Does the KARATE KID get Recognition for being the Cult Classic that it is ?

Original Desmond · 03-13-06, 11:01 PM

The movie really now deserves the label of cult classic.

You only have to look at how nuts everyone goes when the movie is referenced. E.g. the "your the best" song in Southpark and the 'sweep the leg' line in the Office.

I've rewatched it a few times recently and it's just as cool as when i first saw it as a kid.

Wax on wax off and the Crane stance will go down in history

EdTheRipper · 03-13-06, 11:08 PM

It's always been one of my favorite movies.

GuessWho · 03-13-06, 11:10 PM

Yes, but...

I'd consider it a mainstream classic, more than a cult classic.

The movie was pretty big in '84 (#5 movie of 1984... beating out notables such as Police Academy, Footloose, Star Trek III, Romancing the Stone, and Purple Rain).
http://www.imdb.com/Sections/Years/1984/top-grossing

Cameron · 03-13-06, 11:34 PM

^cosign. Put this thread in the bodybag.

Mountain Biker · 03-13-06, 11:38 PM

Damn, what a GREAT Top 10 list that is for 1984. Sure don't make 'em like they used to...

238,632,124 Ghost Busters (1984)
234,760,500 Beverly Hills Cop (1984)
179,870,271 Indiana Jones and the Temple of Doom (1984)
148,168,459 Gremlins (1984)
90,800,000 The Karate Kid (1984)
81,200,000 Police Academy (1984)
80,000,000 Footloose (1984)
76,400,000 Star Trek III: The Search for Spock (1984)
74,900,000 Romancing the Stone (1984)
68,392,977 Purple Rain (1984)

jaeufraser · 03-13-06, 11:41 PM

Yeah, I have to say the Karate Kid movies were too popular to classify as cult.

mndtrp · 03-14-06, 12:37 AM

I used to love this movie, but haven't seen it in quite a while. Cult? Probably not, as everyone and their dog has seen it.

Doughboy · 03-14-06, 12:41 AM

Not just the box office returns and the fact that it spawned 3 sequels(at least 2 of which however never happened as far as I'm concerned), but also a Best Supporting Actor nod for the late Pat Morita disqualifies it as a cult movie IMO.

iggystar · 03-14-06, 07:13 AM

My 8-year old loves, loves, loves this movie. She found it on cable and watched it On Demand like 5 times in a row.

That's the sign of a timeless classic, nothing cult about it.

raven56706 · 03-14-06, 07:14 AM

Karate kid is like a food group

FantasticVSDoom · 03-14-06, 07:17 AM

Its one of those rare movies that are of that vain that seem to be able to stand the test of time...I can still watch it and get excited at the end no matter how unbelievable it is. Pretty good part II in my opinion as well.

KnightLerxst · 03-14-06, 07:21 AM

Great movie...pure classic. "You're the Best" was used a few months ago for a Alexander Ovechkin highlight package at a Caps game...I started cracking up when I heard them using that. Ah memories of a young Elizabeth Shue...

T1000 · 03-14-06, 07:37 AM

I love Part III!

Geofferson · 03-14-06, 08:31 AM

Karate Kid not only had commercial success, but was critically praised for the most part. Goes beyond cult status -- although it is a nice surprise to continue to hear references 20 years later.

stinkeye · 03-14-06, 09:08 AM

Yep, a critical and box office success, not a cult film. Now, the cartoon, that is a cult classic

Charlie Goose · 03-14-06, 09:28 AM

I love love love the three KK movies with Daniel. Not so much the one with Hilary Swank. The original is a mainstream classic.

Wow, Police Academy made $81 million in 1984? That's impressive. I'm surprised they never produced any sequels.

Dean Kousoulas · 03-14-06, 09:35 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Charlie Goose

Wow, Police Academy made $81 million in 1984? That's impressive. I'm surprised they never produced any sequels.

I know...you would think a series like that would be good for at least 5, or 6 sequels.

TheMadMonk · 03-14-06, 09:53 AM

I'm still waiting for a Cobra Kai dojo to open in my town.

raven56706 · 03-14-06, 10:06 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Dean Kousoulas

I know...you would think a series like that would be good for at least 5, or 6 sequels.

raven56706 · 03-14-06, 10:09 AM

here was my observation of the all time top ten moments:
Top Ten all Time Karate kid Moments

10) His week hits and terrible outcomes:
The first one was in Part 1- He punchs Johnny in the face and it barely phases him...to then get his a$$ handed to him infront of the girl he liked.. Yikes and in Part 3, where Daniel punched Mike Barnes(karate's new Bad boy?!LOL) and Mike told me not to do that(not even making a dent) to only get crushed yet again infront of a girl.

9) Funny supporting bad guys:
Come on..... the crew of each bad guy kid was hilarious. First Johnnys crew consisted of a curly haired blond who loved to act psychotic and bad. Then the one who had a funny freaking woody woodpecker laugh(who can forget the line "put him in a body bag... yeahhhhhh HAHAHHAHAHAHHA). In part 2- they barely talked. Nothing special there. In part 3- Mike Barnes crew. That one guy who looked creepy. Plus the moronic donut driving exit from the store after getting beat up by an old man.

8) The Corney Daniel sayings:
" My name is Daniel with an L"

7) Daniels embarassing moments:
Part 1: Getting pushed off the cliff with his bike. Wearing that ridiculous halloween costume. Getting beat up by Mr Miyagi while trying to do the Mohammed Ali dance schuffle.Getting beat at the beach. His friends laughing at him. His moms car breaking down in part 1. The spaghetti guy falling on him and laughing at him. Not to mention the pointing.

Part 2: I would personally be embarrassed if i was seen dancing like that at a club. He was moving like he was trying to get a shit off his underwear. Getting dumped on Prom

Part 3: Yet again getting beat up infront of a girl. Getting tricked by Terry Silver. Asking how to sweep and then crying about it.

6) Daniels clothing:
Some funky shirts her had in part 1. His outfit at the club in part 2. His suit for the prom in part 2. and part 3, that bright blue shirt.

5) Daniels stupidity:
Your college money for a Bonzai shop? Nuff said. Saving that girl in Part 2 from the pole was stupid. Not in daniels sense but for whoever forget her there.

4) Daniels love interests:
Come on....how funny. They all dumped him in the end. And the last one wasnt even interested.

3) The Main Bad Guys
Part 1: The Cobra kai dojo. These kids were ruthless and John Kreese was an evil man. LOL... oh boy. John Kreese made me laugh.

Part 2: The evil guys were ruthless and but even more hilarious. Sato and his crew try to bulldoze the area. LOL. Come on. But who cares... funny as hell. Oh and dont forget Sato's Nephew Chozen and his lines of coward.

Part 3: Mike Barnes, Terry Silver and John Kreese raise hell again. This time its personal. LOL. Of course we relive the moment again when John kreese breaks car windows and bleeds. LOL dumb punches. Not to mention John Kreese and Silver laughing in hysteria as they hold their vest collars announcing Cobra Kai dojo's taking over the city...

2) Mr Miyagi's drunk.
Him singing that song over and over. and then just sleeping.

1)Baby rants:

"I hate this bike.. I hate this bike, i hate this stupid bike"

"Daniel whats wrong"

"Nothing"

freudguy · 03-14-06, 10:26 AM

I bought my son the DVD for Christmas and he loves it (he started Kempo Karate back in October). I watched it again for the first time in years and still loved it, which doesn't always happen with films I liked as a kid.

Kal-El · 03-14-06, 02:03 PM

The film is a classic. Not cult or mainstream. Just classic period.

Terrell · 03-14-06, 02:07 PM

Quote:

Yeah, I have to say the Karate Kid movies were too popular to classify as cult.

But not good enough to be a true classic. I disagree with Kal-El. I loved the first film. It's very good. But a classic? Not that good.

Numanoid · 03-14-06, 02:10 PM

I graduated from high school in 1985, yet I don't think I've ever seen this film in its entirety. I've also never seen The Goonies. Is there something wrong with me?

littlefuzzy · 03-14-06, 10:06 PM

My 72-year-old mom and I just watched the set... She enjoyed the films...

We both liked part 1 the best, and really found part 3 to be the weakest. The Next Karate Kid was closer to part 1 on the fun meter. Part 2 was an OK sequel to part 1.

03-13-06, 11:01 PM	#1
Original Desmond DVD Talk Legend Join Date: Aug 1999 Posts: 14,213	Does the KARATE KID get Recognition for being the Cult Classic that it is ? The movie really now deserves the label of cult classic. You only have to look at how nuts everyone goes when the movie is referenced. E.g. the "your the best" song in Southpark and the 'sweep the leg' line in the Office. I've rewatched it a few times recently and it's just as cool as when i first saw it as a kid. Wax on wax off and the Crane stance will go down in history __________________ ~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~ DVDTALK LEGEND OTHER FORUM TEAM 7 LEADER Absorb what is useful, reject what is useless, shag anything in sight

03-13-06, 11:10 PM	#3
GuessWho DVD Talk Legend Join Date: Feb 1999 Location: Chicago, IL Posts: 21,966	Yes, but... I'd consider it a mainstream classic, more than a cult classic. The movie was pretty big in '84 (#5 movie of 1984... beating out notables such as Police Academy, Footloose, Star Trek III, Romancing the Stone, and Purple Rain). http://www.imdb.com/Sections/Years/1984/top-grossing Last edited by GuessWho; 03-14-06 at 12:09 AM.

03-13-06, 11:34 PM	#4
Cameron DVD Talk Legend Join Date: Oct 2000 Posts: 12,306	^cosign. Put this thread in the bodybag. __________________ You wanted a Sig. You got a Sig. The Hottest Sig in The World...Music Video I directed for Quiet Company <---Let me know what you think. <-Now Playing on MTV.CA dvd aficionado Official Fox Film Noir Thread All New Official Twilight Zone Thread HD-DVD Supporter

03-14-06, 12:41 AM	#8
Doughboy DVD Talk Platinum Edition Join Date: Jan 2003 Location: H-Town, TX Posts: 3,659	Not just the box office returns and the fact that it spawned 3 sequels(at least 2 of which however never happened as far as I'm concerned), but also a Best Supporting Actor nod for the late Pat Morita disqualifies it as a cult movie IMO. __________________ My DVD Collection

03-14-06, 07:14 AM	#10
raven56706 DVD Talk Legend Join Date: Feb 2001 Location: Back in the Good Ole USA Posts: 18,842	Karate kid is like a food group __________________ There is a master key and a spare key for the office. Dwight has them both. When I asked, "what if you die, Dwight? How will we get into the office?" He said, "if I'm dead, you guys have been dead for weeks."

03-13-06, 11:08 PM	#2
EdTheRipper DVD Talk Legend Join Date: Nov 2005 Location: Rhode Island Posts: 11,034	It's always been one of my favorite movies.

03-13-06, 11:38 PM	#5
Mountain Biker DVD Talk Platinum Edition Join Date: Apr 2001 Location: Southern California Posts: 3,297	Damn, what a GREAT Top 10 list that is for 1984. Sure don't make 'em like they used to... 238,632,124 Ghost Busters (1984) 234,760,500 Beverly Hills Cop (1984) 179,870,271 Indiana Jones and the Temple of Doom (1984) 148,168,459 Gremlins (1984) 90,800,000 The Karate Kid (1984) 81,200,000 Police Academy (1984) 80,000,000 Footloose (1984) 76,400,000 Star Trek III: The Search for Spock (1984) 74,900,000 Romancing the Stone (1984) 68,392,977 Purple Rain (1984) __________________ ...It's 4 A.M., do you know where your car is?

03-13-06, 11:41 PM	#6
jaeufraser DVD Talk Ultimate Edition Join Date: Dec 1999 Posts: 4,551	Yeah, I have to say the Karate Kid movies were too popular to classify as cult.

03-14-06, 12:37 AM	#7
mndtrp DVD Talk Legend Join Date: May 2004 Location: a mile high, give or take a few feet Posts: 10,802	I used to love this movie, but haven't seen it in quite a while. Cult? Probably not, as everyone and their dog has seen it.

03-14-06, 07:13 AM	#9
iggystar DVD Talk Platinum Edition Join Date: Jul 2000 Location: detroit, MI, USA Posts: 3,472	My 8-year old loves, loves, loves this movie. She found it on cable and watched it On Demand like 5 times in a row. That's the sign of a timeless classic, nothing cult about it.

03-14-06, 07:17 AM	#11
FantasticVSDoom DVD Talk Legend Join Date: Jan 2003 Location: Deep behind enemy lines...NYC! Posts: 11,145	Its one of those rare movies that are of that vain that seem to be able to stand the test of time...I can still watch it and get excited at the end no matter how unbelievable it is. Pretty good part II in my opinion as well. __________________ GO REDSOX!!! "Fighting is the best thing a man can have in his soul."-Renzo Gracie

03-14-06, 07:21 AM	#12
KnightLerxst DVD Talk Legend Join Date: Sep 1999 Location: studio c Posts: 11,855	Great movie...pure classic. "You're the Best" was used a few months ago for a Alexander Ovechkin highlight package at a Caps game...I started cracking up when I heard them using that. Ah memories of a young Elizabeth Shue... __________________ "You know I used to think, 'Life is great, but people suck,' but now I've had to learn the opposite, 'Life sucks but people are great" - Neil Peart "Ghost Rider"

03-14-06, 07:37 AM	#13
T1000 Senior Member Join Date: Feb 2006 Posts: 312	I love Part III!

03-14-06, 08:31 AM	#14
Geofferson DVD Talk Hero Join Date: Aug 2000 Location: TechNoir Posts: 36,447	Karate Kid not only had commercial success, but was critically praised for the most part. Goes beyond cult status -- although it is a nice surprise to continue to hear references 20 years later.

03-14-06, 09:08 AM	#15
stinkeye Senior Member Join Date: Aug 2003 Location: Location, Location Posts: 505	Yep, a critical and box office success, not a cult film. Now, the cartoon, that is a cult classic __________________ The Good, The Bad, and The OOP I don't think this person is a EVIL DEAD fan, he sounds like an old age police officer. By the way, who are you uncle?

03-14-06, 09:28 AM	#16
Charlie Goose DVD Talk Legend Join Date: Jul 2000 Location: Sesame Street (the apt. next to Bob's) Posts: 19,348	I love love love the three KK movies with Daniel. Not so much the one with Hilary Swank. The original is a mainstream classic. Wow, Police Academy made $81 million in 1984? That's impressive. I'm surprised they never produced any sequels. __________________ Ohwa Tagu Siam

03-14-06, 09:53 AM	#18
TheMadMonk DVD Talk Platinum Edition Join Date: Feb 2001 Posts: 3,172	I'm still waiting for a Cobra Kai dojo to open in my town.

03-14-06, 10:09 AM	#20
raven56706 DVD Talk Legend Join Date: Feb 2001 Location: Back in the Good Ole USA Posts: 18,842	here was my observation of the all time top ten moments: Top Ten all Time Karate kid Moments 10) His week hits and terrible outcomes: The first one was in Part 1- He punchs Johnny in the face and it barely phases him...to then get his a$$ handed to him infront of the girl he liked.. Yikes and in Part 3, where Daniel punched Mike Barnes(karate's new Bad boy?!LOL) and Mike told me not to do that(not even making a dent) to only get crushed yet again infront of a girl. 9) Funny supporting bad guys: Come on..... the crew of each bad guy kid was hilarious. First Johnnys crew consisted of a curly haired blond who loved to act psychotic and bad. Then the one who had a funny freaking woody woodpecker laugh(who can forget the line "put him in a body bag... yeahhhhhh HAHAHHAHAHAHHA). In part 2- they barely talked. Nothing special there. In part 3- Mike Barnes crew. That one guy who looked creepy. Plus the moronic donut driving exit from the store after getting beat up by an old man. 8) The Corney Daniel sayings: " My name is Daniel with an L" 7) Daniels embarassing moments: Part 1: Getting pushed off the cliff with his bike. Wearing that ridiculous halloween costume. Getting beat up by Mr Miyagi while trying to do the Mohammed Ali dance schuffle.Getting beat at the beach. His friends laughing at him. His moms car breaking down in part 1. The spaghetti guy falling on him and laughing at him. Not to mention the pointing. Part 2: I would personally be embarrassed if i was seen dancing like that at a club. He was moving like he was trying to get a shit off his underwear. Getting dumped on Prom Part 3: Yet again getting beat up infront of a girl. Getting tricked by Terry Silver. Asking how to sweep and then crying about it. 6) Daniels clothing: Some funky shirts her had in part 1. His outfit at the club in part 2. His suit for the prom in part 2. and part 3, that bright blue shirt. 5) Daniels stupidity: Your college money for a Bonzai shop? Nuff said. Saving that girl in Part 2 from the pole was stupid. Not in daniels sense but for whoever forget her there. 4) Daniels love interests: Come on....how funny. They all dumped him in the end. And the last one wasnt even interested. 3) The Main Bad Guys Part 1: The Cobra kai dojo. These kids were ruthless and John Kreese was an evil man. LOL... oh boy. John Kreese made me laugh. Part 2: The evil guys were ruthless and but even more hilarious. Sato and his crew try to bulldoze the area. LOL. Come on. But who cares... funny as hell. Oh and dont forget Sato's Nephew Chozen and his lines of coward. Part 3: Mike Barnes, Terry Silver and John Kreese raise hell again. This time its personal. LOL. Of course we relive the moment again when John kreese breaks car windows and bleeds. LOL dumb punches. Not to mention John Kreese and Silver laughing in hysteria as they hold their vest collars announcing Cobra Kai dojo's taking over the city... 2) Mr Miyagi's drunk. Him singing that song over and over. and then just sleeping. 1)Baby rants: "I hate this bike.. I hate this bike, i hate this stupid bike" "Daniel whats wrong" "Nothing" __________________ There is a master key and a spare key for the office. Dwight has them both. When I asked, "what if you die, Dwight? How will we get into the office?" He said, "if I'm dead, you guys have been dead for weeks."

03-14-06, 10:26 AM	#21
freudguy DVD Talk Special Edition Join Date: Jun 2001 Location: Virginia Posts: 1,114	I bought my son the DVD for Christmas and he loves it (he started Kempo Karate back in October). I watched it again for the first time in years and still loved it, which doesn't always happen with films I liked as a kid. __________________ Good evening, I'm freudguy. Tits McGhee has the night off. DVD Profiler

03-14-06, 02:03 PM	#22
Kal-El DVD Talk Limited Edition Join Date: Jul 2001 Location: Fortress of Solitude Posts: 6,646	The film is a classic. Not cult or mainstream. Just classic period. __________________ Vader was framed.

03-14-06, 02:10 PM	#24
Numanoid DVD Talk Hero Join Date: Aug 2000 Location: Down in 'The Park' Posts: 27,011	I graduated from high school in 1985, yet I don't think I've ever seen this film in its entirety. I've also never seen The Goonies. Is there something wrong with me?

03-14-06, 10:06 PM	#25
littlefuzzy DVD Talk Ultimate Edition Join Date: Jul 2000 Location: In my secret underground lair, plotting to TAKE OVER THE WORLD!!! Bwuaaahahahaha!! Posts: 4,590	My 72-year-old mom and I just watched the set... She enjoyed the films... We both liked part 1 the best, and really found part 3 to be the weakest. The Next Karate Kid was closer to part 1 on the fun meter. Part 2 was an OK sequel to part 1. __________________ littlefuzzy's HUGE...... tracts of land.... -- My Anime My manga (check the Browsing... box to the left.) I just want to tell you both good luck, we're all counting on you.