fionashelf12's review against another edition
funny
inspiring
lighthearted
reflective
medium-paced
4.0
frances_saypack's review against another edition
emotional
funny
informative
inspiring
lighthearted
reflective
relaxing
fast-paced
5.0
I have always loved Ralph Macchio & The Karate Kid. This book is such a great read for anyone who enjoys the Karate Kid films, the Cobra Kai series, & loves Ralph Macchio.
arthur_pendrgn's review against another edition
Turns out I'm not as interested in BTS of the movie as I thought.
ninjakiwi12's review against another edition
funny
lighthearted
relaxing
medium-paced
2.5
Fun(ny) fact(s): When scrolling through my public library's available ebooks, this one jumped out due to nostalgia. As a huge fan of the original trilogy, I have recently discovered the Netflix series, Cobra Kai, which although I was initially quite skeptical (like Ralph Macchio as well), I have been impressed by the nuanced storylines and characters in Miyagi-verse, bringing together old nostalgic fans and new ones to honor the original storylines and classic spirit of the old films while also providing a chance for redemption.
Favorite quote/image: "And the importance of this Japanese American character was personal to him and was infused with such honesty and soulfulness. I was witnessing a moment of destiny. An actor who was born to play this role. And I was part of it. Something unique and rare in both life and film. The perfect match." (pg. 46)
Honorable mention: "Life imitates art as art imitates life. Once again, the line is blurred between Macchio and LaRusso. Yet somehow it always remains clear to us both...
'While life have balance, everything be better.' -Mr. Miyagi." (pg. 246)
Why: The original Karate Kid movies were some of my favorite movies growing up (as they were for my parents) for their classic underdog story, relatable characters, and life lessons (and also the first movies I watched starring an Asian-American, especially in any meaningful way). Unsurprisingly, while the memoir is primarily a trip down memory lane (full of fun behind-the-scenes stories), the book fails to have anywhere close to the level of impactful, deep, emotional, far-reaching wisdom that we come to love about Miyagi-do karate.
Favorite quote/image: "And the importance of this Japanese American character was personal to him and was infused with such honesty and soulfulness. I was witnessing a moment of destiny. An actor who was born to play this role. And I was part of it. Something unique and rare in both life and film. The perfect match." (pg. 46)
Honorable mention: "Life imitates art as art imitates life. Once again, the line is blurred between Macchio and LaRusso. Yet somehow it always remains clear to us both...
'While life have balance, everything be better.' -Mr. Miyagi." (pg. 246)
Why: The original Karate Kid movies were some of my favorite movies growing up (as they were for my parents) for their classic underdog story, relatable characters, and life lessons (and also the first movies I watched starring an Asian-American, especially in any meaningful way). Unsurprisingly, while the memoir is primarily a trip down memory lane (full of fun behind-the-scenes stories), the book fails to have anywhere close to the level of impactful, deep, emotional, far-reaching wisdom that we come to love about Miyagi-do karate.
komet2020's review against another edition
emotional
funny
hopeful
informative
inspiring
reflective
medium-paced
5.0
Waxing On: The Karate Kid and Me is one of the most heartwarming and life-affirming books that I have read in a long time. Ralph Macchio provides an enlightening and sobering summation of his life and career from the time he auditioned for The Karate Kid a movie that, since its release in the summer of 1984, has taken on an iconic status and enjoys an ever-growing fan base. I have to pinch myself because it seems incredible that it has now been 39 years since I first saw the movie.
Early in July 1984, a friend of mine from high school who had joined the Army months earlier, returned home on furlough after completing his medic training at Fort Sam Houston (TX). At the time, I was 19-and-a-half and had completed my sophomore year of college.
Along with a mutual friend, we went out to the movies downtown. We were undecided on what movie to see. But we three settled on "THE KARATE KID" not knowing what to expect.
By degrees, the movie sucked me in. My friends and I would laugh when Mr. Miyagi would give Daniel these seemingly pointless tasks to perform. But Daniel stayed the course and showed he had grit. So, when the movie reached its climax with Daniel taking on his tormentor and bully, Johnny Lawrence, and winning the tournament, we were thrilled.
To this day, I smile whenever I think about "The Karate Kid" because it's one of those movies that always delights me. Indeed, reading this book has kindled inside me a desire to see The Karate Kid again, along with The Karate Kid, Part II, both of which I haven't seen since they debuted in 1984 and 1986, respectively. Along with the current Netflix series 'Cobra Kai' which brings an extra richness to the lives of Daniel LaRusso, Johnny Lawrence, their families, and some of the other key figures from The Karate Kid movies.
I think that the following remarks by Ralph Macchio aptly sum up what The Karate Kid movie has come to mean to generations of movie goers who, since 1984, have taken it into their hearts for the values it conveys:
"The film is a prime example of when Hollywood gets it all right. It teaches and inspires through pure entertainment. Sure, the cynics can call it the silly popcorn karate movie that it is. And that's fair enough. But the human elements beneath all of that and the impact on the world's audience will never cease to inspire me in my life. And what a wonderful gift that is."
Early in July 1984, a friend of mine from high school who had joined the Army months earlier, returned home on furlough after completing his medic training at Fort Sam Houston (TX). At the time, I was 19-and-a-half and had completed my sophomore year of college.
Along with a mutual friend, we went out to the movies downtown. We were undecided on what movie to see. But we three settled on "THE KARATE KID" not knowing what to expect.
By degrees, the movie sucked me in. My friends and I would laugh when Mr. Miyagi would give Daniel these seemingly pointless tasks to perform. But Daniel stayed the course and showed he had grit. So, when the movie reached its climax with Daniel taking on his tormentor and bully, Johnny Lawrence, and winning the tournament, we were thrilled.
To this day, I smile whenever I think about "The Karate Kid" because it's one of those movies that always delights me. Indeed, reading this book has kindled inside me a desire to see The Karate Kid again, along with The Karate Kid, Part II, both of which I haven't seen since they debuted in 1984 and 1986, respectively. Along with the current Netflix series 'Cobra Kai' which brings an extra richness to the lives of Daniel LaRusso, Johnny Lawrence, their families, and some of the other key figures from The Karate Kid movies.
I think that the following remarks by Ralph Macchio aptly sum up what The Karate Kid movie has come to mean to generations of movie goers who, since 1984, have taken it into their hearts for the values it conveys:
"The film is a prime example of when Hollywood gets it all right. It teaches and inspires through pure entertainment. Sure, the cynics can call it the silly popcorn karate movie that it is. And that's fair enough. But the human elements beneath all of that and the impact on the world's audience will never cease to inspire me in my life. And what a wonderful gift that is."
thatpommeguy's review against another edition
5.0
A fantastic look into the life of one of my heroes, Waxing On combines humour and seriousness into a fantastic book containing stories of life as The Karate Kid, and dealing with the subsequent fame
aberman's review against another edition
4.0
An excellent first-person perspective of everything that is The Karate Kid from THE Karate Kid. It's written as if Macchio is telling a story that he has told a thousand times, which I'm sure he has. It is an excellent read for any fan of the original movie or the new TV show.
micasreads's review against another edition
4.0
Ralph Macchio is best known as Daniel LaRusso, bullied newcomer who beats his bully in a karate tournament. Children of the 1980s knew all about Mr. Miyagi and the crank kick. Macchio goes into detail about the long road he took to become Daniel and he devotes a chapter to each of his main characters and their relationships. He also offers insight into how Cobra Kai, the hit Netflix show, came to be and why he feels this is a perfect continuance of the Karate Kid saga.
Ralph Macchio did a great job telling his story of becoming the Karate Kid. While this is not a full memoir, it is a great listen and offers behind the scene accounts of iconic scenes that we all know and love including how the fly was caught in the chopsticks. Throughout the book, Macchio repeats how important Pat Morita, who played Mr. Miyagi, was to him and the Karate Kid trilogy. This was a well-told story that was quick to read and well-worth the time.
Ralph Macchio did a great job telling his story of becoming the Karate Kid. While this is not a full memoir, it is a great listen and offers behind the scene accounts of iconic scenes that we all know and love including how the fly was caught in the chopsticks. Throughout the book, Macchio repeats how important Pat Morita, who played Mr. Miyagi, was to him and the Karate Kid trilogy. This was a well-told story that was quick to read and well-worth the time.
mhbookalicious's review against another edition
emotional
funny
lighthearted
reflective
medium-paced
4.0