Cobra Kai is a great example of how to bring old and beloved stories back into the spotlight. The series shows so much love and respect for the original movies. It's also a great example of how to pass the torch and bridge the gap between old and new generations in a way that feels organic and that gives its proper place to every character. All of this is something the people now in charge of Star Wars never understood.
you mean show them respect and not treated as some archaic fossil of days gone by that need to be mocked and ridiculed on the big screen by people who dont understand their unique charm?
Somehow I thought of Star Wars too, and how the older characters were just props. While I think the Karate Kid series did jump the shark a bit, this series still retains all continuity and is smart about the content that it reuses for this series
What I loved about Cobra Kai was that it humanizes Johnny Lawrence, making a one dimensional 80's movie bully into a fleshed out character. That and the fact that Johnny's ethos is now seen as arcane and bringing back the idea of pure aggression is now almost noble in the modern PC culture.
Somewhat agree with most but for me was closing in on the end when Johnny started coming to terms with that these lessons are turning these kids into something he did like like in himself. He was so against following in the footsteps of Kreese but in the end discovered he was following in the footsteps he so tried to avoid.
Well that's kinda the story arc now isn't it? We as the audience LIKE seeing these kids become anti-heroes of their own, but feel weird when they start going to far. Oddly it's very similar to Breaking Bad. We like these people, and we continue to cher for them even after they become assholes.....but we wonder why.
Yes. I must be the odd one out because I dislike most modern movies and shows because the characters tend to be jerks and sarcastic in a stinging way. I like older stuff because they tend to have nicer characters.
Well James Russell, the 80's were all about fairy tales. Movies of that time have a very fairy tale quality to them. This isn't a bad thing, there are clear lines between good and bad, and we want good to win. Honestly, not only is there nothing wrong with that, it is a noble thing to desire. But when reality hit us in the head, we also want to know we can be good judges of right and wrong, and when we can't some of those make the best stories. When you break it down The Karate Kid is a western. A story of might based on morality, with it ending in a duel. Westerns are great part of story telling tradition. Cobra Kai is closer to Unforgiven, there are no villians, just people that are flawed....that are human....that are like us. So we relate to it better.
Cute, but fiction isn't real. Everything that happens, happens because it was written that way. They manipulate you into feeling what they want you to feel. If you let them. I don't. Only the weak and gullible fall for that sort of BS. Normal people have no trouble distinguishing between right and wrong. There ARE clear lines between good and bad. And I can't help but wonder if you've EVER experienced anything to back up the BS you're spouting. When have you actually had any trouble knowing what was right and wrong? What about any of the characters in Unforgiven do you actually relate to? Can you back up anything you're saying, or is it all just film school horse shit you use for mental masturbation? That so called fairy tale is closer to reality. Most people are simple, and they don't change. Giving the bully a sob story and pushing him through a cliche redemption arc isn't impressive. It's typical soap opera nonsense. Neither does making the protagonist into an asshole so they are more alike. Do you really think anything is being said about people? All that's being said, is that writers can write things however they want, to get the reaction they want. They're fictional characters, they aren't real people. It was all cooked up by some committee trying to figure out how to hook people into watching their stupid fucking show. The whole thing is nothing but soap opera writers using peoples' nostalgia to blind them to what it really is. Since when are villains not flawed people? It's only in fiction where your so called "just people that are flawed" exist. In real life it's always easy to figure out who is right and wrong. Because real life can't be contrived like fiction to make sure no one ever says or does anything to cross the line either way. If you think that contrived PoS character in breaking bad is an anti-hero, you clearly don't know what that term means. He's a fucking criminal, not worthy of a shred of sympathy or empathy. People don't deserve what they chose to not give others. Neither do fictional characters, I don't care what kind of stupid, contrived sob story they get written with.
This was the surprise of the decade for me when it comes to a series. I never even heard about it, no promotion, no hype, no nothing. Just caught me by surprise. And it was completely amazing. I must have watched the original movie a 100 times and this series gives me the same feeling I get from the movies. Can't wait for season 2. John Kreese is back!
Which was a rehash of when Chris Farley and David Spade start bonding over a song on the radio in Tommy Boy. Nothing's 100% original dude, just appreciate it when it's well done.
Right, few things are 100% original. I guess I was making the point that this is a scene the writers have done before that they seem to enjoy doing. It was funny in Harold & Kumar and it worked even better this time around.
Sean Kanan who played Mike Barnes has said he would love to reprise his role in Cobrai Kai. Cobrai Kai is probably still owned by Terry Silver and John Krease. I loved this show and can't wait for season 2 next year.
I rewatched the original 3 movies before this came out and liked how the series added references from all 3 films. Really looking forward to seeing more returning characters for Season 2.
No, you don't need to. The series does a good job retelling the past. But I do feel that rewatching the 3rd movie could possibly be good for future seasons to come.
I'm surprised they didn't mention Creed, which is pretty much the closest thing, not just because KK and Rocky are both similar sports/drama series, but because the concept is quite the same: a new generation, the original protagonist now in a mentor capacity, and the lead being related to original's rival (Even though Apollo stopped being an antagonist and became a straight-up friend in part 3, he always has been Rocky's rival), but most importantly because both are EXCELLENT relaunchings of old franchises that work for new and old audiences alike and are their own thing but also very much sequels and in the spirit of the originals witn a fresh new coat of paint. Also, it's funny that the sequels to both promise to bring back other classic characters (like a certain someone who's back and already confirmed in KK's season two, and, it seems, Ivan Drago for Creed 2).
Why? It's not real. They don't exist. The movies were fine the way they were, no one needed to see a fucking soap opera with karate kid smeared over it. I refuse to waste my time watching this nonsense.
Tampajoe77 why are you hating on Mike? His input is great. I came to cinnemassacre for the nerd series but I stayed because of Mike, I find his opinions more thoughtful than James'. Rolfe seems like an awesome guy but he doesn't seem nearly as devoted or excited about the movies and games they talk about.
Absolutely loved it, this just shows how you can do a new thing with an existing franchise without pissing off the fans of the original or just re-telling a story that's already been told. I hope it shows hollywood how they can handle other properties and treat them with respect while still giving us something new from them. Also youtube has already said they are working on a second season and it was very popular for them.
I'm still in shock on how good this series really is. I like how they continue the original cast and how they brought it all the new people. Bravo. Disney Star Wars can take a lot of notes
This was probably one of the best genuine sequels to any 80's thing I've ever seen. Imagine if they did this kind of thing to Back to the Future or Commando or something,
I think the real question he was trying to ask is who's the good guy in this movie? Because while you have some ideas in the beginning, by the end you're not so sure. It really subverts the hero/villain cliches in some pretty refreshing ways. By the final showdown of the series, I wasn't even sure who I was rooting for anymore.
My favourite moment was when robbie got injured in the final fight and Daniel put his hands together..I thought oh shit hes gonna do the miyagi healing shoulder trick, but than he calls over the nurse...I am still laughing
I love when Johnny retold the story of karate kid from his perspective, made me laugh out loud. It's one of those "ah, I guess the protagonist was the villain all along" moments.
I liked how they brought in many of the old characters from the karate kid series (John Kreese, Ali, Cho zen, Kumiko, Daniel’s mom, the original cobra Kai people like Bobby and Tommy.). I’m excited to see Terri Silver in season 4.
NO thank you. That's straight up soap opera storytelling, where this show is at least trying to be something more. I'd rather them go further down the Sensei Reese storyline, and Johnny's struggles with not taking things too far and becoming the man who helped shape his current life. I want him to continue trying to straddle the line between good guy and bad guy, and Daniel maybe try and take things too far in trying to best his childhood rival again and start to waver too close to the dark side as well.
Jaden smith's Karate kid was awful in my opinion. Jaden is such a dry actor and they really could of been replaced him with anybody. Cobra Kai was amazing! Love love loved it!
Cobra Kai definitely caught us all off guard but god damn is it amazing. I do agree with you guys on wishing other franchises got the same treatment but I do think they’d have to have equally good writers. Anyways thank you both for your thoughts and have a good day. =]
I remember watching the trailer and not being able to tell if it was a drama or a spoof. It didn't make any sense. Then after I watched it I was like, "Oh, that's because it's this SUPER WEIRD tone of being both a legitimate story and a spoof all at the same time." I have never seen a movie nail an unconventional tone like Cobra Kai.
I love the Cobra Kai series, and it’s still going strong in Season 4. They got most things right: the inter-generational relationship, the dialogues while keeping the spirit and heart from the movies. The switching of the sons, ie. Miguel & Robbie being trained by opposing sensei is reminiscent of classic Wuxia stories like Return of the Condor Heroes. Well written and respectful of the original characters.
I have a suspicion that either Terry Silver or Mike Barnes is Miguel's dad, based on what his mom said about being married to "a very bad man" in the past & whom they seem to sweep under the rug or (still) be running away from.
I didn't really see it that way. I think Miguel was viewed as a villain by Larusso and Johnny's son but he is just following his training and trying to win, he doesn't really do anything horrible to make him a villain. I think it's just more of the complex nature of the show, no one is the hero or the villain.
I love the way you carry your conversation with each other. It's a perfect mix of talk/listen where each person is okay with getting cut off in the middle of making a great point, because he knows his buddy is only speaking when he has to express himself. There's respect and communion in this. I admire it!
I'm pretty sure anyone who was born in the 80's was a huge fan of the OG Karate Kid trilogy. So yeah, I'm with you Mike. I really need to check this out. I watched the trailer, but haven't watched any of the episodes. It blew my mind that both Daniel LaRusso and Johnny Lawrence were central characters in the series. I just figured it would be about Johnny trying to pick up the pieces from a devestating loss and try to relive former glory by rebuilding Cobra Kai, but when Ralph Macchio appeared onscreen I had a total nerdgasm.
It really shows how both perspectives are flawed. It shows how both parties get worked up so much over animosity that they start to believe the bullshit they think of without just talking to the other person and sorting it out. It gets to the point where they hate each other. They aren't able to regroup until they go to the bar and have a few drinks and talk it out. Neither Daniel nor Johnny were the bullies, they both had their own perspectives and views on what was actually going on. One could easily argue that Elizabeth Shue's character was the antagonist, with the same amount of evidence to support it.
Okay, the reason that the Jaden Smith film was called the Karate Kid, is be cause when he meets Jackie Chan, he's trying to teach himself Karate hence The Karate Kid. It's a stretch, but it's explained.
I've watch all 10 episodes, and to me Daniel really comes off like a douche in this series with Johnny coming off as the hero/anti-hero (despite his deficiencies and flaws).
I just binge watched both seasons this week. It is an awesome show. Now I have to wait for season 3 slated for next year. There are not talks yet for a season 4. However, I'm sure there will be a lot more.
The nostalgia was very strong as I was watching Cobra Kai. I love the complexity of the characters especially Johnny and Daniel. I'm beyond excited for season 2.
It's really refreshing to watch something that just gives you what you ultimately want, especially that of which you have some nostalgic connection to.
look into goju ryu style, it's practical applications were still used for the stunt work/choreography of the trilogy. relatively good style to ease into as well.
ABSOLUTELY LOVED THIS! OH MY GOD! Johnny Lawrence's character was amazing. Loved the whole car business going on with Daniel also. Much of the characters were so lovable. Easily on my favorite seasons of a show ever..!
My friend showed my the new Cobra Kai series as well as the original movie (I had never seen it before) and I loved every second of it. I'm very surprised by how well they handled Cobra Kai, and I'm very excited to see where the second season goes. And as you both say, all the characters have their complexities. None of them are perfect by any means, but their roles shift around and evolve over the course of the series, as well as their relationships with other characters, and it actually feels pretty organic. And of course, there are a lot of opportunities for comedy; particularly if you've watched the original movie and understand what's being referenced. Also Johnny being something an Anti-Miyagi is hilarious.
Since when the Karate kid reboot was any good? Mike: "Then they did the one with Jaden Smith" James: And that WAS GRREEAAAT !!!!! The world: What the F**k! LOL : )
i fell in love with it straight away , it is very well done , they made a retro vibe without trying to show it all on screen , but in the camera angles and the sound , the slightly rigid acting , the colors ,very deliberate choices that add up to make something that's excellent
Glad you guys got around to it. Yes, it was a great series and I can't be the only one willing to see a second season. My only regret was thinking it was gonna be cheesy and put it off for so long until about a month ago... Regretful decision, aside from the fact I could binge watch the series. Much love on your thoughts about it, many of us agree with you both.
According to the creators. The Next Karate Kid is cannon to Cobra Kai. I have no idea if they plan to tie it in because it is considered the weakest of the original four. But I admire them for incoperating everything rather then retconing stuff.
The show not only used old footage from the movie, but also used unused footage from the movie, mainly alternate angles. In the opening, they used these alternate angles to show the competition more from Johnny’s side. Johnny on the mat is new footage, but the kick to the face was unused movie footage. They stitched it all together flawlessly in my opinion!
David Romig Wouldn't say flawlessly tbh. There's a big continuity error. When Johnny gets hit in the flashback he lies down for a good while, however in the original he immediately jumps back up and congratulates Danny. However I do love the show and can't wait for season 2
Agreed, cool that he took Johnny's advice and ran with it, but he became a huge asshole by the end of it. Almost can say the same about the main student of Johnny.
Hawk is the new Dutch. XD Dutch was a prick too, but you can't help but stare at him whenever he appeared on screen. It's the same for Hawk. He went overboard toward the end, but he's got SO MUCH presence in the show. I laughed each time I heard a hawk sound in the background whenever he did something funny/cool. XD
This really was the best kind of follow up to the trilogy they could have made. Just self aware enough to be funny, but not to the point of being obnoxious. They walked that razor line really well
watched the original trilogy in preparation for this series... loved the series, and can't wait for season 2... hoping that they can bring some visitors from Okinawa
I still can't get used to see James not thrashing around and not insulting everything but just having a normal smart talk xP Cobra Kai was awesome. It's the sequel nobody asked but everyone needed.
I think we missed a very very funny joke from Johnny. When he tells Miguel the Halloween dance story Johnny says he thinks the beating gave his friend Tommy brain damage. Tommy quotes after the beating “must be take a worm for a walk week!” And the iconic “get em a body bag! Yea!”
YES!!! Was hoping you guys would do a review on the show. Like you I was pleasantly surprised with just how excellent it was. Hoping the quality continues with season 2.
I think the part that made this so interesting was that it was based on Johnny's point of view and you get to see what the antagonist is up to after all these years. If they decided to make the continuation based on Daniel and his family I'm pretty sure it wouldn't be as entertaining.
Hey James I love you man. Thanks for 10 years of entertainment. But man. I just kept thinking of teen wolf when you had your right arm down. It was almost CG. But thank you both. Keep going.
Love that you guys reviewed this! Great stuff from you two, as always. I enjoyed Cobra Kai, can't wait for the next season. I'd like to see Ali (with an 'i') make a return in some capacity, along with Chozen, Mike Barnes and Terry Silver. On a side note, this series prompted me to go buy a Miyagi-Do Karate graphic T-shirt.
great review! huge fan of the original movies, Cobra Kai was great! The interaction between Daniel and Johnny is so great to watch. As for possible future characters: Terry Silver - darkweb billionaire, Chozen, and of course Ali !
If you're a teenager going through bullying don't watch "13 reasons why" watch Cobra Kai!!
americanwillow I got it from All star Batman and Robin issue no.2
Cobra kai buries 13 reasons why. It's not even close.
The Goddamn Batman 13 reasons why is just beta soyboy shit sauce.
yo that rhymed
Did you mean to make that rhyme? Either way, cool.
Cobra Kai is a great example of how to bring old and beloved stories back into the spotlight. The series shows so much love and respect for the original movies. It's also a great example of how to pass the torch and bridge the gap between old and new generations in a way that feels organic and that gives its proper place to every character. All of this is something the people now in charge of Star Wars never understood.
you mean show them respect and not treated as some archaic fossil of days gone by that need to be mocked and ridiculed on the big screen by people who dont understand their unique charm?
Somehow I thought of Star Wars too, and how the older characters were just props. While I think the Karate Kid series did jump the shark a bit, this series still retains all continuity and is smart about the content that it reuses for this series
Cobra kai gets compared so often to the star wars sequel trilogy. CK is the example of doing everything right
Couldn't have put it better myself.
What I loved about Cobra Kai was that it humanizes Johnny Lawrence, making a one dimensional 80's movie bully into a fleshed out character. That and the fact that Johnny's ethos is now seen as arcane and bringing back the idea of pure aggression is now almost noble in the modern PC culture.
Somewhat agree with most but for me was closing in on the end when Johnny started coming to terms with that these lessons are turning these kids into something he did like like in himself. He was so against following in the footsteps of Kreese but in the end discovered he was following in the footsteps he so tried to avoid.
Well that's kinda the story arc now isn't it?
We as the audience LIKE seeing these kids become anti-heroes of their own, but feel weird when they start going to far. Oddly it's very similar to Breaking Bad. We like these people, and we continue to cher for them even after they become assholes.....but we wonder why.
Yes. I must be the odd one out because I dislike most modern movies and shows because the characters tend to be jerks and sarcastic in a stinging way. I like older stuff because they tend to have nicer characters.
Well James Russell, the 80's were all about fairy tales. Movies of that time have a very fairy tale quality to them. This isn't a bad thing, there are clear lines between good and bad, and we want good to win. Honestly, not only is there nothing wrong with that, it is a noble thing to desire.
But when reality hit us in the head, we also want to know we can be good judges of right and wrong, and when we can't some of those make the best stories.
When you break it down The Karate Kid is a western. A story of might based on morality, with it ending in a duel. Westerns are great part of story telling tradition. Cobra Kai is closer to Unforgiven, there are no villians, just people that are flawed....that are human....that are like us. So we relate to it better.
Cute, but fiction isn't real. Everything that happens, happens because it was written that way.
They manipulate you into feeling what they want you to feel. If you let them.
I don't. Only the weak and gullible fall for that sort of BS.
Normal people have no trouble distinguishing between right and wrong. There ARE clear lines between good and bad.
And I can't help but wonder if you've EVER experienced anything to back up the BS you're spouting. When have you actually had any trouble knowing what was right and wrong? What about any of the characters in Unforgiven do you actually relate to? Can you back up anything you're saying, or is it all just film school horse shit you use for mental masturbation?
That so called fairy tale is closer to reality. Most people are simple, and they don't change.
Giving the bully a sob story and pushing him through a cliche redemption arc isn't impressive. It's typical soap opera nonsense. Neither does making the protagonist into an asshole so they are more alike.
Do you really think anything is being said about people? All that's being said, is that writers can write things however they want, to get the reaction they want. They're fictional characters, they aren't real people. It was all cooked up by some committee trying to figure out how to hook people into watching their stupid fucking show.
The whole thing is nothing but soap opera writers using peoples' nostalgia to blind them to what it really is.
Since when are villains not flawed people? It's only in fiction where your so called "just people that are flawed" exist. In real life it's always easy to figure out who is right and wrong. Because real life can't be contrived like fiction to make sure no one ever says or does anything to cross the line either way.
If you think that contrived PoS character in breaking bad is an anti-hero, you clearly don't know what that term means. He's a fucking criminal, not worthy of a shred of sympathy or empathy. People don't deserve what they chose to not give others. Neither do fictional characters, I don't care what kind of stupid, contrived sob story they get written with.
This was the surprise of the decade for me when it comes to a series. I never even heard about it, no promotion, no hype, no nothing. Just caught me by surprise. And it was completely amazing. I must have watched the original movie a 100 times and this series gives me the same feeling I get from the movies. Can't wait for season 2. John Kreese is back!
Beerdy - Bruce Lee Central so is Mike Barnes and possibly Terry silver as well.
Season 4
Cobra Kai was a tremendously pleasant surprise, for sure... It literally kicked all kinds of ass -- and I never would've expected it!
sXeblues It kicked names and took ass.
sXeblues a surprise, to be sure, but a welcome one
sXeblues NO MERCY!
It actually makes Larusso out to be the bad guy in someways
It's ax good it hasn't got the clown in it ( also known as, mister myagi )
Johnny should have started up a rival car dealership called Cobra Kia's
Well both of them are gonna 'kick'in competition real hard
Sorry for cole
Don't mess with the hawk
Lip
your gonna fix that stupidhair cut
The best scene was Johnny and Daniel listening to music in the car.
It was cool, but it is a fav rehash of the writers that wrote the same scene in Harold and Kumar.
Which was a rehash of when Chris Farley and David Spade start bonding over a song on the radio in Tommy Boy. Nothing's 100% original dude, just appreciate it when it's well done.
Right, few things are 100% original. I guess I was making the point that this is a scene the writers have done before that they seem to enjoy doing. It was funny in Harold & Kumar and it worked even better this time around.
Sean Kanan who played Mike Barnes has said he would love to reprise his role in Cobrai Kai. Cobrai Kai is probably still owned by Terry Silver and John Krease. I loved this show and can't wait for season 2 next year.
I think they said he would be in 7/10 of the episodes of next season.
Sean Kanan has been lobbying super hard to the point where it’s cringey and almost pathetic. He wants that gig so bad!
I hope so!
I thought it was awesome! I signed up for youtube red just for Cobra Kai. I even got a bit emotional during the Mr. Miyagi episode. Two thumbs up!
Admit it... You cried like a girl, don't worry i did too lol
It's the only scene from any show/movie that's made me cry.
I come from the future. Don't bother with the failed youtube red. Cobra Kai will be released and continued on Netflix in the future.
it was an illegal kick to the face.
patrick bleil Do you remember what Daniel said back?
Exactly what Barney Stinson said on How I Met Your Mother!
When they go low, we go high. Lol.
@Alex Cobra Kai got a warning, LaRusso got the win.
No, it wasn't.
I rewatched the original 3 movies before this came out and liked how the series added references from all 3 films. Really looking forward to seeing more returning characters for Season 2.
Can't wait for Season 2!
Only reference to part 1 no real reference to 2 or 3
Then you don't remember the movies well.
No, you don't need to. The series does a good job retelling the past. But I do feel that rewatching the 3rd movie could possibly be good for future seasons to come.
Iv only seen the original and half of part 2. Is there anything to really see in part 3
"QUIET!"
Joseph Martinez YES SENSEI!
I mean yes, Sensai.
I'm surprised they didn't mention Creed, which is pretty much the closest thing, not just because KK and Rocky are both similar sports/drama series, but because the concept is quite the same: a new generation, the original protagonist now in a mentor capacity, and the lead being related to original's rival (Even though Apollo stopped being an antagonist and became a straight-up friend in part 3, he always has been Rocky's rival), but most importantly because both are EXCELLENT relaunchings of old franchises that work for new and old audiences alike and are their own thing but also very much sequels and in the spirit of the originals witn a fresh new coat of paint. Also, it's funny that the sequels to both promise to bring back other classic characters (like a certain someone who's back and already confirmed in KK's season two, and, it seems, Ivan Drago for Creed 2).
Also, if I remember correctly, The Karate Kid and Rocky were both created by the exact same team.
The best part is that you see Johnnys side of the story. Both were just kids.
Miyagi's grave scene made me tear up.
Right, because when you think of Karate Kid... that's REALLY what you want. It's a fucking soap opera.
You have no soul
Why? It's not real. They don't exist. The movies were fine the way they were, no one needed to see a fucking soap opera with karate kid smeared over it.
I refuse to waste my time watching this nonsense.
Ryan Murphy so you arent wasting your time watching a review of a show you refuse to waste your time watching?
What's wrong with a movie//show having a dramatic scene? You refuse to watch this nonsense, yet...here you are....watching a review of it. Bullshit.
The one with Jaden Smith was called The Kung Fu Dream in China
Haroldo Rojas if thats true i wish it was called that than the karate kid
FASHMASTER what's wrong with you?
FASHMASTER come on dude really :(
Necramonium thats not even close to what James Said, lol
Necramonium thats subjective. Even tho i didnt thought it was good also
This series is great. Johnny Lawrence's character was my favorite.
Same here
Tampajoe77 why are you hating on Mike? His input is great.
I came to cinnemassacre for the nerd series but I stayed because of Mike, I find his opinions more thoughtful than James'.
Rolfe seems like an awesome guy but he doesn't seem nearly as devoted or excited about the movies and games they talk about.
Fancy seeing you here
PUT HIM IN A BODYBAG.....
Johnny sucks
Absolutely loved it, this just shows how you can do a new thing with an existing franchise without pissing off the fans of the original or just re-telling a story that's already been told.
I hope it shows hollywood how they can handle other properties and treat them with respect while still giving us something new from them.
Also youtube has already said they are working on a second season and it was very popular for them.
Sure, because what the world needs is more soap operas.
...yeah, unlike certain other properties....*koff* Star Wars *koff*.
I'm still in shock on how good this series really is. I like how they continue the original cast and how they brought it all the new people. Bravo. Disney Star Wars can take a lot of notes
This was probably one of the best genuine sequels to any 80's thing I've ever seen. Imagine if they did this kind of thing to Back to the Future or Commando or something,
"Who is the karate kid in this series?"
I'd have though the fact it's not called "Karate Kid: The Series" would've answered that for you.
Cobra Kai! Cobra Kai! Cobra Kai!
Obviously Hawk is the karate kid
I think the real question he was trying to ask is who's the good guy in this movie? Because while you have some ideas in the beginning, by the end you're not so sure. It really subverts the hero/villain cliches in some pretty refreshing ways. By the final showdown of the series, I wasn't even sure who I was rooting for anymore.
I wasn't a big fan of Robbie. It almost felt like he was still a con artist, and I don't feel like he is sincere. Go Cobra Kai!
Miguel, obviously
My favourite moment was when robbie got injured in the final fight and Daniel put his hands together..I thought oh shit hes gonna do the miyagi healing shoulder trick, but than he calls over the nurse...I am still laughing
I love when Johnny retold the story of karate kid from his perspective, made me laugh out loud. It's one of those "ah, I guess the protagonist was the villain all along" moments.
Mr. Silver have to come back! He was very cool in Karate Kid 3!!!
Chozen too!!!
Kevin S Hai!! 😆👍
i looked it up. siver aint tommy. what a waste.
You mean discount Steven Segal?
I LIKE THAT!!! HAHAHAHAHAHA
I liked how they brought in many of the old characters from the karate kid series (John Kreese, Ali, Cho zen, Kumiko, Daniel’s mom, the original cobra Kai people like Bobby and Tommy.). I’m excited to see Terri Silver in season 4.
I wanna see Ali (Elisabeth Shue) return to stir things up between Johnny and Danny again!! :p
Yeah....no...unfortunatly that won't happen. let's keep the fantasy alive ;)
ES so beautiful and awesome!
NO thank you. That's straight up soap opera storytelling, where this show is at least trying to be something more. I'd rather them go further down the Sensei Reese storyline, and Johnny's struggles with not taking things too far and becoming the man who helped shape his current life. I want him to continue trying to straddle the line between good guy and bad guy, and Daniel maybe try and take things too far in trying to best his childhood rival again and start to waver too close to the dark side as well.
Elizabeth Shoe's character got killed off in CSI
What's a facebook?
So happy James and Mike liked it! I thought the series was amazing! Can't wait for season 2!
I was the OG Karate Kid, Daniel landed an illegal kick. I technically won All Valley in 1984.
Jaden smith's Karate kid was awful in my opinion.
Jaden is such a dry actor and they really could of been replaced him with anybody.
Cobra Kai was amazing! Love love loved it!
Yeah I didn't like the one with Jaden Smith in it, I wanted to knock him out myself tbh lol.
i loved it, i cant wait for season 2, i honestly didnt expect it to be so good
DeViiaTe Me neither, nowadays, most reboots and stuff are crap. But this is great!
Right? It's almost too good for UA-cam Red. I expect something like this from Netflix or Hulu.
Omg!!! Cobra Kai is perfect!!!
It is just the thing that we needed this times...
Pue Perfection
Cristián Droguett oh, it see was not perfect, but it was still good
Driving/Bar scene between Johnny and Daniel was my favorite part of the season.
Cobra Kai definitely caught us all off guard but god damn is it amazing. I do agree with you guys on wishing other franchises got the same treatment but I do think they’d have to have equally good writers. Anyways thank you both for your thoughts and have a good day. =]
I remember watching the trailer and not being able to tell if it was a drama or a spoof. It didn't make any sense. Then after I watched it I was like, "Oh, that's because it's this SUPER WEIRD tone of being both a legitimate story and a spoof all at the same time." I have never seen a movie nail an unconventional tone like Cobra Kai.
I've been waiting for this review! AWESOME!
Claudio Paola Me too! Loved this series, been waiting for James Rolfe.
Claudio Paola greatest series ever!!!
I love the Cobra Kai series, and it’s still going strong in Season 4. They got most things right: the inter-generational relationship, the dialogues while keeping the spirit and heart from the movies. The switching of the sons, ie. Miguel & Robbie being trained by opposing sensei is reminiscent of classic Wuxia stories like Return of the Condor Heroes. Well written and respectful of the original characters.
“Put em in a body bag johnny!” I loved this series it was so good the flash backs to the original movies were great!
I have a suspicion that either Terry Silver or Mike Barnes is Miguel's dad, based on what his mom said about being married to "a very bad man" in the past & whom they seem to sweep under the rug or (still) be running away from.
"Sensai is there a certain way you want me to wash these windows? "I don't give a shit!" :)
The thing that surprises me the most about this is that someone actually pays for youtube red.
Facts 😂
watch on Rulu
The only part I didn't like is how quickly they turned Miguel into a villain and tried to make Johnny's son into a hero, like 0-60. It felt unearned.
IRL it can happen that fast, but yeah, I think they should have paced it out.
He isn’t a Villain, Just an Antagonist-Protagonist Einstein
switching the protagonist to an antagonist in the span of one episode is bad pacing/storytelling, Newton.
americanwillow that's the villain of season two.
I didn't really see it that way. I think Miguel was viewed as a villain by Larusso and Johnny's son but he is just following his training and trying to win, he doesn't really do anything horrible to make him a villain. I think it's just more of the complex nature of the show, no one is the hero or the villain.
I love when Johnny calls this generation soft 😂
Trey Kilgore he isn't wrong.....
I love the way you carry your conversation with each other. It's a perfect mix of talk/listen where each person is okay with getting cut off in the middle of making a great point, because he knows his buddy is only speaking when he has to express himself. There's respect and communion in this. I admire it!
Its amazing! However no clue why you guys liked the J smith remake... but whatever Cobra Kai is amazing!
i loved how they address Danial being the instigator (villain) and how he used an "illegal" kick - Cobra Kai is an amazing show
I hope season 2 has Mike Barnes and Terry Silver.
Also Hawk was my favorite character
I'm pretty sure anyone who was born in the 80's was a huge fan of the OG Karate Kid trilogy.
So yeah, I'm with you Mike.
I really need to check this out. I watched the trailer, but haven't watched any of the episodes.
It blew my mind that both Daniel LaRusso and Johnny Lawrence were central characters in the series.
I just figured it would be about Johnny trying to pick up the pieces from a devestating loss and try to relive former glory by rebuilding Cobra Kai, but when Ralph Macchio appeared onscreen I had a total nerdgasm.
Daniel was the real bully.
passive aggressive bully
You saw that video too hey? Still a great movie, but yes after seeing that video.......Daniel's a real prick.
Abh no he isnt
It really shows how both perspectives are flawed. It shows how both parties get worked up so much over animosity that they start to believe the bullshit they think of without just talking to the other person and sorting it out. It gets to the point where they hate each other. They aren't able to regroup until they go to the bar and have a few drinks and talk it out. Neither Daniel nor Johnny were the bullies, they both had their own perspectives and views on what was actually going on. One could easily argue that Elizabeth Shue's character was the antagonist, with the same amount of evidence to support it.
I'd like Julie to come back. It would be nice to see her meet Daniel and they both could talk about their good times with Mr. Miyagi.
Okay, the reason that the Jaden Smith film was called the Karate Kid, is be cause when he meets Jackie Chan, he's trying to teach himself Karate hence The Karate Kid. It's a stretch, but it's explained.
I haven't seen the original trilogy, but loved the show.
I've watch all 10 episodes, and to me Daniel really comes off like a douche in this series with Johnny coming off as the hero/anti-hero (despite his deficiencies and flaws).
I loved this series! I did a reaction to the full series and was blown away!
I just binge watched both seasons this week. It is an awesome show. Now I have to wait for season 3 slated for next year. There are not talks yet for a season 4. However, I'm sure there will be a lot more.
After seeing this review I saw the whole series. Such a great series. I loved all the nods to the movies as well. Hyped for season 2!!
I think with Terry Silver, since he and John Kreese met during the Vietnam war, you could argue he acts so nuts because he has a form of PTSD.
The nostalgia was very strong as I was watching Cobra Kai. I love the complexity of the characters especially Johnny and Daniel. I'm beyond excited for season 2.
We might have lost Star Wars, Star Trek, and Doctor Who, but at least we have Cobra Kia.
It's really refreshing to watch something that just gives you what you ultimately want, especially that of which you have some nostalgic connection to.
I missed Miyagi Do Karate style training.
look into goju ryu style, it's practical applications were still used for the stunt work/choreography of the trilogy.
relatively good style to ease into as well.
Show me "Sand the Floor!"
ABSOLUTELY LOVED THIS! OH MY GOD! Johnny Lawrence's character was amazing. Loved the whole car business going on with Daniel also. Much of the characters were so lovable. Easily on my favorite seasons of a show ever..!
It's the best show of 2018
Show thats new on the block and only has one season to its name? To be fair, it's good, I would rather watch Westworld, lol.
My friend showed my the new Cobra Kai series as well as the original movie (I had never seen it before) and I loved every second of it. I'm very surprised by how well they handled Cobra Kai, and I'm very excited to see where the second season goes.
And as you both say, all the characters have their complexities. None of them are perfect by any means, but their roles shift around and evolve over the course of the series, as well as their relationships with other characters, and it actually feels pretty organic. And of course, there are a lot of opportunities for comedy; particularly if you've watched the original movie and understand what's being referenced.
Also Johnny being something an Anti-Miyagi is hilarious.
So far my favorite example of choosing a sequel over a reboot was Ash vs. Evil Dead hahaha. Great video guys!
Since when the Karate kid reboot was any good?
Mike: "Then they did the one with Jaden Smith"
James: And that WAS GRREEAAAT !!!!!
The world: What the F**k!
LOL : )
i fell in love with it straight away , it is very well done , they made a retro vibe without trying to show it all on screen , but in the camera angles and the sound , the slightly rigid acting , the colors ,very deliberate choices that add up to make something that's excellent
Glad you guys got around to it. Yes, it was a great series and I can't be the only one willing to see a second season. My only regret was thinking it was gonna be cheesy and put it off for so long until about a month ago... Regretful decision, aside from the fact I could binge watch the series. Much love on your thoughts about it, many of us agree with you both.
According to the creators. The Next Karate Kid is cannon to Cobra Kai. I have no idea if they plan to tie it in because it is considered the weakest of the original four. But I admire them for incoperating everything rather then retconing stuff.
The show not only used old footage from the movie, but also used unused footage from the movie, mainly alternate angles. In the opening, they used these alternate angles to show the competition more from Johnny’s side. Johnny on the mat is new footage, but the kick to the face was unused movie footage. They stitched it all together flawlessly in my opinion!
David Romig Wouldn't say flawlessly tbh. There's a big continuity error. When Johnny gets hit in the flashback he lies down for a good while, however in the original he immediately jumps back up and congratulates Danny. However I do love the show and can't wait for season 2
Any Hawk fans in the house?
Hawk is the real karate kid
That character was kinda cool, but also kinda became a d*ck.
Agreed, cool that he took Johnny's advice and ran with it, but he became a huge asshole by the end of it. Almost can say the same about the main student of Johnny.
Hawk is the new Dutch. XD Dutch was a prick too, but you can't help but stare at him whenever he appeared on screen. It's the same for Hawk. He went overboard toward the end, but he's got SO MUCH presence in the show. I laughed each time I heard a hawk sound in the background whenever he did something funny/cool. XD
ABOUT TIME YOU GUYS COVER THIS MODERN MASTERPIECE!!!
Karate Kid the soap opera.... you have incredibly low criteria for calling something a masterpiece.
Ryan Murphy I do Ryan. Oh believe me...I DO! One word if I may. "Context".
Loved this new series. Cobra Kai was great! AS for things I'd personally love to se, how cool would it be if Johnny and Daniel team up for a fight?
I loved the cameo at the very end. He's like the Emperor Palpatine of the series.
They almost had a sparring match wen they got back but he saw his son there and freaked out lol
This really was the best kind of follow up to the trilogy they could have made. Just self aware enough to be funny, but not to the point of being obnoxious. They walked that razor line really well
I hadn’t watched the Karate kid movies, but after I watched this I went right to all 3 and watched them. They were all great! Same with this series.
Just finished watching season 2 loved it! Cobra Kai never die! 🤛👊
Best part of the shows is the use of previously unseen footage from the early movies. Which is really awesome.
watched the original trilogy in preparation for this series... loved the series, and can't wait for season 2... hoping that they can bring some visitors from Okinawa
I still can't get used to see James not thrashing around and not insulting everything but just having a normal smart talk xP
Cobra Kai was awesome. It's the sequel nobody asked but everyone needed.
The last scene of Episode 5 is my favorite moment of Season One.
I think we missed a very very funny joke from Johnny. When he tells Miguel the Halloween dance story Johnny says he thinks the beating gave his friend Tommy brain damage. Tommy quotes after the beating “must be take a worm for a walk week!” And the iconic “get em a body bag! Yea!”
I'm so out of the loop I didn't even know this was a thing. Thanks for the head's up guys!
Hilary Swank coming back from 'the next karate kid' would be cool. Linking the Ralph Macchio trilogy with the spin off.
Lo and behold, Terry Silver's emergence into Cobra Kai was done PHENOMENALLY well.
YES!!! Was hoping you guys would do a review on the show. Like you I was pleasantly surprised with just how excellent it was. Hoping the quality continues with season 2.
Cobra Kai was mind-blowingly good. So many feels
What made this work was the series grew with the original audience. Thats what I loved about it.
I think the part that made this so interesting was that it was based on Johnny's point of view and you get to see what the antagonist is up to after all these years.
If they decided to make the continuation based on Daniel and his family I'm pretty sure it wouldn't be as entertaining.
Cobra Kai Such an interesting concept for a t.v show
Hey James I love you man. Thanks for 10 years of entertainment. But man. I just kept thinking of teen wolf when you had your right arm down. It was almost CG. But thank you both. Keep going.
YES! So glad to hear more people liked it. I fucking hope they do more.
Love that you guys reviewed this! Great stuff from you two, as always. I enjoyed Cobra Kai, can't wait for the next season.
I'd like to see Ali (with an 'i') make a return in some capacity, along with Chozen, Mike Barnes and Terry Silver. On a side note, this series prompted me to go buy a Miyagi-Do Karate graphic T-shirt.
Something tells me you’re gonna love season 3
great review! huge fan of the original movies, Cobra Kai was great! The interaction between Daniel and Johnny is so great to watch. As for possible future characters: Terry Silver - darkweb billionaire, Chozen, and of course Ali !
i couldnt stop, had to watch all in one day. amazing
Mike: "I'm just wondering who is 'the karate kid'"?
Me: but it's called "cobra kai"
Heaven is James and Mike talking about media.
Whoever you are. Whatever you do. No matter what happens...
Make sure you keep Kathleen Kennedy and Rian Johnson away from 'Cobra Kai'
Lol right?!
So far, that and the reboot are the films that haven’t been confirmed to have connected to cobra kai
Hawk is the best character by far.