5 Karate Kid Wannabe Movies

 

This weekend Karate Kid: Legends debuts in theaters, and bridging of the original franchise and the 2010 remake. Who would have thought that 41 years after the original was released, the franchise would be rejuvenated. Thanks to the YouTube/Netflix series Cobra Kai which introduced a whole new generation to the franchise here we are.

The original film was clearly inspired by the original Rocky movie. So it seems only fair that over the years, several films mostly b-movies have been made that are inspired by The Karate Kid. 

Here are 5 movies inspired by the Karate Kid franchise, note I left out the most obvious films Sidekicks and Never Back Down.

5. Knockout 

This 2011 movie starring Stone Cold Steve Austin is just about as Karate Kid as it gets, just with boxing. Stone Cold plays a school janitor who helps a bullied student who aspires to follow in his grandfather's steps as a boxer.  Learn the art and science of boxing, to fend off a tormentor. 

It's currently available to watch through Prime and freevee.

4. Legendary

Another film starring a pro wrestler. Legendary released in 2010 and stars John Cena, with Danny Glover and Patricia Clarkson. Cena plays a long lost almost Black sheep of the family. He returns to town, to help his younger brother gain some confidence as he joins the schools wrestling team. While trying to rebuild his relationship with his mom.

Legendary is currently on Tubi.

3. The Power Within

This 90's B-movie stars Ted Jan Roberts, who was the martial arts king of kids movies back then. Johnny Lawrence himself, William Zabka plays the villain in this film.  Released in 1995 the main plot point focuses on two mystical rings, and the immense power they provide their wearer. While trying to keep his ring from evil forces, Roberts learns he had power within himself all along.

Someone was gracious enough to upload this film to YouTube. Quality is not that great, but the movie isn't either so..

2. Showdown

This 1993 film is the most basic copycat version of Karate Kid there is. Starring Billy Blanks, this film follows a new kid in town during his senior year. Who bumps into the wrong crowd of marital artists at school and needs some training, sound familiar? He gets that training in the form of Billy Blanks, an ex-cop who is the school janitor and a master martial artist. 

Storyline aside, other elements borrowed include the pretty girl the new kid takes a liking to. As well as the crazed Karate instructor who was more unhinged than John Kreese.

Someone loves Showdown, because it's available on Prime, Peacock, and Tubi.

1.  Only The Strong

Only The Strong starring Mark Dacascos is one of my favorite martial arts movies. Released in 1993, it follows Dacasco as a former green beret who returns to his hometown of Miami. Upon seeing how troubled his old high school is he sets out to train some kids. With the schools permission, he trains some of the toughest kids at the school (the definition of tough is questionable here). Teaching them the martial arts style capeoria, how to control their anger and set them on better paths. While also fending the local drug dealer and his crew.

Only The Strong is currently on Hulu.

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O's Theory: The Mike Mussina Curse

 

After a few seasons of contention after a long rebuild, the Oriole's have regressed horribly this year. There's no way to put it other than they fucking suck right now, and it seems fundamentally across the board they have forgotten the basics. While timely hitting and manufacturing runs that don't rely on home runs has been the Achilles heel of the team for a while, pitching has been a thorn in the O's side for a long time. A long time as in 25 years and I started thinking, are the Orioles pitching woes the result of a curse?

Quite possibly the Mike Mussina curse? A team that at one time was known for their dominant pitching, when you think about it Mussina was the Oriole's last homegrown dominant pitcher. Hell honestly he is their last consistently dominant pitcher period. He left the Oriole's to join the dreaded Yankee's in the fall of 2000, and depending on who you ask he never really wanted to leave the O's, but they didn't make a serious offer to him. Ya know the same ol' song athletes often spew when they try to deflect the backlash from them leaving in free agency.

Since his departure, the Orioles no matter the era starting pitching just doesn't cut the mustard over the long haul. Scott Erickson who was a dynamic duo starting pitcher with Mussina, wasn't the same after Mussina left. He got hammered when he pitched, when he didnt pitch he spent long sometimes season long stretches injured.

 They've had decent pitchers who were very inconsistent like Sidney Ponson, Zack Britton, Chris Tillman and Erik Bedard. Guys who maybe weren't starting pitching material but was what they had at the time like Rodrigo Lopez and Jeremy Guthrie. 

Frustarting guys like Jake Arrieta and Kevin Gausman who you saw all the potential while they were here and then once they were no longer with the team it all came together.  Projects that didn't pan out like Brian Matsuz, Dylan Bundy, and Adam Loewen. Bad luck free agent signings like Alex Cobb, serviceable but not great like Pat Hentgen and head scratching one's like Ubaldo Jimenez. Not to mention the disaster of a signing this past off season in Charlie Morton.

Although 25 years have passed since Mussina left, and he and the team have mended fences. With Mussina entering the Oriole's hall of fame in 2012. He also entered the National Baseball Hall Of Fame in 2019, opting not to wear one team logo on the cap for his plaque as the only two teams he ever played for meant so much to his career. A nice gesture I guess, but nice to know he acknowledges how much he meant to the Oriole's and the Oriole's meant to him.

That doesn't mean, the Oriole's aren't still paying for the sins of how they let him leave. That can be the only logical explanation for why starting pitching continues to haunt the team to this day.

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5 Yearly Must Watch Summer Movie's

 It's Memorial Day Weekend, which the weather is tricky on the east coast this year. But that won't stop BBQ's, heavy traffic heading to the beach, lawn mowing and beer drinking. Memorial Day Weekend also mean's the kick-off of the Hollywood Summer Blockbuster season. This year the family friendly live action remake of Lilo & Stitch (which I enjoyed), and the final chapter in the Mission Impossible film series Reckoning, set it off. So I decided to think about 5 movies, I somehow, someway fit into my schedule every summer to watch at least once. So let's dig in our popcorn bucket.

5. Super 8

It's been 14 years since Super 8 debuted, and it still is not appreciated like it should be. Written and directed by J.J. Abrams, and co-produced by Steven Spielberg, who films clearly inspired this one. Set in the summer of 1979, a group of kid's being adventurous and creative work to make their own film over the summer. They come into much bigger problems when they stumble upon a alien, and government conspiracy. It has heart, mystery, and humor to make a classic summer adventure.

4. Crooklyn

I'll admit Crooklyn came out 1994, and I did not appreciate the movie one bit until I was in my 20's. More precisely my late 20's around 2014-15. Spike Lee's 2nd best film set in the summer. Set in 1973, following the Carmichael family with a particular focus on the only girl out of five children Troy. The film focuses on her coming of age that summer. I don't think I can describe how great this film is enough, just know it is one of my summer favorites.

3. Adventureland

Adventureland, this 2009 cult classic stars Jesse Eisenberg, Kristen Stewart, Kristin Wiig, Bill Hader and Ryan Reynolds. Set in 1987, it follow's Jesse Eisenberg's character James as he spends the summer working at a local theme park. In the process learning about love, heartbreak, and himself. The film is full of dry humor if you appreciate that kind of humor. It also has a funny depiction of the inner workings of a theme park, which workplace comedies are always appreciated.

2. Independence Day

It's a tradition at this point, every year once the fourth of July rolls around Independence Day is on the screen. Whether it's the marathons on TV, availability on streaming, or maybe I pull out the DVD or even the VHS. I'm watching the film that made Will Smith a star and had human beings on the edge of their seat about the possibilities of an alien invasion. What's the summer movie season without some action? which makes ID4 an absolute every year.

1. The Sandlot

An unforgettable summer with your friends, I think that is every kid's dream. That's just what 1993's Sandlot is about. Set in 1962, the film is about friendship, learning something new, and life experiences you'll never forget all over the course of one summer. 30 plus year's later younger Gen-X'ers and Millennials quote this movie daily. We dress up as characters from the movie for Halloween, and I sit down it watch it at least once every summer. That fourth of July scene with Ray Charles signing, the fireworks against the night sky, and kid's playing baseball is what summer is all about. 

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The Plight Of Being A O's Fan

 It's only May and its been a long season for the O's, and truth be told its only going to get longer. Somewhere between their playoff exit last year and this season, they've forgotten how to play fundamental baseball. Brandon Hyde was fired to save Elias ass, Rubinstein suddenly had fallen back from the spotlight. And everything everyone knew was a problem for the team, had combusted all at once. Lack of quality starter pitchers, and lack of scoring if their not hitting Homer's.

Once again the franchise seems to be in a tailspin. And O's fan's are on edge about the competitive window of the team. Quite frankly it is tough, very TOUGH to be an Oriole's fan. The last time the Orioles won the world series was three years before I was born, which means there is an entire generation out there (Gen X) have not seen the O's win since they were Kid's. Millennials like myself and Gen Z'ers who have never even seen them in a world series. And at this rate Gen Alpha and possibly the newest name Gen Beta may not see them either.

I remember the '96 O's, and looking back even if Jeffrey Maier hadn't reached out and took the ball from Tony Tarasco. We still would have lost to the Yankees because it was their year. The '97 team was a different story, we should have beat the Indians and made the World Series. After that we did not sniff the playoffs again until 2012, a 15 year gap.

 Then came 2014 which I just knew was our year. I remember being at Game 2 of the division series against the Tigers, and the amazing atmosphere after we came back to win. Then we got swept by The Royal's with the same issues that plague the team now. Lack of timely hitting if there are no Homer's.

2016 was a dud. Then another seven years passed before we made the playoffs in 2023. And we all know how last years playoffs went, which gave us plenty of warning signs about this season.

Honestly we O's fan's are tired. From Baby Boomers on down, we all are exhausted of the teams inability to be competitive for long periods of time. We use to live on hope, with every proclaimnation that a new era was upon us. I don't know about you guys, but I'm pretty much out of hope.

I'm not throwing in the towel just yet. However, there definitely needs to be some changes in the warehouse, on how they scout, draft, and develop talent. Knowing when to actually pay for the missing pieces to bring a game changing talent here. And just what they want the culture of the O's to be in the long haul.

Truth be told, I just want to sit in a corner and cry tears of joy. Sooner rather than later when the Orioles finally win a World Series in my lifetime.

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TV Pilots That Didn't Make The Cut

 It's upfront week, which in the world of Hollywood is when networks and streamers announce new show lineups. They also announce what shows are not returning This is to entice sponsors to buy ad time and start building promotion for the coming shows. While it's still a pomp and circumstance week, it's nowhere near the spectacle it once was.

All the debuting shows that make it, were given the go ahead based on their respective pilots. A pilot is simply a prototype episode of a series, to gauge the potential of it attracting an audience and being a success. So I started thinking about all of the pilots filmed, and came up with ten you may not know existed. Or know it existed but didnt know the story behind it

10. Powerpuff Girls

This live action adaption of the Cartoon network classic, was set for a fall 2021 debut on the CW network. Chloe Bennett, Yana Perrault, Dove Cameron rounded out the trio. While Donald Faison and Robyn Lively also were members of the cast. 

The pilot received negative reviews, and after several attempts to rework it. The show was officially considered DOA in 2023. Clips of it have found their way to YouTube.

9. Sisqo/Bob Newhart Pilot

                                                      

Back in 2021, Sisqo was still kind of on top of the world. Still riding strong from his solo debut album Unleash The Dragon and it's hit song Thong Song. Around this time, if a network thought they could make some money off your star appeal they would try. So, a pilot was developed with Sisqo at NBC with Bob Newhart co-starring.

The two would star as an odd couple business partners. The show wasnt picked up, and internet lore says the pilot was honestly horrible. Which probably tracks since there is no trace of footage online anywhere.

8. Marvel's Most Wanted

A spin-off of Agents Of Shield, this 2015 pilot featured Adrianna Palicki and Nick Blood reprising their characters from the series. It would focus on two separated from the spy agency, and on the run from various parties. Presumably to clear their names from something, but details about the series other than they would be on the run are scant.

7. Wonder Woman 

Another Adrianna Palicki failed superhero pilot, 2011's Wonder Woman. Filmed for NBC, this pilot was supposed to bring Wonder Woman into the 21st century. Written by David E. Kelly who created and wrote beloved dramas like Doogie Howser, Picket Fences, Ally McBeal, Boston Public, Boston Legal, The Practice and Chicago Hope to name a few. With Pedro Pascal who later starred in the 2020 Wonder Woman '84 movie, Cary Elwes, Elizabeth Hurley, Tracie Thoms, and Edward Herrman rounded out the cast.

Switching up Wonder Woman's origin story a bit, the pilot followed the typical superhero trope of being a public figure running a corporation and a superhero. Far cry from what Wonder Woman is, and apparently it did not go over well. Clips of the pilot can be found on YouTube, and you can quickly see why it was cancelled.

6. Problem Child

An adaptation of the 1990 film which spawned 2 sequels and a cartoon, this planned 2015 pilot was set to bring the story to the 2010's. 

Matthew Lillard and Erinn Hayes were attached to star in the pilot. Playing the roles made famous by John Ritter and his wife Amy Yasbeck. The series was intended to be a single camera comedy (filmed like other comedies such as Modern Family, Bernie Mac Show etc.) The plot would of course feature the couple trying to prevent their mischievous son from getting into trouble. This actually could have worked and it's a shame it was not picked up.

5. Cruel Intentions 

Before Prime Video bought Cruel Intentions to the screen as a TV series last year. NBC filmed a pilot back in 2016 that was an continuation of the original film. Set 17 years after the film, Sarah Michelle Gellar reprised her role as Kathryn Mertueil. She would have the villain in the series trying to wrest control of the family company, from her step-nephew Sebastian and Annette's son Bash. Bash find's his father's old journal which introduces him into a strange world as he learns more about his father he never knew.

This was the second attempt at a series for Cruel Intentions, Fox tried in 2000. Just like that one, this series was not picked up. The actually had a good foundation to be an engaging series continuing the legacy of the original film.

4. Bow Wow Pilot

Many may see him as a clown, but at one time Bow Wow was one of the biggest stars walking the planet.  He had conquered the music demographic of teenage girls and stepped into the movie world already. So it only seemed right that in 2005 he tried to follow in the foot steps of Will Smith and Eve, and star in his own comedy series. He filmed a pilot for the WB network simply titled Bow, with Hollywood veterans like Kim Fields and Joey Lawrence joining the cast. The series followed Bow Wow as he was transitioning from a child star to an adult, which mirrored his life at the time.

The pilot is available on YouTube and actually had potential. With a lot of viewers leaving comments that they would have watched the show had it aired.

3. Supernatural: Bloodlines

The CW's long running and successful show Supernatural was planned to start a franchise. In 2014 the network conducted a "backdoor pilot" which is an episode of the original series, meant to introduce the characters for a new series. That episode occurred in season 9, episode 20 featured two characters Ennis Ross and Freddie Costa who are in the world of hunters and monsters in Chicago. It wasn't well received when it aired, likely because the Dean brothers weren't the focus of the series. Thus CW decided against making it a TV series and passed on the pilot.

2. Beverly Hills Cop TV series

In 2013 CBS network decided to revive The Beverly Hills Cop franchise. Brandon T. Jackson was tapped to lead the show as the son of Axel Foley. Unable to make a name for himself in the Detroit Police department, he decides to move to Beverly Hills where he still lives in his dad's shadow. The pilot featured Judge Rheinhold returning to the franchise, and Eddie Murphy himself passing the torch. Fortunately I think everyone realized a network TV show was not the right platform for this series, and without Eddie Murphy regularly appearing no one would likely tune in. 

The pilot is available on YouTube, while it had potential it was wisely passed over.

1. Aquaman

In the mid-2000's before the MCU kicked off and the Arrowverse ruled the CW network, the WB network aired Smallville. The origin story of Superman which was highly successful, the network decided to try the formula again and in 2006 produced Aquaman for a pilot. Starring Justin Hartley who later played Green Arrow in Smallville and became famous for This Is Us as Arthur Curry/Aquaman. Ving Rhames and Lou Diamond Phillips provided the veteran steady hands for the pilot. It took the Smallville formula, updating the source material and applying the "good looking" lead to bring in female fans. 

The pilot was not picked up but was offered through itunes to purchase, which was a huge deal back in 2006. The pilot shows that the series actually had potential and you could tell money was put into it to really sell the show. The pilot was on YouTube for years but seems to be taken down, however the trailer which got you looking forward to the series is still available.

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6 Forgotten Teen Comedies

It's May, the school year is winding down, proms and graduations are in full swing. Teenagers are looking for summer jobs, learning how to drive, or thinking of what to do for a unforgettable summer. 

So I started thinking about teen focused movies, namely ones not really remembered. For every Fast Times At Ridgemont High, Breakfast Club, Clueless, Can't Hardly Wait,  and American Pie. There are additional teen focuses films just as good, that don't get the same appreciation.

Switching it up a bit here are six forgotten Teen movies.

Book Of Love

Released in 1990, this 35 year old film still holds up...if you can find it anywhere. The two biggest stars in the film are Michael McKean (played the douchebag in plenty of 80's and 90's movies). And Keith Coogan, best known as Christina Applegates slacker brother in Don't Tell Mom The Babysitters Dead. 

Primarily set in the 1950's, a new kid in town during his senior year, is spilt between two girls he likes. He tries to woo both in an effort to have a date at senior prom. The movie is funny, has some dramatic moments, and for middle aged grown ups in the 90's reminds them of a simpler time.

Get Over It

This 2001 film a modern adaptation of Shakespeare's Midsummer Night's Dream play. The film stars Kristen Dunst and Ben Foster as a high school couple, who recently broke up. As most high schoolers feel after a break up they feel it's the end of the world. Foster's character joins the school play in an attempt to woo Dunst's character back.

Sisqo, Colin Hanks, and Shane West have supporting roles in the film. It touches on a overlooked aspect of the teenage love experience, moving on. 

The New Guy 

DJ Qualls fresh off his scene stealing role in Road Trip, managed to gain a starring role in a film. 2002's The New Guy features Qualls as Dizzy, a kid who looking back has some internal issues to work out. He gets himself expelled from his high school, learning how to reinvent himself from a prisoner he met in jail. Dizzy moves to a new high school to be the man.

Soon he is the most popular kid at his new school. Dating a class beauty, and being the cool guy. That is until his past catches up with him. It has a few laughs but has good heart on being yourself. A great message for teenagers of any era.

John Tucker Must Die

This 2006 film is a hidden gem favorite of teens during the mid aught. It has sadly been lost to the sands of time as years passed. Jesse Metclafe who at the time was best known for Desperate Housewives, plays high school basketball star and womanizer John Tucker. Somehow, he's been secretly dating 3 different young ladies at the school. The 3 ladies played by Brittany Snow, Ashanti, and Sophia Bush eventually learn he's been playing them. 

Alongside a shy under the radar student, played by Arielle Kebbel. They brainstorm a plan to get back at and humilate Tucker. A solid high school take on ths players getting played trope, and the games played in high school and one feels humiliated.

License To Drive

This 1988 film starring Corey Haim and Corey Feldman, released during the height of the Two Corey's Mania in the 80's. It's another one that is sadly being forgotten as time passes, but I loved it as a kid. Corey Haim stars as Les a teenager on his way to obtaining his drivers license. He doesn't get it but under some false pretenses, manages to score a date night with Mercedes played by Heather Graham. Well date night doesn't go as planned.

This movie had me eagerly anticipating being old enough to drive. Covering that teenage rite of passage obtaining a driver's license and being "free". Not knowing the headaches that come with driving. It also was my introduction to Billy Ocean's catchy tune

Trojan War

1997's Trojan War has an important message about safe sex, through a night of mishaps. Starring Will Friedle and Jennifer Love Hewitt, along with a supporting cast of 90's teen/young adulf actors you know by face. Friedle stars as standard run of the mill teenager named Brad. Brad has a crush on arguably the most popular girl in school named Brooke.

Well Brooke invites him over to tutor and attempts to initiate some play time. Brad didn't come prepared and rushes to obtain a condom. Running into road block after road block to get back to Brooke. In the process learning the one for him was right under his nose 

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Top Ten TV Mom Crushes

Here we are folk's its Mother's Day weekend. Happy Mother's Day to all the moms reading this. We return with the subject of crushes, and for now my last blog on the crush topic (unless I can think of another one.) We cover ten TV mom's it seems everyone had a crush on from multiple generations. So let's get to it.

Beth Pearson

One of my favorite shows from the late 2010's, This Is Us graced us with no only engaging television for 6 seasons. It also blessed us with Beth Pearson, played by Susan Keleci Watson. Beth was soft spoken, but firm especially when it came to her husband Randall. She also had a sense of humor and very intelligent. Beth Pearson was very fine, elegant and snappy.

Lorelai Gilmore

Lorelai Gilmore was a witty firecracker on the WB's Gilmore Girls. Played by Lauren Graham, Lorelai was a quick thinker and very witty. She also loved her coffee, and referencing pop culture every chance she get's (something I love). Her icy blue eyes stole guys hearts on the show, and I'm sure several viewers.

Aunt Becky

When Full House was on the air during it's heyday, Uncle Jesse was famous for saying Have Mercy. With Aunt Becky by his side, who can blame him? Played by Lori Loughlin, she joined the cast in season 2 and went on to become one of the top TV mom crushes ever. Known for her various haircut styles that always complemented her, and her smile. She was one of the top crushes of many young men in the late 80's and early 90's. Besides her beauty, she was very sensible and level headed helping keep everyone else in the family sane, while maintaining her composure.

Neesee James

Neesee James was a mom the 2000's UPN show All Of Us, which was one of the first TV shows I recall that explored co-parenting and blended families. Now Neesee was a favorite of many, because Lisa Raye is gorgeous. That in itself was enough for most people to have a crush on Neesee. However in the confines of the show, she showed maturity and poise 99% of the time when it involved co-parenting. She however was not afraid to put her foot in someone's behind if needed. She also was a fierce protector of her son, and despite her strong demeanor was actually a big softie. 

Angie Lopez

The leading lady of the George Lopez Show, Angie Lopez was played by Constance Marie. One of the favorite TV mom's of the 2000's, Angie was a steady hand in the Lopez family. She always saw the best in people throughout the show's run and was very loving and caring for her husband and children. She also knew when to put George in his place, and it was usually at the right time. Angie always knew when to have fun and spice up her life, which some of her outfits surely drew in new fans.

Gabrielle Solis

When Desperate Housewives debuted in 2004, many eyes were set on the relatively unknown actress Eva Longoria who played Gabrielle Solis. Honestly, who didn't want to know more about her? Gabrielle was a trophy wife on the series, young, full of life and bored. She seduced a younger man which at the time the series aired. A bit high-maintenance she also had a pure heart and yearned for nothing more than to be a mom. Which she finally achieved becoming a mom, Gabrielle was one of the best most loving TV moms ever.

Wanda Mac

Aunt Wanda on The Bernie Mac Show is one of my favorite TV mom's. I personally have a big crush on Kellita Smith, and apparently a lot of others do too. The surrogate mother of Bernie Mac's nieces and nephews, it takes a special person to raise other people's kid's. And Ms. Wanda Mac did it effortlessly and without hesitation. While making moves in her executive role with AT&T and keeping Bernie from getting too wild. An underrated TV mom, but a top TV mom crush.

Rainbow Johnson

Dr. Rainbow Johnson played by Tracee Ellis Ross from one of the 2010's best comedies Black-ish. A tad quirky but very loving towards her family. She also was more than enough for her husband Dre keeping him in line. Rainbow became a favorite TV mom's for her personality and her derriere. Which was a natural progression from Ross's time on the sitcom Girlfriends.

Gloria Delgado-pritchett

Another favorite TV mom from a 2010's classic. Gloria Delgado-Pritchett played by Sofia Vegara in Modern Family. Another trophy wife from the TV world, married to the much older Jay played by Ed O'Neil. An aggressive firecracker, Gloria was snappy, fiery, and very outspoken. She was also proud of her heritage and made sure it was incorporated in the families daily lives. Not one to keep quiet to show she was more than a pretty face and shapely body. Which probably made her even more attractive to many.

Clair Huxtable

The personification of a classy TV Mom. Clair Huxtable played by Phylicia Rashad in old school words, had it going on. A successful lawyer she was loving but a disciplinarian to her five children. She displayed how to balance a successful demanding career and being a present wife and mother. A natural beauty requiring little makeup, people fell in love with Clair Huxtable. To this day she is held in high regard when it comes to TV moms, and even new generations blush when she's on TV. Lamenting if she was around in her time, they may have shot their shot. 

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