Waxing on- The Karate Kid and Me by Ralph Macchio
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Web ID: 17689059A Lighthearted Stroll Down Memory Lane
I thoroughly enjoyed Ralph Macchio's read down memory lane. I received the hardcover as a Christmas gift from my children who are fans of Cobra Kai. Even though I never was bullied like his character Daniel La Russo was, I was a similar scrawny high school kid of the eighties in California hanging out with my friends. Ralph Macchio sprinkles great lines from his sensei in the Karate Kid movies throughout Waxing On that immediately transport you back (for those who experienced it) to the summer of 1984 when it all began. Remembering the hairstyles, the clothes, the bikes and the dances back then is all part of the fun of this book. As Ralph often points out, life seemed much simpler then. His narration style throughout the book is so relaxed it makes you feel as if you are having a conversation with a friend. It is also wonderful how Ralph mentions the reunions with all of the former cast members and gives kudos to the team of writers who have brought The Karate Kid story back to life with Cobra Kai. His devotion to his mentor, Pat Morita, in film and in personal life comes through nicely in this book. Original Karate Kid fans will love hearing the background story behind the films, especially the 1stone!
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Customer review from barnesandnoble.com
Wholesome: Looking For Salacious? Go Elsewhere
If you are looking for a salacious, sordid details spilling memoir, this is not it. Ralph Macchio is much like his most famous character, Daniel LaRusso: pretty wholesome. That makes for a really nice life, but a kind of lackluster autobiography. This guy really hasn't done anything wrong in his life besides turning down a chance to present at the Oscars and not heeding Warren Beatty's [unrequested] advice when he was young [Macchio will tell you about these incidents towards the end of the book]. Macchio is a great role model with a wonderful attitude about life and I have always been a fan of the Karate Kid movies [the first 2, at least]. I also really enjoy Cobra Kai, especially with the new perspective on Johnny's character. I never believed, like some fans do, that Johnny was the real hero - but it's nice to see that he isn't such a bad guy and LaRusso isn't always a goody goody after all. Both characters are like anyone else: multifaceted. I have very much enjoyed getting a deeper dive into their characters, in both Cobra Kai and this book. "Waxing On" is well written but I kind of like a little more "spice" in my memoirs. And there is not a drop of spice in this book to be found anywhere. Macchio only talks very highly of, and has the utmost respect for, everyone it seems. That ends up making the book kind of predictable from chapter to chapter. To be clear, being diplomatic is a really great character trait, but it doesn't make for the best page turner. Because of that, this book is good, but not one of my favorites. The best chapter for me was when he reflects on his past "mistakes." I think I would have preferred a more introspective book [similar to that chapter I just mentioned] from him. Or maybe a book on how to build a successful and sustainable marriage - he has been with his wife over 30 years! Other highlights of this book are Macchio sharing his fond Miyagi/Pat Morita memories. After all, who doesn't love Mr. Miyagi?
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Customer review from barnesandnoble.com
Karate Kid Fans Must Read!
If you've ever been or still are a fan of Karate Kid or Cobra Kai this book is a must read. Ralph Delves in to the time when he was trying out for the movie and also during filming and beyond. It's a great behind the scenes look at the making of a movie that seems to remain relevant many years after it's 1984 release in theaters. I was there, cheering on Daniel Larusso with the rest of the audience and still remember the feeling that I had and the feeling in theater when he assumed that ever famous Crane pose at the end. Great reading about the friendships made and the people who created this great underdog film.
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Customer review from barnesandnoble.com
Fascinating
A fascinating look behind-the-scenes of the making of the Karate Kid movies as well as other projects Ralph Macchio has worked on. I enjoyed learning more about the characters and how they came to work together as well as some of the other odds and ends throughout his career. I loved the original movies and so this was a nice stroll down memory lane.
Customer review from barnesandnoble.com