The Karate Kid Part III (1989) Review in 2025
The Karate Kid Part III is a martial arts film that follows Daniel LaRusso as he faces off against his arch-nemesis, Mike Barnes, in a karate tournament.
Family-Friendly Rating
Is this movie suitable for family viewing?
This movie is not suitable for young children due to its intense martial arts sequences and some mild language.
CineReview Recommendation
This movie is worth watching for fans of the Karate Kid franchise but may not be the best introduction to the series. It's a decent martial arts film but lacks the charm and excitement of the previous films.
Spoiler Alert!
Hover to reveal spoiler summary
The movie takes a dark turn when Daniel's mentor, Mr. Miyagi, is killed by a group of thugs, leading Daniel to seek revenge and face off against Mike in a intense karate battle.
Review Details
story6.00/10
The story is somewhat predictable and lacks the charm of the previous two films. The plot is thin and relies heavily on convenient coincidences.
acting7.00/10
The acting is solid but lacks the chemistry of the previous films. The actors deliver their lines with conviction but lack the emotional depth.
characters7.00/10
The characters are well-developed and the actors deliver solid performances. However, some characters feel underutilized and lack depth.
direction5.00/10
The direction is uninspired and lacks the flair of the previous films. The pacing is slow and the editing is clunky.
cinematography6.00/10
The cinematography is decent but lacks the vibrancy of the previous films. The camera work is often dull and unengaging.
Pros and Cons
Pros
The movie has some solid martial arts sequences and the acting is decent. The characters are well-developed and the story is somewhat engaging.
Cons
The direction is uninspired, the pacing is slow, and the editing is clunky. The cinematography is dull and the story is predictable.
Notable Quotes
"Sweep the leg!"
"Wax on, wax off."
