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That movie era has become a favorite for so many.
The heroes and villains.
Not to mention the big hair and the mismatched outfits.
Who can forget LaRusso in his camouflage pants and tucked-in plaid shirt?
No belt, of course.
For me, at the time, I was on the outside of it.
Or, more accurately, on the way-way inside of it.
I find it funny and notable that I have less knowledge of that time period than most.
My experience was different from that of those who were out and about.
I was kind of going from movie set to movie set during those years.
I remember Rob Lowe joking that I should have a T-shirt that said Do Not Disturb on the front.
That was often the sign on my hotel-room doorknob duringThe Outsiders.
After all, I never got a Brat Pack membership card or even an invitation to join.
So what do I really know about the 80s of it all?
Even if I was never asked to be in a John Hughes movie.
Though, I did get close once.
It was after the filming ofThe Outsiders.
I was in Los Angeles.
At that time, Emilio Estevez and I would hang out on occasion.
This was in late 82 or early 83 and beforeThe Karate Kidhappened.
Emilio was to audition for the studly handsome guy, and I was being seen for the geeky-nerd kid.
This is something that is not customary on the first round.
We didnt receive any specific coaching or instructions.
We only had the general breakdown of the characters and probably the latest draft of the script.
Since it was laced with teen antics and comedy, we were looking to highlight the jokes.
But needless to say, neither of us got our respective parts.
I would say to myself,But this guy is a super-nerd, a total geek.
He instructed me to take a minute, come back in as myself, and read the scene simply.
I recall the words We just want natural Ralph that would be perfect.
You dont need to put any spin on it.
Yep, that was it.
I was too cool in my own mind.
I doubt that is really the case, but it still makes me wonder what if.
Its interesting to look back years later and reminisce about how it all came to be.
One was the importance of an all-American quality to the character, as was written in the script.
I would love to have video playback of what I was doing.
I imagine it came off as a hilarious train wreck.
Did I feel it was an incestuous problem that audiences would have an issue with?
Now, what is it about 80s movies that makes them so beloved?
And where doesThe Karate Kidsit in the landscape?
Well, for one, it seemed to be a simpler time.
Im not making a judgment as much as an observation.
Everything was way less politically correct.
I think that is what audiences find so refreshing about the writing of adult Johnny Lawrence inCobra Kai.
The Zabka character is stuck in an 80s mind-set with no filter.
It becomes entertaining to hear him rattle off what is considered offensive now but was the norm for 1984.
Audiences love that element in the writing of the series.
He gets away with it because he doesnt know any better and it reads as innocent.
Yet in many cases, they were hopeful not as dark as much of todays programming.
Back then, teen angst would often turn to wish fulfillment.
Ferris lip-syncing Twist and Shout on a parade float down Michigan Avenue.
McFly rocking Johnny B. Goode on his parents prom night.
Even the stereotypes were embraced.
TakeThe Breakfast Club, for example.
The jock, the nerd, the princess, etc.The Karate Kidhad a bit of that as well.
The bully, the rich girl, the evil teacher, the wise mentor.
It was good-over-evil storytelling.
Not too many gray areas, if any.
But the audiences loved it, and they still do.
Despite being dated, many of these movies hold up because of their timeless themes and aspirational qualities.
They are entertaining and life-affirming.
It becomes family viewing, tying together yesterday and today.
The relatability factor ofThe Karate Kidstill feels genuine and current in terms of the bullying and fish-out-of-water scenarios.
Despite the 80s of it all, the themes and messaging remain relevant and strong.
Copyright (c) 2022 by Ralph Macchio
