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Waxing On: The Karate Kid and Me
Since The Karate Kid first crane-kicked its way into the pop culture stratosphere in June 1984, there hasn't been a week Ralph Macchio hasn't heard friendly shouts of "Wax on, wax off" or "Sweep the leg!" Now, with Macchio reprising his role as Daniel LaRusso in the #1 ranked Netflix show Cobra Kai, he is finally ready to look back at this classic movie and give the fans something they've long craved.
The book will be Ralph Macchio's celebratory reflection on the legacy of The Karate Kid in film, pop culture, and his own life. It will be a comprehensive look at a film that shaped him as much as it influenced the world. Macchio will share an insider's perspective of the untold story behind his starring role--the innocence of the early days, the audition process, and the filmmaking experience--as well as take readers through the birth of some of the film's most iconic moments.
Ultimately, the book centers on the film itself, focusing on the reason that the characters and themes have endured in such a powerful way and how these personal experiences have impacted Macchio's life. It will bring readers back to the day they met Daniel LaRusso and Mr. Miyagi for the first time, but will also provide a fascinating lens into how our pasts shape all of us and how the past can come back to enrich one's life in surprising and wonderful ways.
The book will be Ralph Macchio's celebratory reflection on the legacy of The Karate Kid in film, pop culture, and his own life. It will be a comprehensive look at a film that shaped him as much as it influenced the world. Macchio will share an insider's perspective of the untold story behind his starring role--the innocence of the early days, the audition process, and the filmmaking experience--as well as take readers through the birth of some of the film's most iconic moments.
Ultimately, the book centers on the film itself, focusing on the reason that the characters and themes have endured in such a powerful way and how these personal experiences have impacted Macchio's life. It will bring readers back to the day they met Daniel LaRusso and Mr. Miyagi for the first time, but will also provide a fascinating lens into how our pasts shape all of us and how the past can come back to enrich one's life in surprising and wonderful ways.
241 pages, Hardcover
First published October 18, 2022
About the author
Ralph Macchio
1 book104 followersRalph George Macchio Jr. is an American actor and producer. He is best known for playing Daniel LaRusso in three Karate Kid films and in Cobra Kai, a sequel television series. He also played Johnny Cade in The Outsiders, Jeremy Andretti in Eight Is Enough, Bill Gambini in My Cousin Vinny, Eugene Martone in Crossroads, and Archie Rodriguez in Ugly Betty, and had a recurring role as Officer Haddix in The Deuce.
-from Wikipedia
-from Wikipedia
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 762 reviews
November 1, 2022
This young man (not so young anymore) is a credit to his profession. Even with his outstanding success at an early age he managed to keep a level head and lead as normal a life as one in his position could. Bravo to him.
I liked “Karate Kid” the original movie and will watch it whenever it pops up on TV. I found the movie provided some excellent life lessons. I don’t remember much about #2 or #3 and never even heard about “Cobra Kai” before now.
I had no idea what happened to Ralph Macchio which is why this biography was a breath of fresh air from an actor that found unlimited fame at such a young age.
No ego to be found on these pages. It seems that Ralph took in all the life lessons presented in the “Karate Kid” movies and put them to good use.
An enjoyable read from a rather sane movie star.
I liked “Karate Kid” the original movie and will watch it whenever it pops up on TV. I found the movie provided some excellent life lessons. I don’t remember much about #2 or #3 and never even heard about “Cobra Kai” before now.
I had no idea what happened to Ralph Macchio which is why this biography was a breath of fresh air from an actor that found unlimited fame at such a young age.
No ego to be found on these pages. It seems that Ralph took in all the life lessons presented in the “Karate Kid” movies and put them to good use.
An enjoyable read from a rather sane movie star.
January 22, 2023
Actor Ralph Macchio takes an affectionate look back at making the 1984 film The Karate Kid, the Cobra Kai series & other roles in his film career.
Macchio's writing has a great lightness of touch & this makes for a very easy & engaging read. There are plenty of delightful stories about making The Karate Kid & the film's success upon release & how it affected his future film roles. One excellent things he mentions (& I won't spoil it here) is his arrival at an airport to a crowd of excited, cheering fans.
Waxing On is a gentle & enjoyable look at a film that many people still love & I'm sure I'll be watching my bluray copy again soon.
Macchio's writing has a great lightness of touch & this makes for a very easy & engaging read. There are plenty of delightful stories about making The Karate Kid & the film's success upon release & how it affected his future film roles. One excellent things he mentions (& I won't spoil it here) is his arrival at an airport to a crowd of excited, cheering fans.
Waxing On is a gentle & enjoyable look at a film that many people still love & I'm sure I'll be watching my bluray copy again soon.
March 31, 2022
I'd like to thank Edelweiss and the publisher for allowing me a chance to read this book before it drops.
Being that I am the age demographic for the Karate Kid sequels (not the movie), and I love 80's movies, I didn't grow up with the Karate Kid film. I DID grow up with the Hilary Swank one since it was always on TV. As I got older, I knew that I had to eventually watch the first one, since the only thing on TV was the Part II and III. Never Part 1.
I finally did, and obviously, it has become one of my favorite 80's films. Too, too good and some truly beautiful moments.
I have also become addicted to watching Cobra Kai which is a great continuation of the mythos (unlike other franchises which ruin and put down their fans).
So seeing this book come out and talk about Ralph's time in Karate Kid? Whee. Let me at this book! I read it all in one sitting.
Ralph Macchio's personable and down to earth narrative makes you completely understand how he won over the producers, the director and the writer. He takes you through his life moments from getting the job and meeting his coworkers. It came off fresh as if it happened yesterday.
My favorite bits are how kindly he talked about Pat Morita. How I had no idea that the studio wanted to cut his entire story of the camps but they all fought to keep it in. I agree with Ralph, it's what probably gave him that nod for an award. I also loved how he explained the bandana and how it became so synonymous with Karate Kid.
I did wish he talked more about Part II, and sadly Part III - even though he did dislike that film. I wanted more information about the making of those two. But I think he feels more grounded and proud of his work in Part I.
Still, this book is an excellent read for people new to the franchise and those that have been around a while.
Being that I am the age demographic for the Karate Kid sequels (not the movie), and I love 80's movies, I didn't grow up with the Karate Kid film. I DID grow up with the Hilary Swank one since it was always on TV. As I got older, I knew that I had to eventually watch the first one, since the only thing on TV was the Part II and III. Never Part 1.
I finally did, and obviously, it has become one of my favorite 80's films. Too, too good and some truly beautiful moments.
I have also become addicted to watching Cobra Kai which is a great continuation of the mythos (unlike other franchises which ruin and put down their fans).
So seeing this book come out and talk about Ralph's time in Karate Kid? Whee. Let me at this book! I read it all in one sitting.
Ralph Macchio's personable and down to earth narrative makes you completely understand how he won over the producers, the director and the writer. He takes you through his life moments from getting the job and meeting his coworkers. It came off fresh as if it happened yesterday.
My favorite bits are how kindly he talked about Pat Morita. How I had no idea that the studio wanted to cut his entire story of the camps but they all fought to keep it in. I agree with Ralph, it's what probably gave him that nod for an award. I also loved how he explained the bandana and how it became so synonymous with Karate Kid.
I did wish he talked more about Part II, and sadly Part III - even though he did dislike that film. I wanted more information about the making of those two. But I think he feels more grounded and proud of his work in Part I.
Still, this book is an excellent read for people new to the franchise and those that have been around a while.
October 30, 2022
he thanks his editor at the end, but so much of the book is ralph macchio trying to calm an overly excited reader??
a non-comprehensive selection of quotes i pulled: "Which I'll share later" "I will elaborate on this in much further detail in the next chapter" "Stay tuned, next chapter" "I will explore this further in a future chapter" "I will circle back to all of that soon" "I promise I'll touch on that later" "I will expose some of its flawed theories shortly in this chapter" "Story to come in a minute" "a story I will elaborate on in a later chapter" "More on that later"
a non-comprehensive selection of quotes i pulled: "Which I'll share later" "I will elaborate on this in much further detail in the next chapter" "Stay tuned, next chapter" "I will explore this further in a future chapter" "I will circle back to all of that soon" "I promise I'll touch on that later" "I will expose some of its flawed theories shortly in this chapter" "Story to come in a minute" "a story I will elaborate on in a later chapter" "More on that later"
October 22, 2022
Love this trip down memory lane Always loved the Karate Kid movies .
February 21, 2023
Dear World:
If I could please have just a few moments of your time…
This is how you put positivity out into the world.
This is how you reminisce.
This is how one shows their maturity and experience.
This is how you convey love and respect for fans and those you work with on the screen.
This is how you show, by example, how and why to persevere even when life sucks.
This is how you admit that, like anybody else, you’ve screwed up on occasion.
And this, dear world—and anyone else who cares to continue listening to me fan-boying here—is how you write a memoir that grabs a hold of a reader who normally wouldn’t come within 10 feet of a memoir.
I’d recently though I’d try another audiobook memoir. Let’s just say that Sensei Lawrence may have been correct when he chastised Miguel with “There’s no tapping out in karate!” But in audiobooks… that’s not really the case. On that one I managed about an hour and felt rather frustrated and drained and I stopped after an hour or so. That’s all I have to say about that.
Non-fiction is not normally my jam. I usually find it sooo boring and with an agenda, preachy, etc. Memoirs… even less my jam. They’re about as far away from my normal literary tastes as you can get. But the Waxing On audiobook was probably the best five hours spent on the written word that I’ve had in quite a while. I wanted it to go on forever. Somebody else can listen to all the other audiobooks. In truth, I had a pretty good idea I was going to like this. I’m a rabid Cobra Kai fan. And the Karate Kid movies? I’ve lost count how many times I’ve seen those.
But what struck me was his personality and how he related his experiences. Macchio’s Waxing On conveyed such wonderful positivity with every word, even when he was admitting his occasional shortcomings and decisions he realizes now, he’d go back and change if he could. I mean, who wouldn’t, though, right? But it was the way he put the good and the bad that was so striking to me. He talked a lot about balance in his life and I guess that is the best way to think of how he related it. It was like he’d gotten the balance just right. The good stuff in his life didn’t come across as “hey I’m so awesome and I worked my butt off so I deserved it and by the way what’s your excuse.” The stuff he wasn’t happy about he managed to convey as a contemplative reflection. Frank, but also diplomatic in its candor that never felt overdone or contrived or salacious or like he felt sorry for himself. But the whole thing overall just came across as wise and kind and respectful.
To me, it showed everything I would want to hear a movie actor talk about with their inner self and make it relatable and engaging. I’m not kidding about wanting it to go on forever. I really did. I found myself listening to it every moment I got. My own (admittedly pretty sad) internet researching skills revealed that he did NOT use a ghost writer. I’m hoping that is in fact that case. I’m going with that in my mind. His narration conveyed a calm voice I could not help but respect.
I learned some stuff about the movies and movie making and that was cool. I wanted to know more about him and the world he’s lived in. The humor was wry and self-deprecating—which to me is often the best kind. I could not help but realize that this is a really level-headed guy working in a very tough business. I reached the conclusion where I kept thinking, wow, his friends and family are fortunate. Seems like a good guy to go get a pint with or catch a baseball game.
Long story short, if I could have rated this 10 stars, I would.
Anyway, this is just one humble guy’s opinion. I guess this ended up being more than just a few moments of your time. But, if you got to the end here, well, thank you for reading this fan-boy’s review.
If I could please have just a few moments of your time…
This is how you put positivity out into the world.
This is how you reminisce.
This is how one shows their maturity and experience.
This is how you convey love and respect for fans and those you work with on the screen.
This is how you show, by example, how and why to persevere even when life sucks.
This is how you admit that, like anybody else, you’ve screwed up on occasion.
And this, dear world—and anyone else who cares to continue listening to me fan-boying here—is how you write a memoir that grabs a hold of a reader who normally wouldn’t come within 10 feet of a memoir.
I’d recently though I’d try another audiobook memoir. Let’s just say that Sensei Lawrence may have been correct when he chastised Miguel with “There’s no tapping out in karate!” But in audiobooks… that’s not really the case. On that one I managed about an hour and felt rather frustrated and drained and I stopped after an hour or so. That’s all I have to say about that.
Non-fiction is not normally my jam. I usually find it sooo boring and with an agenda, preachy, etc. Memoirs… even less my jam. They’re about as far away from my normal literary tastes as you can get. But the Waxing On audiobook was probably the best five hours spent on the written word that I’ve had in quite a while. I wanted it to go on forever. Somebody else can listen to all the other audiobooks. In truth, I had a pretty good idea I was going to like this. I’m a rabid Cobra Kai fan. And the Karate Kid movies? I’ve lost count how many times I’ve seen those.
But what struck me was his personality and how he related his experiences. Macchio’s Waxing On conveyed such wonderful positivity with every word, even when he was admitting his occasional shortcomings and decisions he realizes now, he’d go back and change if he could. I mean, who wouldn’t, though, right? But it was the way he put the good and the bad that was so striking to me. He talked a lot about balance in his life and I guess that is the best way to think of how he related it. It was like he’d gotten the balance just right. The good stuff in his life didn’t come across as “hey I’m so awesome and I worked my butt off so I deserved it and by the way what’s your excuse.” The stuff he wasn’t happy about he managed to convey as a contemplative reflection. Frank, but also diplomatic in its candor that never felt overdone or contrived or salacious or like he felt sorry for himself. But the whole thing overall just came across as wise and kind and respectful.
To me, it showed everything I would want to hear a movie actor talk about with their inner self and make it relatable and engaging. I’m not kidding about wanting it to go on forever. I really did. I found myself listening to it every moment I got. My own (admittedly pretty sad) internet researching skills revealed that he did NOT use a ghost writer. I’m hoping that is in fact that case. I’m going with that in my mind. His narration conveyed a calm voice I could not help but respect.
I learned some stuff about the movies and movie making and that was cool. I wanted to know more about him and the world he’s lived in. The humor was wry and self-deprecating—which to me is often the best kind. I could not help but realize that this is a really level-headed guy working in a very tough business. I reached the conclusion where I kept thinking, wow, his friends and family are fortunate. Seems like a good guy to go get a pint with or catch a baseball game.
Long story short, if I could have rated this 10 stars, I would.
Anyway, this is just one humble guy’s opinion. I guess this ended up being more than just a few moments of your time. But, if you got to the end here, well, thank you for reading this fan-boy’s review.
December 20, 2022
We all know how movies and their franchises impact our lives. They bring out feelings and memories that we will always cherish and never forget. The best part about Ralph Macchio‘s book was finding out how the karate kid franchise impacted him and made him who he is today. He incorporates so much of what he learned from Pat and his Mr. Miyagi character. I thoroughly enjoyed this book. It probably helped that I got to meet Ralph and receive a signed copy of this book! Keep waxing on my friends!!
October 1, 2022
Reading is my favorite hobby. I honestly don’t watch much TV these days and there is only one show I would watch over reading a book - Cobra Kai. So when I learned Ralph Macchio had a book coming out, I was beyond excited! I got an Advanced Listening Copy (narrated by Ralph himself) from Penguin Randomhouse and needless to say, I finished listening in less than a day.
This is not a memoir of Ralph’s life so much as it is a memoir of his life coexisting with Daniel LaRusso (how he came into the role and it’s effects thereafter). Or, as one could say, different but same. In this book, Ralph weaves together his experience on the original films and Cobra Kai interspersed with his life at that particular time. He includes anecdotes about his costars (including the cast of Cobra Kai), his hilarious thoughts on theories of “who is the real bully”, and encounters with fans (some even by name - how cool!) - to illustrate just how much these characters mean to people. Ralph also stresses how important the legacy of The Karate Kid is to him. He describes how Cobra Kai came to be, his initial reaction and protection of the Daniel-Miyagi relationship. I found myself starting to cry when he spoke of his friendship with Pat Morita and I think that speaks to the point of the magic they captured in their respective roles.
If you are a diehard fan of the original Karate Kid movies and current Cobra Kai series, you will enjoy this book. Thank you to Penguin Randomhouse audio and Ralph Macchio for the ALC. I have loved The Karate Kid for my entire life - this was not only entertaining, but very special for me ❤️
“Waxing On: The Karate Kid and Me” releases October 18th!
This review will be shared to my Instagram blog (@books_by_the_bottle) shortly!
This is not a memoir of Ralph’s life so much as it is a memoir of his life coexisting with Daniel LaRusso (how he came into the role and it’s effects thereafter). Or, as one could say, different but same. In this book, Ralph weaves together his experience on the original films and Cobra Kai interspersed with his life at that particular time. He includes anecdotes about his costars (including the cast of Cobra Kai), his hilarious thoughts on theories of “who is the real bully”, and encounters with fans (some even by name - how cool!) - to illustrate just how much these characters mean to people. Ralph also stresses how important the legacy of The Karate Kid is to him. He describes how Cobra Kai came to be, his initial reaction and protection of the Daniel-Miyagi relationship. I found myself starting to cry when he spoke of his friendship with Pat Morita and I think that speaks to the point of the magic they captured in their respective roles.
If you are a diehard fan of the original Karate Kid movies and current Cobra Kai series, you will enjoy this book. Thank you to Penguin Randomhouse audio and Ralph Macchio for the ALC. I have loved The Karate Kid for my entire life - this was not only entertaining, but very special for me ❤️
“Waxing On: The Karate Kid and Me” releases October 18th!
This review will be shared to my Instagram blog (@books_by_the_bottle) shortly!
December 8, 2022
This life long fan of Ralph Macchio is painfully giving only 3 stars for this book. I pre-ordered this book on Audible the first day I could!
1. This book is about The Karate Kid & Cobra Kai.
If you’re a die hard fan, you probably know most of this info. If not, you’ll love it.
2. This book is not an autobiography. Don’t expect anything underneath the surface.
3. The middle school writing drove me INSANE and it just pained me to listen. That hurts me to say it but it’s true.
I’ve been infatuated with him since Eight is Enough. While he’s only 8 years older than I am (a big difference when you’re only 10) he looked my age and he was from Long Island just like me !! Like he lived less than a half hour from me !!
He was the only Teen Beat crush whose posters I had on my wall. Then came The Outsiders, then The Karate Kid … I was in love 🥰 or definitely crushing hard.
I’ve always had a sense he’s an all around nice guy. He married his high school sweetheart (and he STILL lives a half hour from my parents and near friends) and has a great family. You’ll get that from this book.
BE PREPARED FOR TONS OF REPETITION to a later chapter, the next chapter, I’ll get to it next, remember last chapter, this chapter of my life.
I wanted MORE than that. It’s a very quick read and a very quick listen (5 hours plus). If you’re a huge fan this book is for you. The Karate Kid was one of the biggest movies in teen years and we all walked out of the movie theater trying to kick like Daniel. When he said that in the book I laughed because we definitely did this !!
If you aren’t, wait for it to become available at the library or skip it altogether.
I still love you RM but I’ll wait for the next episode and maybe even the Broadway 🎭 show
1. This book is about The Karate Kid & Cobra Kai.
If you’re a die hard fan, you probably know most of this info. If not, you’ll love it.
2. This book is not an autobiography. Don’t expect anything underneath the surface.
3. The middle school writing drove me INSANE and it just pained me to listen. That hurts me to say it but it’s true.
I’ve been infatuated with him since Eight is Enough. While he’s only 8 years older than I am (a big difference when you’re only 10) he looked my age and he was from Long Island just like me !! Like he lived less than a half hour from me !!
He was the only Teen Beat crush whose posters I had on my wall. Then came The Outsiders, then The Karate Kid … I was in love 🥰 or definitely crushing hard.
I’ve always had a sense he’s an all around nice guy. He married his high school sweetheart (and he STILL lives a half hour from my parents and near friends) and has a great family. You’ll get that from this book.
BE PREPARED FOR TONS OF REPETITION to a later chapter, the next chapter, I’ll get to it next, remember last chapter, this chapter of my life.
I wanted MORE than that. It’s a very quick read and a very quick listen (5 hours plus). If you’re a huge fan this book is for you. The Karate Kid was one of the biggest movies in teen years and we all walked out of the movie theater trying to kick like Daniel. When he said that in the book I laughed because we definitely did this !!
If you aren’t, wait for it to become available at the library or skip it altogether.
I still love you RM but I’ll wait for the next episode and maybe even the Broadway 🎭 show
January 5, 2024
I am not a memoir girl. When people ask me what is my least read/liked genre, the answer is always non fiction. But every time I read a memoir I’m giving out 5 stars. Obviously, I have no idea what I enjoy. I am admittedly an 80’s baby. Born in September of 1983, it may surprise people that I have a huge affinity for these movies that came out so close to my birth. I credit my mother with making sure I experienced all these amazing movies from my early life, any she forgot my husband was sure to remedy. (He’s just a touch older lol) I don’t remember the first time I saw The Karate Kid, but I do remember never turning it off when it appeared on my tv. The soundtrack is playing in my head as I write this review. I really enjoyed taking a trip down memory lane via Ralph’s memories. I could feel his regret with certain choices but understood them all the same. No one is perfect. Not Daniel, and not Ralph. I will tell you that I’ll always love the original movies, and I can’t wait for the next season of Cobra Kai. I hope this book inspires a new crop of Karate Kid fans that can also enjoy the continuation of the series. Thank you for the insight Ralph, I laughed, I cried, and my 80’s heart rejoiced through your memories. Thank you to the publisher for my finished copy in exchange for an honest review.
November 2, 2022
I like the Karate Kid and Cobra Kai, and you can’t help but like Macchio, but this is a book so lightweight that a marshmallow placed on top of this flimsy book would topple the structure. I guess I give him props for realizing he was selfish for not presenting at Oscars and supporting his co-star. The fact he never went to bat for co-star who was dropped for sequels exposes his narcissistic bent and it is a common and unattractive look. There are no insights or wisdom, but he has the grace to realize how incredibly lucky he is. Even if you are a fan, it isn’t worth the time.
November 8, 2022
When I picked up WAXING ON, I was hoping for details in the making of the Karate Kid and maybe even some information about Macchio’s personal life. I got a little of the former and even less of the latter. For me, the book felt like a promotion for Macchio’s current television show, Cobra Kai. I enjoyed The Karate Kid but would never call myself a diehard fan and I think that’s who this book is geared to. I’m sorry to say it wasn’t for me. Macchio narrates the audio version and he does an okay job.
October 22, 2022
i had no doubt in my mind that this would be an automatic 5 star read. anyone who's been around me for more than 5 minutes knows just how much the karate kid means to me, and i knocked this book out in one sitting. it was everything i wanted it to be & more ❣️
November 10, 2022
Some fun stories and insights about The Karate Kid, but very surface. He also uses connections that reminded me of an essay for English class - "I'll tell you more about that next chapter," etc. He seems like a truly nice guy, who didn't really have a lot to say.
December 13, 2022
Genres: Nonfiction/Autobiography
This was kind of sweet. I recommend the audio...Ralph does his own narration and it was nice to hear this in his voice.
I liked the way he covered his early acting career including landing the part as Daniel in the Karate Kid and the impact that role has had on his entire life...even now, decades later. I also liked the way he mentions the other cast members. It was sweet to see that they seem like family.
What I didn't get was the success of the Kobra Kai series on Netflix. I watched the first season and I just couldn't watch anymore. The dialogue. The forced situations. No. It wasn't for me. But I'm glad that it has worked out for the author and I wish him well in his future endeavors. So 4 stars.
This was kind of sweet. I recommend the audio...Ralph does his own narration and it was nice to hear this in his voice.
I liked the way he covered his early acting career including landing the part as Daniel in the Karate Kid and the impact that role has had on his entire life...even now, decades later. I also liked the way he mentions the other cast members. It was sweet to see that they seem like family.
What I didn't get was the success of the Kobra Kai series on Netflix. I watched the first season and I just couldn't watch anymore. The dialogue. The forced situations. No. It wasn't for me. But I'm glad that it has worked out for the author and I wish him well in his future endeavors. So 4 stars.
November 30, 2022
Ralp is a seemingly nice guy and a good actor but not a great writer. I was excited to read this book as I enjoy the Cobra Kai show but I found reading it to be slow and uninteresting. Just my opinion
October 28, 2022
Really enjoyed this trip down memory lane with him and hearing behind the scenes of everything:). He seems like a really nice guy (and does not look his age at all!)
I bought this after seeing him do an interview and it came after I'd had an anxiety attack, helped me focus on something other than my brain 🧠 fighting me and getting me to focus on physical books again.
Definitely gonna watch the movies 🎬 with mom when we both have some free time together:) .
Would recommend, a lovely book 📖 👌 😀
I bought this after seeing him do an interview and it came after I'd had an anxiety attack, helped me focus on something other than my brain 🧠 fighting me and getting me to focus on physical books again.
Definitely gonna watch the movies 🎬 with mom when we both have some free time together:) .
Would recommend, a lovely book 📖 👌 😀
November 16, 2022
Im a fan of memoirs. But I felt like Im just reading Behind the Scenes more than a memoir. A lot of this information can pretty much just be on a Blu Ray extra features. I thought I was gonna enjoy this book but I find it dreading a little. I was expecting more about his life outside of the karate kid and cobra kai but not much of it. Reading about script reading, rehearsals and film shooting, like i said can pretty much just be a full interview on a special feature on dvd/blu ray kinda thing.
November 23, 2022
Well done, Daniel-san.
June 1, 2023
Ralph Macchio just seems like a really NICE guy. He is the narrator for the book, which I always think adds a nice little bit of extra that they are reading their own words, so they can put the inflection and expression on what they feel the most strongly about.
The subtitle of this book says it ALL. Almost every other word is TheKarateKid. Or, CobraKai. I would have liked to hear more about the other movies he worked on as well, such as My Cousin Vinny or Crossroads. It would have been interesting to hear about how his baby face affected him more in his life and profession. What he had to say was interesting, but I feel that it could have been broadened a bit more. I'm guessing this was more a laser focus than a broad story about his life in general. Kind of sad, as it comes across that he feels his life only revolved around The Karate Kid and now Cobra Kai.
However, he HAS touched a LOT of lives in a positive way with the Karate Kid franchise, so I'm not knocking it. I'm just curious about the stories behind what else he has done, both in and out of Hollywood.
If you enjoy audio books, this would be a good one to pick up. Trained actors/actresses tend to do a good job with the narration of their own story and he is no different. It's so sweet to hear him talk about his coworkers from The Karate Kid and Cobra Kai. You can tell he really liked them and misses the ones who are no longer here. He just seems like SUCH a sweet guy. Also, married to the same woman for 35 years, his high school sweetheart I think. DAAAAWWW!!!
4, 80s nostalgia all the way, stars!
My thanks to NetGalley, libro.fm and Penguin for an eARC copy of this book to read, listen to and review.
The subtitle of this book says it ALL. Almost every other word is TheKarateKid. Or, CobraKai. I would have liked to hear more about the other movies he worked on as well, such as My Cousin Vinny or Crossroads. It would have been interesting to hear about how his baby face affected him more in his life and profession. What he had to say was interesting, but I feel that it could have been broadened a bit more. I'm guessing this was more a laser focus than a broad story about his life in general. Kind of sad, as it comes across that he feels his life only revolved around The Karate Kid and now Cobra Kai.
However, he HAS touched a LOT of lives in a positive way with the Karate Kid franchise, so I'm not knocking it. I'm just curious about the stories behind what else he has done, both in and out of Hollywood.
If you enjoy audio books, this would be a good one to pick up. Trained actors/actresses tend to do a good job with the narration of their own story and he is no different. It's so sweet to hear him talk about his coworkers from The Karate Kid and Cobra Kai. You can tell he really liked them and misses the ones who are no longer here. He just seems like SUCH a sweet guy. Also, married to the same woman for 35 years, his high school sweetheart I think. DAAAAWWW!!!
4, 80s nostalgia all the way, stars!
My thanks to NetGalley, libro.fm and Penguin for an eARC copy of this book to read, listen to and review.
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
August 8, 2023
My daughter saw me watching an episode of "Cobra Kai" the other day and was intrigued. But I told her that before she could watch, we had to go back through the original trilogy. So we did and now we're blowing through the new show. I had watched the original again just last year but it had been a long time since I'd seen 2 or 3.
All that is to say, I've been in a big "Karate Kid" mood lately. When I saw that Ralph Macchio had written a recent memoir, reading it was a no brainer.
Macchio is almost too pure for this world. He's avoided the usual child star scandals. Especially considering that for a huge chunk of time from "My Cousin Vinnie" until "Cobra Kai" his career was essentially over. That would cause a lot of folks to spiral (cough Corey Feldman cough) but Macchio is a family man who seems pretty grounded.
The lessons of the original "Karate Kid" clearly mean a lot to him and why shouldn't they? They mean a lot to all of us! And that's kind of his point. He finally came to peace with being typecast after he realized how important this movie is to all of us and what an eternal classic it has become. It's compared to "Rocky" and I get why: same director, similar story elements, but I will take this movie every day of the week. I don't think a year has gone by for me since 1984 that I haven't watched it.
Macchio goes over his career before the film, how he got the part, the rest of the cast, filming, the release and the incredible cultural tsunami it caused. If you're a fan like me, you'll eat it right up.
If I have any minor quibbles with this book it's that part 2 is only spoken about briefly and part 3 is almost completely ignored. I understand why. Macchio didn't care for part 3 and doesn't want to speak ill of anyone but I would have loved to hear about the making of both of them, especially part 2. But that's small potatoes. It was a very enjoyable read from an awesome actor who understands why people love him and why they have so much trouble separating him from the part in the film. I wish him nothing but success.
All that is to say, I've been in a big "Karate Kid" mood lately. When I saw that Ralph Macchio had written a recent memoir, reading it was a no brainer.
Macchio is almost too pure for this world. He's avoided the usual child star scandals. Especially considering that for a huge chunk of time from "My Cousin Vinnie" until "Cobra Kai" his career was essentially over. That would cause a lot of folks to spiral (cough Corey Feldman cough) but Macchio is a family man who seems pretty grounded.
The lessons of the original "Karate Kid" clearly mean a lot to him and why shouldn't they? They mean a lot to all of us! And that's kind of his point. He finally came to peace with being typecast after he realized how important this movie is to all of us and what an eternal classic it has become. It's compared to "Rocky" and I get why: same director, similar story elements, but I will take this movie every day of the week. I don't think a year has gone by for me since 1984 that I haven't watched it.
Macchio goes over his career before the film, how he got the part, the rest of the cast, filming, the release and the incredible cultural tsunami it caused. If you're a fan like me, you'll eat it right up.
If I have any minor quibbles with this book it's that part 2 is only spoken about briefly and part 3 is almost completely ignored. I understand why. Macchio didn't care for part 3 and doesn't want to speak ill of anyone but I would have loved to hear about the making of both of them, especially part 2. But that's small potatoes. It was a very enjoyable read from an awesome actor who understands why people love him and why they have so much trouble separating him from the part in the film. I wish him nothing but success.
January 26, 2023
Being a long-time fan of the Karate Kid franchise, especially the first film and the Cobra Kai series, I greatly enjoyed this book, and the nostalgia it drummed up for me. Ralph Macchio comes across here as warm, real, and funny. This did give me a new level of appreciation for the KK, and the people who made it. If you’re a fan of Macchio, CK, or the KK franchise, you’ll definitely dig this book.
Read
February 20, 2023As a huge fan of Cobra Kai, this was a fascinating insight into The Karate Kid universe and the characters within it.
December 8, 2022
A wholesome diary about of the experience of filming the Karate Kid, the sequels, Cobra Kai and the impact on pop culture and the man at the center of it all.
March 5, 2023
I’m a child of the 80s and love the Karate Kid franchise, and get super excited every time a new season of Cobra Kai comes out, so of course I would love this book written by Daniel-San himself!
Okay, so it’s probably just for fans, but I loved Ralph’s honesty and insights, and learning more about films that have meant a lot to me over the years. It’s like this book was written just for me 😂
Okay, so it’s probably just for fans, but I loved Ralph’s honesty and insights, and learning more about films that have meant a lot to me over the years. It’s like this book was written just for me 😂
September 28, 2022
I am reviewing WAXING ON, based on an Advance Review Copy I won from Goodreads.
June 1984. I turned 14. Just finished eighth grade. In the fall I would be a high school freshman.
When released in theaters I saw The Outsiders (2x), Karate Kid (2x), Karate Kid II (2x), Karate Kid III (1x), The Next Karate Kid (1x). I watched the first and second season of Cobra Kai on YouTube TV, and the last three seasons on Netflix. Finishing each season in a day or two after release.
I saw My Cousin Vinny, and Crossroads.
I am a Ralph Macchio fan. Always have been, however . . . I have since seen The Outsiders, Karate Kid I & II, and My Cousin Vinny -- each over 100 times. Easy. Karate Kid III was very . . . meh. I enjoyed The Next Karate Kid very much (Probably watched it 3 or 4 times). Cobra Kai -- I have watched each season more than once.
The Karate Kid remake was an absolute mess. I watched it. Not in theaters, thank goodness. It was a mess, and unworthy of the franchise.
But this is a book review. Not a movie / TV review. I just wanted to give my credentials backing up my 5 Star review.
Macchio writes, crisp, smooth narrative. He keeps a nice pace. He feeds the reader his perspective of behind-the-scene information based on the films and the show. He has a great sense of humor that is highlighted in his writing. Although he must have said "more on this later" or "more about this in the next chapter" so many times, I can't recall now if he covered all of his bases. I am certain his editors made sure he did. That I's got dotted, and T's crossed.
I got choked up a time or two as it became evident, and impacting, the relationship --friendship-- that grew between Macchio and Pat Morita. The funeral service for Morita - where Zabka showed, as well. That did me in.
I don't want to retell stories Macchio shares in the book. My suggestion is - if you were raised on the Karate Kid movie (any of the Karate Kid movies, except the irrelevant Will Smith rendition/remake), or if you are just now getting into the Cobra Kai series, I highly recommend reading Macchio's Waxing On.
The memoir is heartfelt, and insightful. It is funny, and a little frustrating (like -- why wouldn't Macchio have watched The Next Karate Kid from start to finish, even if just in support of Morita's continued live in the Miyagiverse? He should have. He still should. It was actually a nice edition).
I enjoyed it. Read it basically in a day. The nostalgia with background and explanation - man you can't ask for more than that, can you?
Phillip Tomasso
June 1984. I turned 14. Just finished eighth grade. In the fall I would be a high school freshman.
When released in theaters I saw The Outsiders (2x), Karate Kid (2x), Karate Kid II (2x), Karate Kid III (1x), The Next Karate Kid (1x). I watched the first and second season of Cobra Kai on YouTube TV, and the last three seasons on Netflix. Finishing each season in a day or two after release.
I saw My Cousin Vinny, and Crossroads.
I am a Ralph Macchio fan. Always have been, however . . . I have since seen The Outsiders, Karate Kid I & II, and My Cousin Vinny -- each over 100 times. Easy. Karate Kid III was very . . . meh. I enjoyed The Next Karate Kid very much (Probably watched it 3 or 4 times). Cobra Kai -- I have watched each season more than once.
The Karate Kid remake was an absolute mess. I watched it. Not in theaters, thank goodness. It was a mess, and unworthy of the franchise.
But this is a book review. Not a movie / TV review. I just wanted to give my credentials backing up my 5 Star review.
Macchio writes, crisp, smooth narrative. He keeps a nice pace. He feeds the reader his perspective of behind-the-scene information based on the films and the show. He has a great sense of humor that is highlighted in his writing. Although he must have said "more on this later" or "more about this in the next chapter" so many times, I can't recall now if he covered all of his bases. I am certain his editors made sure he did. That I's got dotted, and T's crossed.
I got choked up a time or two as it became evident, and impacting, the relationship --friendship-- that grew between Macchio and Pat Morita. The funeral service for Morita - where Zabka showed, as well. That did me in.
I don't want to retell stories Macchio shares in the book. My suggestion is - if you were raised on the Karate Kid movie (any of the Karate Kid movies, except the irrelevant Will Smith rendition/remake), or if you are just now getting into the Cobra Kai series, I highly recommend reading Macchio's Waxing On.
The memoir is heartfelt, and insightful. It is funny, and a little frustrating (like -- why wouldn't Macchio have watched The Next Karate Kid from start to finish, even if just in support of Morita's continued live in the Miyagiverse? He should have. He still should. It was actually a nice edition).
I enjoyed it. Read it basically in a day. The nostalgia with background and explanation - man you can't ask for more than that, can you?
Phillip Tomasso
January 10, 2023
I bought myself this book for Christmas. It's signed. This make me happy because Ralph Macchio is one of my girlhood crushes. He played Johnny in "The Outsiders" which shaped my reading life when it was released. I read the book fourteen times and watched the movie just as many.
Then came "The Karate Kid". Of course I was there to see it. Again, and again. I have seen many of Macchio's movies, but I haven't delved into the world of Cobra Kai. I'm not really sure why, other than making the time to do it. Based on his descriptions of how they've molded the Miyagiverse, I think it may be time to start watching.
Macchio works his way through his career all through the lens of "The Karate Kid" as the anchor film. All in all, he gives an honest portrayal of how he has learned to honor this iconic movie role. With life comes wisdom.
I would have like more editing. Many of the paragraphs are much too long.
Then came "The Karate Kid". Of course I was there to see it. Again, and again. I have seen many of Macchio's movies, but I haven't delved into the world of Cobra Kai. I'm not really sure why, other than making the time to do it. Based on his descriptions of how they've molded the Miyagiverse, I think it may be time to start watching.
Macchio works his way through his career all through the lens of "The Karate Kid" as the anchor film. All in all, he gives an honest portrayal of how he has learned to honor this iconic movie role. With life comes wisdom.
I would have like more editing. Many of the paragraphs are much too long.
February 5, 2023
I was given this book as a gift as I am a casual fan of the Karate Kid and enjoyed the new Cobra Kai series on Netflix. While I learned some interesting information and appreciated some of the behind the scenes morsels, it left me unsatisfied. Even though it is titled "The Karate Kid and Me" I was still somehow surprised by the lack of tales regarding other projects and his journey as an actor. As much as Macchio is complimentary to his other actors and recognizes he only recently came around to embrace the character and it's role in his life, it's hard not to see that this was only a job for him and his on-set relationships were business only and stayed in the past. I abandoned ship at the very last chapter when he discusses his perceived lessons of the movie. I would only consider this book for the most diehard Karate Kid fan.
December 23, 2022
A little unpleasant to know that Ralph was so blasé and somewhat dismissive of Karate Kid's peers. It was initially against Pat Morita's choice to play Miyagi; was indifferent and did not accept to present the Oscar 85 with him; Treated Billy Zabka as a intimidating just for his Californian appearance (only much later did he discover that Billy was from Long Island like him); Ralph didn't want to fit in with the OG Cobra Kai and didn't once call Lisa Shue to sympathize when they took her out of the sequel. The old man Ralph is now 60 years old and must have matured enough to recognize that young Ralph was a dick.
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
November 7, 2022
I love The Karate Kid and Cobra Kai, and Macchio seems like a down-to-Earth nice guy. This book proves that. I would have preferred a full autobiography about his career, but I realize that The Karate Kid is a very large part of it. While The Outsiders, My Cousin Vinny, and even Teachers are all briefly mentioned, I would have liked to have heard more about these films and just his life in general. BUT--the book says right there in the title, "The Karate Kid and Me." He tells you up front what the focus is going to be.
If you are a fan, you'll enjoy this.
If you are a fan, you'll enjoy this.
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