‘Cobra Kai’: This Rivalry Is Not Quite Ready for a Body Bag

As a closeted teenager in the 80s, I had the biggest crush on William Zabka. Nostalgic crushes aside, I thoroughly enjoyed reading this article about the lives of these two gentlemen post this career-marking movie. I enjoyed reading how their two lives have transpired and their reminisce of their time in this much loved 80s classic. Some commentators here remarked that the movie was just as much about Pat Morita’s character Mr. Miagi,” true, I agree. However, you miss the point of this article. J.Enger’s focus was on the rivalry of the two main characters and the how this movie affected the lives—through time—of the actors who portrayed them. Kudos on a job well done.

May watch, may not. Has always been one of my favorite "schlock" movies. But the real reason for that was always Pat Morita. He was its heart and soul, in every way. I saw him in other films, of course, and always enjoyed his performances. He is one of those actors I truly miss. I unashamedly admit I still get a bit weepy when I watch the original film, thinking of Pat and that he is gone. The nobility and honor, the patience and humility he embodied in that film are values the world could use a lot more of today.

I feel really funny about this old movie, it's like this totally different person watched it and enjoyed it so much, and I carry his memories as my own. Back in the day I loved the first Karate Kid and immediately identified with the underdog Daniel. I've seen him more as a poor boy fighting spoiled rich bullies. Seeing it again as an adult, I realized you can be the underdog and also a stupid, selfish and vain brat. Daniel took a glimpse on the world of privileged people, crossed paths with them and had it his way, what makes (at principle, at least) the fabric for a nice tale. But so what? The lesson for me, if any, is that if your values are empty and you can't help yourself in validating your ego provoking others, class warfare is the minor of your concerns.

This shows that with the right editing and selective facts you can spin any story

Go back to Fox News Ralph. There you can go wax off a bit.

While I wish somebody would sweep the leg, What's way funnier is looking at the third picture down -- the one from the original movie. I love how they put the word "Referee" on the 2 people that clearly don't look they are competing to begin with. I guess without that designation, could have been a tag team event. Red shirt is a general tell (I think thats what Star Trek did to guarantee someone would not last throughout the scene). No matter how good this may be, someone in Hollywood needs an original idea because it seems they keep regurgitating films.

I'm actually really excited for the series, such that I have it marked down in my calendar (in pen!). It will be interesting to see Ralph Macchio playing what appears to be kind of a smug & smarmy jerk, rather than the underdog. And a nice role reprisal for Billy Zabka. Now we get to find out why Johnny was so mean. Works for me. --CHW

I watched and enjoyed the original movie, but I honestly had no idea how much I needed this until I saw the trailer. When Johnny's student knocks a female student down, apologizes profusely, only to see her jump up, roaring, and pummel him? Then Johnny looks at her approvingly and says, "Girl's a natural Cobra Kai." CHILLS, people! And I'm not gonna lie: I got a little misty, too. It looks great!

Wonder if Elisabeth Shue will make and appearance ? Without Pat Morita I feel the humor will be dry, Always loved the scene when Daniel asked Mr. Miyagi what belt he was and he said " Belt J.C Penny $3.99, you like?" RIP Pat Morita, this movie was the reason I took Martial Arts as a kid and will always be grateful for his role in this movie. Also thought Jackie Chan did amazing representing the role in the Remake .

Remakes and reboots speak volumes about the lack of creativity in Hollywood.

Good grief. Save me from this insanity, please. Has every single creative person decided to remake big hits of the past instead of actually creating something new and wonderful? Apparently, like Hollywood studio executives, YouTubers are unable to do it. Perhaps they should be called YouRubers.

Without Mr. Miyagi (Pat Morita) there is no Karate Kid. He made the movie with great acting and was a sympathetic character. Why do money hungry actors and their sponsors believe that they can reprise a great movie 34 years later?

It has been well documented that although Johnny was not exactly a great guy, Daniel meets the true definition of a bully in the original movie. The idea that a new series will involve old rivals using young proteges (presumably adolescents) to fight in their stead, is yet another example of how manipulative people use others to resolve their own issues.

Only 80s kids know what this means to 80s kids :) I love that in this reboot, Johnny Lawrence, the blonde haired bully, turns into the Mr. Miyagi for a new group of high school kids. The irony is explosive. I agree that Johnny and Daniel seemed to have made up as the final credits rolled in the original ("you're allright, kid!") - but I like the idea that Johnny went downhill at some point and needs to rebuild himself in midlife.

There's a fatal flaw in the reboot. Based on the first two films, it was clear that Daniel's resilience in the tournament had earned the bully's grudging respect. It was also implied that after Johnny's teacher had humiliated him for losing, he had had enough of the harsh Cobra Kay way of life.

How they do it without Mr Miyagi? Wipe on, wipe off? I might have to boycott.

The Karate Kids need to go to a rest home.

I loved the first and second "Kid" movies. I was a young teenager boy and the girls, especially the cute Asian girl in the second film, excited my world. This whole idea just makes me feel old.

"But neither was interested putting on a karate gi for a broad, nostalgic spoof." Very happy to read that graf. As a child of the 80s I know the place this film series, and the first movie in particular, occupy in nostalgia and pop culture. But even 30+ years later, the sincerity with which it presents core principles and values espoused in martial arts like karate-do shines through for me. I think it's that earnestness, balanced with the comedy, drama, and social themes wrapped in the narrative that make the film so enduring.

RIP Pat Morita who truly was the heart and soul of it all.

Best article of the day. Totally brought a smile to my face. Thanks for sharing.

Ralph Maccio needs to write a book about how he stays so youthful looking. I believe he is in his mid-50s but looks fantastic.

The first two episodes of the new series are great. It's well written, well acted and actually really funny. I went to the screening last night, and the audience was in stitches. The new series is better than I hoped!