The film begins with a common trope of 80s teen dramas: the move to a new city. Daniel LaRusso (Ralph Macchio) and his mother, Lucille, are westbound from New Jersey to the “dream destination” of Los Angeles. Dream destination for Lucille because she has a hot new career; more of a nightmare for Daniel as he’s leaving the familiar Italian American East Coast culture for a world of blonds, beaches, and bullying. (It may be surprising to youths today, but there was a time when California was imagined as a new world, almost separate from the rest of the U.S., instead of an off-putting land that people are escaping from to return to their roots.). By drawing the attention of dream girl Ali (Elizabeth Shue) at the beach, he invites the wrath of her ex-boyfriend Johnny (William Zabka) and his gang of fellow karate students, who are trained by the no-chill Cobra Kai dojo owner Kreese (Martin Kove). Daniel knows some karate, but not enough to make a difference. Fortunately, after multiple instances of violence against him, a friendly maintenance worker, Mr. Nariyoshi Miyagi (Pat Morita), who has gotten to know Daniel and his mother, intervenes, and thus starts a journey where not only does Daniel develop his skills to defend himself, but he grows in qualities that are important even if he loses interest in karate.

What makes this film interesting is less because of the action and more because of the characters’ personalities and relationships between the characters. The director John G. Avildsen doesn’t direct sports films. You may be saying to yourself, “Hey, didn’t he direct Rocky?” Yes, he did, but Rocky is not a sports film. Yes, the MacGuffin is Rocky’s boxing career and his shot at the Heavyweight title, but the meat of that film is Rocky’s relationship with Adrian, Paulie, Mickey, and himself. We even find out more about Rocky and Apollo outside of the ring during their pre-fight interactions than we do when they’re pummeling each other through the rounds. Similarly, while the fight sequences are competent (I prefer the two action sequences where Daniel is targeted by the bullies to the end tournament; there’s only so much you can do to make points-based, contact-limited martial arts tournaments exciting), the heart is in the dramatic scenes. We see Daniel as a sure, street-smart kid on first arrival to California, but it’s hard to forget his humiliated look following his first takedown by Johnny, when he’s been abandoned by his new friends and is left to be diminished, as he sees it, in the eyes of Ali. Another emotional scene involves Daniel’s trashing of his bike after another beatdown: it’s short, but it conveys all that Daniel hates concerning his situation—he’s a stranger in a strange and privileged land, and there seems to be nothing that he can do about it.

Ralph Macchio is not the only one that gets to give a good performance. In fact, one might say that Pat Morita as Mr. Miyagi often steals the spotlight. Being a film featuring martial arts, Mr. Miyagi could’ve been portrayed as an unworldly, mystic master, especially since such archetypes were predominant up to that point. However, while Mr. Miyagi is wise, he’s also human. His relationship with Daniel is often more like that of a father and son than sensei and student. It’s not through specific karate skills that he teaches Daniel self-discipline but through household chores. Only later does Daniel see how such mundane activities contribute to his martial arts training. Obviously, the centerpiece scene is Mr. Miyagi’s drunken breakdown due to his reflection on a tragic (personally and nationally) event from decades before. A son would usually not want to see his father in such a state, and a father, especially one known for self-discipline, would not want to put on such a display. However, Daniel and Mr. Miyagi have both opened up to each other at this point. Mr. Miyagi is no longer just the firm teacher or provider of quips but is a person of vulnerability just like Daniel.

Even the antagonists have depth that a lesser movie might skip in exploring. Yes, the Cobra Kai are relentless in the tormenting of Daniel. However, we come to see that this aggression is fomented by the teaching of Kreese. (Daniel also doesn’t help himself by his cocky attitude at times). Why might Kreese have been so angry? Did his military experience in Vietnam inform him? (I haven’t watched Cobra Kai, but apparently, it goes more into detail about his past, and my speculation is confirmed). We see levels of compassion in Johnny’s fellow Cobra Kai when Johnny escalates matters, and by the end, he no longer has complete faith in Kreese’s teachings.

No film is perfect, even “perfect films.” I did find it convenient that every activity that Daniel was interested in, Johnny and the Cobra Kai were involved in. Daniel meets up with them during soccer tryouts; he’s already had some karate training while they’re all members of Kreese’s dojo; he rides a regular bike while they roar through the scenes on motorbikes; and Johnny just broke up with Ali, and she is ready to be on the rebound with Daniel at first sight. It’s understandable that there need to be scenes for conflict, but it makes Daniel seem more than fated to walk into trouble no matter where he goes in Reseda. Speaking of Ali, Shue gave a decent performance with the material given. However, there’s not much there. It’s hard to see what she sees in Daniel at first besides his being the opposite of Johnny in almost every way. People were surprised when she didn’t return for the sequel. Given the nature of high school relationships and the love-at-first-sight attraction between the two, I was not.

I’ve not said much about the music and don’t have much to say except that it’s adequate for the film’s aspirational nature; the pan flutes are a nice touch and don’t overwhelm the atmosphere, unlike a lot of Asian-themed movies. Most people remember Joe Esposito’s “You’re the Best,” but I believe that Bananarama’s “Cruel Summer” best epitomized the L.A. culture. Too bad it wasn’t included on the soundtrack album.

Today, moviegoers can watch all types of martial arts styling. It’s often included in typical action and comic book movie fare. What you don’t get is a story where karate is not an end, but a means for self-development. There are a lot more exciting tournament movies that you can watch. Here, the tournament is the dessert, the logical conclusion of a journey that begins when Daniel arrives unwillingly in Reseda. The meat and potatoes is the growth of Daniel under the paternal guidance of unassuming Mr. Miyagi, and this is still relatable years later.

Cobra Kai is the continuation of the Karate Kid storyline, taking place 34 years after the events of the first film  and it’s sequels (probably not the Jaden Smith one). Starring Ralph Macchio and William Zabka reprising their famous roles of Danial Larusso and Johnny Lawrence.

Now I know I’m not alone in saying this but, as good as the trailers looked and the trailers were good, I was almost fearful that this was going to be some sort of nostalgic sugar cookie ; more parody than sequel. I already had my personal theories of  how the show would end it’s season. Now what I didn’t expect was Cobra Kai exceeding all my expectations and actually looking like a pretty good show.

The show creators are the guys behind the Harold & Kumar films. If i knew that going into this I’d probably have lesser expectations but, “Wow”. It’s good. Yes there are elements of comedy but, in no way is the levity forced or insisted upon you like 90% of the comedies now-a-days. The jokes are situational and the writing and much appreciated acting by Zabka and Macchio sells every word uttered.

I’m only talking about the first two episodes because, those are the ones that are free to watch. I’m confident that they will engage and suck you into them as they did me. From there you can make your own decision to subscribe to Youtube Red or not to finish the journey. I do recommend you finish the season to get the full journey.

Story:
Johnny Lawrence’s life hasn’t been too good after the All-Valley Karate Tournament of 1984. As you know his sensei disowned him and the Cobra Kai name became obsolete. Johnny is now unemployed and living in a cruddy apartment eating bologna slices with syrup (One of my childhood favorites) and watching 80’s movies listening to life lessons from the characters…. Basically Johnny is living my life.

He’s never really recovered from the crane kick. A crane kick that is still debated as being an illegal kick or not. While Johnny’s life has hit the skids. Daniel’s life has reaped success. After winning his second Karate Tournament in the Karate Kid III, Daniel has matured, married and became a father of two. He runs a successful car dealership and leads a good life.

The first episode and series follows Johnny as he deals with being a deadbeat dad and washed up schlub of his former self. Until one night he decides to reclaim the one thing that gave him purpose and that’s Karate. Johnny reopens the Cobra Kai dojo and begins training new students; starting with a young man named Miguel.

Second episode while still keeping Johnny as it’s main perspective gives us more of what Daniel’s life is like. How the success he’s had has in some ways lead him astray of the moral teachings of his late sensei Miyagi. His life isn’t so great. His son is more into his ipad games and modern distractions that he is being a kid and his daughter in some way is veering toward the wrong path.

Don’t get it twisted folks – This isn’t panhandling for your nostalgic dime. This show is well written and well done and has a lot to chew on.

William Zabka is both still as much of a hard-ass as he was back in high school as he is tragic hero. See from Johnny’s point of view he was the hero who failed and lost what he sees Daniel has gained. You relate to Johnny and you root for him. His teachings are rough but he’s right, “It’s a rough world and if you want something you’re gonna have to go get it”. The parallels between him and Daniel are evident. Both men are two sides of the same coin and if not for their own personal journeys and demons from the past – they might actually be friends. The scenes between them are really good. You can still feel that tension under the surface. And I love how at the drop of a hat it’s Daniel who’s ready to throw down. Both men doing a suberb job of displaying the humanity of their characters.

The music is BOMB and Awesome.

So I highly join the millions of viewers and fans when I say, this is a must watch. It’s everything you wanted from a Karate Kid sequel- Heart, drama and human relationships.

Watch it Now! and keep your finger on that Rewind button.
Created by Jon Hurwitz, Hayden Schlossberg, and Josh Heald and stars Ralph Macchio and William Zabka, reprising their roles from the films. It premiered on May 2, 2018 on YouTube Red.

Show Link: Episode 1

Episode 2: