The Next Karate Kid

Julie Pierce is a rebellious teen who relocates to live with her grandmother after the death of her parents. Mr. Miyagi, the famed mentor from the previous films, senses her guilt and anger and offers to teach her martial arts. Under his patient guidance she learns discipline, focus, and control, using karate to work through pain rather than lash out. Julie faces a harsh school environment and a difficult home situation, and her confidence is tested by peers and a stern authority figure. She also leans on her grandmother Louisa and a supportive classmate Eric McGowen as she begins to trust again. The mentor and student form a bond that helps Julie reclaim her sense of purpose.

Directed by Christopher Cain introduces a new student and keeps Pat Morita as Mr. Miyagi. It draws on the franchise created by Robert Mark Kamen and Mark Lee, with a lean, practical action approach.

Critics offered mixed notes, praising Hilary Swank's performance and Pat Morita's steady guidance, while noting the film leans on established formulas. The story centers on grief, resilience, and the healing power of mentorship through discipline and responsibility. The chemistry between Swank and Morita gives the film a warm center that keeps it accessible for families. The pacing may feel brisk for some viewers, but the emotional beats land for families.

Although not as influential as the first two films, the movie extends the Miyagi coaching ethos to a new generation and helps launch Swank's acting career. It preserves the franchise's message about balance, effort, and personal growth, choosing steady conversation and practical training over flashy stunts, and hints at a shift toward female-led action dramas that would follow.

Box office: The film grossed about 15.9 million worldwide against a production budget of 12 million, serving as a modest yet steady family friendly release that quietly extended the franchise.