The Karate Kid (1984)

Rating: ***
Cast: Ralph Macchio, Pat Morita

This one stirs up some dreadful adolescent memories. Not only is it a tale of an underdog who gets beat up by bullies, but it was also my very first date (and with my then love of my life, who I'd had a secret crush on since fifth grade). One of the more nerve-wracking film experiences I've ever had. Anyway, our young hero (Ralph Macchio) decides that he needs to learn how to fight back against his high school oppressors and learns karate from the wise and endearing Pat Morita. He eventually enters a karate competition and proves his worth by taking down the bad guys.