Martin Kove
photo by David Knight
"Sensei Returns"

A lot of us were highly motivated by the film "The Karate Kid" and all of its sequels. The positive messages learned by Daniel LaRusso from Mr. Miyagi were ideas that stayed with us for years. But we also remember the mean character named John Kreese. He was played by Martin Kove and he was vicious. He was also called "sensei" and he taught his students to win at any cost and to do whatever it took. One of his favorite slogans was "No Mercy!"

Recently I had a chance to speak by phone with Martin Kove, the actor who brought John Kreese to life. Martin is very excited the "Karate Kid" films are coming out in a special video/DVD set that includes all four movies. "Getting together and watching the movies again so we could provide commentary was very exciting," he said.

"I am constantly amazed by how the movies hold up. Each generation seems to discover them and make them popular all over again."

Kove has had a continuing career and is still making movies. "Some of them I do go straight to video and others get a run in theaters. I just go where the work is and I keep busy. What I would really like to do is some westerns. I would love to see that type of film come back. I think we need them today and it bothers me that we don't have many of them to watch," he stated.

"I am a single father with fourteen year old twin sons," he continued. "I took them to see Kevin Costner's 'Open Range' and they loved it. Of course we went to the premiere and they loved all the limousine stuff too. But they really enjoyed the movie."

Kove is also known for co-starring in the TV series "Cagney and Lacey." "That was a good show," he added. "I was doing it when the third 'Karate Kid' movie was filmed. That one was written specifically to show more about my character but they had to cut it down because I wasn't available."

"I did another series when that one ended. It was called 'Hard Time On Planet Earth.' It lasted a year," he concluded.

"Now I am working on a special project sponsored by 'Bully Safe International.' This is a program whereby I go into schools and work with the kids to show ways to respond to bullying and how to avoid it. I think it really means a lot to them when 'Sensei' says he has turned from bullying to anti-bullying. They can respond to that idea," he said

Kove came across as a working actor who is proud of his career and who is trying to give something back to the community through this anti-bullying program. He hopes a new generation will watch "The Karate Kid" movies through this new special packaged set, and also that someone will start making more westerns.

"The Karate Kid" series isn't the only series of films being featured in special DVD packaging. You can also purchase the "Look Whose Talking" 3 pack. This consists of the original movie starring John Travolta and Kirstie Alley as well as the two sequels.

All of these movies take a baby-eyed view of the world and are as charming and full of fun today as they were when they originally were released. So get the three pack and have a ball with your family watching these three comedy classics.

Jude Law made a million movies last year and none of them was as good as expected. Think "Alfie" and "Closer." Better than those but still not great was "Sky Captain and the World of Tomorrow." This film cast Law as a hero during the World War II era. He is a pilot who battles evil with the help of his reporter/girlfriend played by Gwyneth Paltrow.

Angelina Jolie, who has also had her fair share of flops, co-stars. The look of the film is amazing and its most interesting aspect. But it gets old before the film ends. You can watch "Sky Captain" on video and stop and rest between scenes. Maybe that way it will be more appealing. Or who knows, you might even enjoy it.

Sanaa Latham stars in the thriller "Alien vs Predator" and she makes the movie worth watching. When you have a movie with monsters you have to have a hero/heroine to root for. What would "King Kong" be without the lady in distress!

In this film you have monsters everywhere and a solid leading lady like Latham to keep it all grounded. It makes for a fun film that will keep you guessing what is going to happen next. Get it ! Watch it! Enjoy it!

"Metallica: Some Kind of Monster" is an intimate look at the life and times of the rock band Metallica. It is an intense study that covers a two and a half year period and gives an in depth look at the members of the band and their music.

Documentary in style, the film looks at the personal lives as well as the stage performances of the band members. It is a full blown study of the music and the people behind it. Watch this and you will be amazed at the stories that come out of the journey to be a rock star.

Kids, especially boys, will love the new film "Duel Masters: The Good, the Bad and the Bolshack." This movie is based on the popular trading card game and tells the story of Shobu Kirifuda. He loves to play the trading card game Duel Masters and when he plays it he brings the cards to life.

The characters in the cards sometime work against him as he seeks to become a champion but some others help him. It is all part of the game.

All kids will want to watch "The Wind In the Willows." This animated film based on the children's classic novel tells the story of Mr. Toad and his adventures and misadventures.

When he ends up on the wrong side of the law it is up to his friends - Mole, Ratty and Badger - to take care of his property. Then they wait to see how Mr. Toad is going to handle his latest problems.

The film is a fun way to be entertained and kids will love the voices, the look and the story of "The Wind In the Willows."

Another animated delight for kids is the eleventh installment of the "Land Before Time" series. This latest episode is title "The Land Before Time: Invasion of the Tinysaureses." All of the favorite characters from the series are back in this one and there are nine sing-along songs.

This is one of the best animated series for children available so don't miss out on the fun. Get it for your kids and have a "Land Before Time" night of entertainment.

 

 

 

 

 

©2005 Jackie K. Cooper

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