H. Price

Fort Worth Star-Telegram/DFW.com

05/29/2025

2.5/5

Although this one is no breakthrough, it certainly packs a mild entertainment value with a few memorable moments.

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Gary Wolcott

Tri-City Herald

05/30/2025

3/5

Swank is a fresh, energetic, charismatic actress. She radiates the kind of wholesome goodness and innocence that made Ralph Macchio so believable as the original karate Kid.

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Steve Persall

Tampa Bay Times

05/30/2025

D

Wax on, back off.

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Dennis King

Tulsa World

05/30/2025

1.5/4

It's tired and cynical rehashing of old material.

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Paul R

@PaulRiotRials Jul 14

No, this movie is not as good as any of the others in the franchise, but I still prefer it over the remake in 2010? Why? Mr. Miyagi. something about Pat Morita being on my screen makes my eyes light up. The Next Karate Kid doesn't deserve ALL the hate it gets.

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Blake- N

@PBSAniDom May 21

The Next Karate Kid is easily the weakest film in the Karate Kid franchise for me. While the earlier movies had heart, memorable rivalries, and strong emotional moments, this sequel feels flat and unnecessary from the start. The story lacks the charm and energy that made the previous films so enjoyable. The characters are forgettable, the dialogue feels weak, and the movie struggles to create the same inspirational spirit the series was known for. Even with familiar elements returning, it never captures the magic of the originals. Overall, The Next Karate Kid feels like a sequel that lost the identity of the franchise. It’s poorly executed, forgettable, and disappointing compared to the earlier entries. I rate it a 1/10.

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Jamie T

@RT70088621 May 4

Painful to watch. The first 3 knitted together so well and had so much spirit..Not even Miyagi could save this one. Lazy script, poor characters and no Daniel-son

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Carlos T

@RT67858720 Mar 21

Depois de três filmes centrados na relação entre Miyagi e Daniel, a franquia decide seguir um caminho diferente: apresentar uma nova geração. A ideia era interessante. Uma protagonista feminina poderia trazer novas perspectivas para o universo do Karatê Kid. Mas o filme enfrenta um problema fundamental: ele não consegue recriar a mesma profundidade emocional que marcou os primeiros capítulos da saga. 📖 Enredo A história acompanha Julie Pierce, uma adolescente problemática que vive com a avó após a morte de seus pais. Rebelde, impulsiva e constantemente envolvida em confusões, Julie parece incapaz de encontrar direção na vida. Preocupada com o comportamento da neta, sua avó pede ajuda a Sr. Miyagi, antigo amigo da família. Miyagi aceita o desafio de orientar a jovem, tentando transmitir a ela não apenas técnicas de karatê, mas também os princípios de disciplina, equilíbrio e paz interior. ⭐ Nota final: 4 / 10

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Brooks D

@SCOutlaw81 08/16/2025

Easily the worst movie of the franchise. Pat M. deserved better.

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Stachu K

@RT15299756 07/03/2025

This is trash mate. For 1milion dolars I would never watched it again

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Christopher Cain

Director

Hilary Swank

Julie Pierce

Pat Morita

Sergeant Kesuke Miyagi

Michael Ironside

Colonel Dugan

Constance Towers

Louisa Pierce

Chris Conrad

Eric McGowen

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Synopsis

Karate master Mr. Miyagi goes to Boston to attend a military reunion. There, he visits with Louisa, the widow of his former commander, and meets her granddaughter, Julie. Julie's parents were recently killed in a car accident, and she is still reeling from the loss. When Julie surprises Miyagi with her knowledge of karate, he takes her to a Buddhist monastery for training and to help her come to terms with her angst.

Director: Christopher Cain
Producer: Jerry Weintraub
Screenwriter: Robert Mark Kamen
Production Co: Columbia Pictures Corporation
Rating: PG
Genre: Kids & Family, Drama
Original Language: English
Release Date (Streaming): Apr 16, 2012
Box Office (Gross USA): $8.7M
Runtime: 1h 44m
Sound Mix: Stereo, Surround

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