The Next Karate Kid (1994)
Release Date:
1994
Movie Rating:
PG
Runtime:
1h 47m

Synopsis:
The Next Karate Kid follows Julie Pierce, a teenager struggling with the loss of her parents. She lives with her grandmother, who introduces her to Mr. Miyagi, a wise martial arts master. Mr. Miyagi takes Julie under his wing, teaching her karate to help her find balance and discipline. As Julie learns the art of karate, she faces challenges at school, including dealing with a group of bullies. With Mr. Miyagi's guidance, Julie gains confidence and strength. The story unfolds as Julie navigates her way through these obstacles, discovering her own abilities and resilience.






The Next Karate Kid, released in 1994, is a family-friendly action-drama film rated PG, making it suitable for kids. The movie introduces a new protagonist, Julie, who learns valuable life lessons through martial arts under the guidance of Mr. Miyagi. While the film maintains the inspirational tone of its predecessors, parental reviews are mixed, with some appreciating its positive messages and others noting its predictable plot.
Why Kids Should Watch The Next Karate Kid
The movie offers several positive elements that make it a worthwhile watch for children.
- Promotes themes of perseverance and self-discovery.
- Features a strong female lead who learns to overcome personal challenges.
- Includes engaging martial arts sequences that captivate young audiences.
- Highlights the importance of mentorship and friendship.
Why Kids Shouldn’t Watch The Next Karate Kid
Some parents express concerns about certain aspects of the film.
- Contains moments of bullying that might be upsetting to sensitive viewers.
- Some scenes may depict conflict resolution through physical means.
- The plot may feel formulaic and lack depth for older children.
Verdict: Mixed Messages
Verdict: Mixed Messages
Parents are divided—some love it, others raise concerns about its predictable storyline and handling of conflict.
What Parents Should Know About The Next Karate Kid
Question | Answer |
---|---|
Does this movie model positive behavior that my child can understand and repeat? | Julie learns to control her anger and channel it into positive actions through martial arts training. |
Does this movie include emotional moments my child might find confusing or intense? | The scenes involving bullying and peer pressure may require parental guidance to discuss appropriate responses. |
Does this movie show consequences for unkind or unsafe behavior? | The film demonstrates that bullying and aggression lead to negative outcomes, reinforcing the importance of kindness. |
Does this movie reinforce helpful social skills like sharing, apologizing, or teamwork? | Julie learns the value of teamwork and cooperation through her interactions with Mr. Miyagi and her peers. |
Will my child come away with any clear moral or message? | The core message is about self-improvement and the power of mentorship, delivered through Julie's journey. |
The Overall Sentiment From Parental Feedback
The Next Karate Kid is praised for its positive messages about self-discovery and perseverance, with a strong female lead that can inspire young viewers. However, some parents feel the film's predictable plot and handling of conflict may not fully engage older children. Parental involvement can enhance the viewing experience by discussing the film's themes and addressing any concerns about its portrayal of conflict. For those seeking similar themes, the original Karate Kid series may offer a more engaging alternative.
Official The Next Karate Kid Trailer
The Next Karate Kid, released in 1994, is a family-friendly action-drama film rated PG, making it suitable for kids. The movie introduces a new protagonist, Julie, who learns valuable life lessons through martial arts under the guidance of Mr. Miyagi. While the film maintains the inspirational tone of its predecessors, parental reviews are mixed, with some appreciating its positive messages and others noting its predictable plot.
Why Kids Should Watch The Next Karate Kid
The movie offers several positive elements that make it a worthwhile watch for children.
- Promotes themes of perseverance and self-discovery.
- Features a strong female lead who learns to overcome personal challenges.
- Includes engaging martial arts sequences that captivate young audiences.
- Highlights the importance of mentorship and friendship.
Why Kids Shouldn’t Watch The Next Karate Kid
Some parents express concerns about certain aspects of the film.
- Contains moments of bullying that might be upsetting to sensitive viewers.
- Some scenes may depict conflict resolution through physical means.
- The plot may feel formulaic and lack depth for older children.
Verdict: Mixed Messages
Verdict: Mixed Messages
Parents are divided—some love it, others raise concerns about its predictable storyline and handling of conflict.
What Parents Should Know About The Next Karate Kid
Question | Answer |
---|---|
Does this movie model positive behavior that my child can understand and repeat? | Julie learns to control her anger and channel it into positive actions through martial arts training. |
Does this movie include emotional moments my child might find confusing or intense? | The scenes involving bullying and peer pressure may require parental guidance to discuss appropriate responses. |
Does this movie show consequences for unkind or unsafe behavior? | The film demonstrates that bullying and aggression lead to negative outcomes, reinforcing the importance of kindness. |
Does this movie reinforce helpful social skills like sharing, apologizing, or teamwork? | Julie learns the value of teamwork and cooperation through her interactions with Mr. Miyagi and her peers. |
Will my child come away with any clear moral or message? | The core message is about self-improvement and the power of mentorship, delivered through Julie's journey. |
The Overall Sentiment From Parental Feedback
The Next Karate Kid is praised for its positive messages about self-discovery and perseverance, with a strong female lead that can inspire young viewers. However, some parents feel the film's predictable plot and handling of conflict may not fully engage older children. Parental involvement can enhance the viewing experience by discussing the film's themes and addressing any concerns about its portrayal of conflict. For those seeking similar themes, the original Karate Kid series may offer a more engaging alternative.
Official The Next Karate Kid Trailer
The Core Values Learned From The Next Karate Kid
The Next Karate Kid's most common core values include Perseverance, Self-discovery, and Courage. Throughout the movie, kids see perseverance as Julie learns karate, facing numerous challenges and setbacks but never giving up. Her journey of self-discovery is evident as she uncovers her own strengths and abilities, learning more about who she is and what she can achieve.
Courage is a key value as Julie stands up to bullies and confronts her fears, showing kids the importance of bravery in difficult situations. These core values are woven into the story, providing children with clear examples of how determination, understanding oneself, and being brave can help overcome obstacles.
Other Core Values Explored: Acceptance | Adaptability | Being brave | Building confidence. | Emotional growth | Empathy | Friendship | Independence | Leadership | Respect | Self-expression | Standing up for what's right | Trust | Determination
The 5 Biggest Lessons Learned From The Next Karate Kid
Breaking Gender Stereotypes: The Next Karate Kid challenges traditional gender roles by showcasing Julie as a strong and capable martial artist. Kids see that girls can excel in areas typically dominated by boys, encouraging them to pursue their interests regardless of societal expectations.
Believing in Yourself: Julie's journey emphasizes the importance of self-confidence. As she learns karate, she gains the belief in her own abilities, teaching children that trusting in themselves can lead to personal growth and success.
Building Friendships: The bond between Julie and Mr. Miyagi highlights the value of friendship. Their relationship shows kids that friendships can be formed across different backgrounds and ages, and that support from friends can help overcome challenges.
Finding Courage: Julie's experiences with bullies at school demonstrate the need for bravery. Children learn that standing up for themselves and others requires courage, and that facing fears can lead to empowerment.
Supporting Personal Growth: Through her training and experiences, Julie undergoes significant personal development. Kids see that growth often comes from stepping out of comfort zones and embracing new challenges.
Other Lessons Learned: Learning from Mistakes | Overcoming Failure | Practicing Patience | Standing Up for Others | Trusting Intuition
Why Kids Love The Next Karate Kid
The Next Karate Kid is an exciting journey where kids are drawn into a world of martial arts and epic quests. Julie Pierce, a brave hero, learns karate from the wise Mr. Miyagi, and her training is filled with thrilling action and cool moves. Kids will love watching Julie stand up to bullies and save the day, proving herself in unexpected ways. The movie is packed with moments of teamwork and friendship, as Julie forms a strong bond with Mr. Miyagi and learns to trust him. The unique characters and their adventures make the story engaging, with plenty of humor and heartwarming scenes.
As Julie navigates her challenges, kids will be captivated by her journey of self-discovery and the exciting world of martial arts. The film's blend of action, friendship, and personal growth keeps kids entertained and rooting for Julie from start to finish.