I was 10 years old when my mom took my brother and I to the local theater one day to see a movie called “The Karate Kid.” I think most know the movie. It’s the story of Daniel LaRusso being bullied by the Cobra Kai kids with Daniel eventually getting his revenge by winning the All Valley Karate Tournament under the training of Mr. Miyagi.
At the time, our family was just the three of us and heading to the movies was a luxury. My mom worked really hard at her job and always put my brother and me first. Even being a ten year old, I immediately saw similarities between my Mom and Daniel LaRusso’s mom. Mr. Miyagi was just too cool and made me start hoping my mom was secretly training me to be a ninja when she gave me my chores.. Daniel seemed like a great kid who you immediately cheered for. God I hated those Cobra Kai guys. Is there anybody in the 80s who didn’t want to punch William Zabka in the face? Loved you in How I Met Your Mother though!
I’m not sure if Elisabeth Shue’s Ali was the first actress I had a crush on but she’s the first one I remember. Ali was beautiful and sweet and chose the nice guy over the rich guy. Immediately in love. And if you haven’t seen her recently, she’s still gorgeous (Call Me Elisabeth!).
The reason I bring all this up was seeing the new Karate Kid ReAction figures brought back all those old memories. My mom’s hair, my annoying brother, the inherent un-coolness of our old Honda hatchback we drove to the theater in. That’s what is so great about the ReAction figures: the memories. ReAction pays homage to the simpler action figures of my childhood. When you tie in that aspect with a movie that you are nostalgic over, you get a must buy. That’s what the Karate Kid Reaction line is for me. It brings me back to being a kid and spending a day with your family. Little did I realize that trip to the movies over 30 years ago would be remembered to this day. If you love these figures as much as I do, you can preorder them now by going to Entertainment Earth. Each figure is $9.99 and you won’t be charged until they ship in April!
