I consider "Rocky" and "The Karate Kid" to be two of my favorite films of all-time. Most often, names like Sylvester Stallone, Ralph Macchio, or Pat Morita are synonymous with those efforts. Yet, both movies were directed by John G. Avildsen. This documentary tells his film-career story, especially focusing on those two iconic pieces of cinema in examining how he had a hand in shaping the great cinematic underdog narrative.
Avildsen had a bit of a strange Hollywood career in that he helmed two blockbusters but didn't really do a whole let else (or at least nothing near as iconic) in the industry. "King of the Underdogs" delves into both of those accounts.
Though touching on some of his other directorial efforts, "Rocky" and "Karate Kid" are the main focus here, as they should be. Interviews from the cast, crew, and Avildsen himself shed some great light on how masterful he was behind the camera and working with all types of actors (young, old, etc.). It's fun to see these nostalgic reminisces.
At the same time, most of those figures also acknowledge that Avildsen could have a prickly, controlling side, potentially part of the reason why he didn't get more work than he ultimately did. He did things his way, and if he couldn't have it he'd either not start a project or walk away from one.
Overall, this was an entertaining and enlightening look at a film figure you may not know all that much about even though his biggest successes are now beloved by all. I feel like I understand his film industry journey much better after "King of the Underdogs", and it was an enjoyable experience all-around.
