Literally picking up about five minutes after the conclusion of the 1984 The Karate Kid; this 1986 sequel; also directed by John G. Avildsen; sends Ralph Macchio's and Pat Morita's characters to the latter's home turf in Japan; where the older man is confronted by an old rival; and Macchio's newly confident fighter gets a tougher challenge than the punks back home. Sillier than its predecessor; this follow-up at least has some distracting soap opera elements in Morita's coming to terms with an old flame; while Macchio woos a lovely local girl. Ironically; it's the action that evokes laughter; particularly a climactic fight that gets over the top quickly. --Tom Keogh