The Next Karate Kid 1994

Clifford Terry, Chicago Tribune: Only the reasonably-appealing performances of Morita and newcomer Swank keep it all from becoming even more of a loser. Read more

Chris Willman, Los Angeles Times: The overt message of any Karate Kid movie: Don't fight unless you absolutely have to. The implicit message: You'll always have to. Let the smitings begin! Read more

Carrie Rickey, Philadelphia Inquirer: While the message that a girl can defend herself against the boys threatening her is a good one, it's lost in a movie where the bullies look like Mussolini's bodyguards and where Julie waits for her boyfriend and Miyagi to come to her defense. Read more

John Hartl, Seattle Times: The Next Karate Kid is harmless as children's entertainment, but for 104 very long minutes, there isn't a recognizable human being in sight. Read more

Stephen Holden, New York Times: [It] may be the silliest episode yet in the popular Karate Kid series. Read more

Lisa Nesselson, Variety: The franchise is still kicking -- but not very high. Read more

Lisa Schwarzbaum, Entertainment Weekly: Not that girls will go see this or boys will care. Read more

Rita Kempley, Washington Post: What is the sound of one hand clapping? The audience giving it up for The Next Karate Kid. Read more