The Karate Kid Part III (1989):

The Karate Kid Part III (1989):

“Ostracised villain John Kreese attempts to gain revenge on Daniel and Miyagi, with the help of a Vietnam War comrade, the wealthy owner of a toxic waste disposal business.”

Terry Silver tricks Danny into training with Cobra Kai. John Kreese fakes his death after his dojo is defeated, and calls on his Vietnam War buddy Terry Silver (Now a wealthy toxic waste mogul.) to humiliate and destroy Daniel and Miyagi. Meanwhile, Danny spends his college fund opening a bonsai tree business for Mr. Miyagi.

Mr. Miyagi and Daniel are attacked by “Karate's Bad Boy” Mike Barnes, on Silver's orders. But, Miyagi still won't let Daniel compete in the karate tournament. Here's where Terry Silver slithers in, and presents himself as a reasonable sensei, when he is in reality a bloodthirsty sociopath who aims to torture Danny through training.

When Danny tries to say he's had enough, Mike Barnes, John Kreese, and Terry Silver jump out at him, but he's saved by Miyagi. This is where the karate really gets good. The tournament fight in this one is much better too. Overall, I thought it was a strong entry in the trilogy. Pretty much required viewing for the Cobra Kai series.

In this movie, you get to see what a crazy guy Terry Silver is, and how extreme the Cobra Kai “No Mercy” philosophy is. Danny's knuckles bleed, and his foot is bruised during training. Terry has no qualms about teaching students to hit the eyes, throat, and groin. All illegal hits. And yet, he puts on a slimy good guy face that makes him hard to look away from.

If you have time today, definitely give this one a watch. Johnny Lawrence was bad, but Terry Silver is truly evil. Plus, there's improved karate scenes, like a better tournament this time. There's no doubt in my mind, Mike Barnes will be back for the Cobra Kai series. We may yet get to see Cobra Kai as evil again! You won't wanna miss it: Check it out!

Honey, I Shrunk The Kids (1989):

Honey, I Shrunk The Kids (1989):

"The scientist father of a teenage girl and boy accidentally shrinks his and two other neighborhood teens to the size of insects. Now the teens must fight diminutive dangers as the father searches for them."

So, Wayne Szalinsky has a machine that can shrink objects down to ¼ of an inch tall. Unfortunately, because of a baseball hitting it, it accidentally shrinks his kids and he throws them out with the trash. He can't see them. They're in the yard now, and with their size, it's a journey of over 10 miles.

Much of the fun here is size-related. They hitch a ride on a bee, they're attacked by lawnmowers, a scorpion, and a sprinkler. The most memorable seen for me is them almost being eaten in a bowl of cereal. Meanwhile, the kids have to make do and sleep in a Lego until they can return to normal size and start worrying about normal teen stuff, like a high school dance.

If you have a chance, watch it on Disney+. It's a fun ride. Some of the green screen effects haven't aged well. But, I like it! It's a larger-than-life sci-fi journey. I'm also a fan of practical effects. So, if you are too, I recommend this one. Give it a watch.

Robot Jox (1989):

Robot Jox (1989):

"In the distant future, mankind has forsaken global wars for battles of single combat. The world has been divided into two opposing super powers, with each side represented by trained champions."

Mech combat movie with weird models and special effects! Space battles! Representing the US ("The Market") is Achilles. Against him his rival Alexander from "The Confederation" (USSR) in a spider tank. Winner takes Alaska, and its natural resources! It's cheesy robot goodness.