(Future two time Oscar winner) Hilary Swank takes over from Ralph Macchio, as troubled teen Julie, alongside the returning Pat Morita (as wise old Mr. Miyagi) in this third Karate Kid sequel.
Sent to live with Mr. Miyagi by her worried Grandma, Julie-san must learn to control her anger over her parent's death by studying Karate. She nurses a hawk back to health at the local school, encountering Colonel Paul Dugan's bullying school security fraternity, the Alpha Elite. [Michael Ironside as Dugan.]
Some of these actors are far too old to be at school (see: love interest Eric, Chris Conrad and Michael Cavalieri as bully Ned Randall), while the acting can be a little ropey.
The fight choreography has taken a step back (and the fights aren't always believable) but this is still entertaining for fans of the franchise.
Miyagi's wisdom spouting lines continue to enlighten and Swank and Morita make a likable team. As always it's fun watching the baddies get their comeuppance.
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DIRECTED BY: Christopher Cain. SCREENPLAY BY: Mark Lee. RUNNING TIME: 107 minutes CERTIFICATE: PG. USA.
 Hilary Swank takes over from Ralph Macchio, as troubled teen Julie, alongside the returning Pat Morita (as wi...){kind=link}