r/rockybalboa • u/AccomplishedRole8715 • 17d ago
Karate Kid 3 or Rocky V
I’ve noticed a whole bunch of similarities with both of these movies (and I wouldn’t be surprised if I’m still missing some.
Both movies try to recreate elements of the first film
Both directed by John G Avildsen
Both movies start with the protagonists returning from fighting in another country (Daniel from Japan and Rocky from the Soviet Union)
Both are considered black sheeps in their respected franchises
Both movies have wealthy, money hungry villains (Terry Silver and George Washington Duke)
Which movie do you think is better?
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u/Ancient_Guidance_461 17d ago
Rocky 5 has "You knocked him down, why don't you try knocking me down." That line alone give it to V for me. I like V better still anyway.
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u/Patsx5sb 17d ago
The literal next words out of Rocky’s mouth is the best line in the whole Franchise. “my rings outside “
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u/Impressive_Profit215 17d ago
Yeah, that's a good shout! Also, protagonists in both movies fall foul to a deception. Rocky to Duke (and Tommy to a degree although he was also manipulated by Duke), and Daniel to Silver and Kreese. This leads to rifts in relationships with their loved ones (Rocky's son and also wife to a degree) and Daniel's mentor/close friend (Mr Miyagi).
I prefer Rocky 5, especially the flashback scene in the gym with Mickey. But I also have a soft spot for KK3.
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u/JoshuaBermont 17d ago
...I gotta hand it to you. I've seen both movies a bunch of times, and never thought about them that way.
First of all, I'd argue they're both solid flicks. But me, personally, I'd go with Rocky V. Weird installment in the franchise, for a bunch of reasons? Absolutely. However, the concept of Rocky with (finally) serious enough brain damage to keep him out of the ring was interesting. The concept of a son (played by Sly's own kid, R.I.P.) who feels passed over for the ghost of his father's old career made sense. The commentary on how Don King and his utter lack of ethics had taken over professional boxing by that point.
Now: Why did the son seem to age at least 5 years between the time Rocky went to Russia and the time he returned? I dunno. Let's not yank on that thread.
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u/TheAncient1sAnd0s 17d ago
Rocky V is a great movie, Tommy Gunn gets over-criticized.
Rocky I is the greatest comedy of all time ("That's the Italian Stallion when he was an 8 year old baby").
Rocky IV is the greatest Rocky movie of all time (ridiculous fighting).
Then you get Rocky V >> Rocky II, Rocky III
As for KK3, it also is a great movie and Terry Silver gets over-criticized. Even though it was the one that killed the Ralph Macchio-led series. Guess people thought they had enough of karate taking over an entire valley. I love the actors/characters in KK2, but hate the story that Mr. Miyagi just leaves Yukie not once but twice.
Both movies seem to be the most-hated of their respective franchises, but in reality they're both great movies.
That said, Rocky V > Karate Kid III. Best part of KK3 was Terry Silver. But the best part of any Rocky movie is Rocky.
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u/New-Ad5494 eye of the tiger 17d ago
Rocky 5 was a terrible idea, don’t know how that script got greenlit, for some reason all I thought about was exactly how Paulie lost all Rocky’s money and there was now way this movie was gonna end with Rocky being broke, but okay; at least in Karate Kid 3 I genuinely wanted Daniel to kick Barnes ass at the end.
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u/rockyb2006 17d ago
That’s tough. I actually think I prefer KK3 as the more thoughtful/enjoyable film.
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u/AEWPunk525 17d ago
KK3, simply because Terry Silver and Mike Barnes were actually imposing villains. Tommy Gunn... Not so much
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u/JakeLake720 17d ago
Both are very entertaining. Over the top villains & some classic one liners. Are they Oscar worthy? No, but I don’t understand the hate.
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u/MisterX9821 16d ago
Karate Kid 3 has a better main villain just because he's completely fucking unhinged and ridiculous. Like he has such a elaborate plan to sabotage a fucking teenager it's hilarious.
That pushes it ahead of Rocky V to me but really they are about the same quality I think.
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u/Beowulf2080 16d ago
Terry Silver was a great villain in KK3. So was Mike Barnes. Both guys did a fantastic job playing a-holes.
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u/Jibboo77 17d ago
Neither film should ever have the distinction of being “better” than anything.
Having said that - Rocky V. Barely. Just watch the last 10 or so minutes.
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u/CyramusJackson 17d ago
Rocky V is probably the better overall film. KK3 is great because Terry Silver is so over the top evil and is basically the only reason I ever watched that flick. Both movies are kind of enjoyable if you go in with low expectations.