The Karate Kid...It Kicks Butt!!

Now here is a movie that I was originally on the fence with, I was not too sure how it was going to turn out, but to my surprise I was quite impressed. This is the type of movie that can make you appreciate the original one. The Karate Kid basically duplicates everything from the original 80's movies only better. In a sense with this one they step it up a few notches. I like the fact that the main character Dre (played by Jaden Smith) is under the age of 13. I say this because the age that he is in the movie (age 10) this is when children are impressionable and are beginning to make their own decisions consciously. Even the storyline is much more realistic, which enables the audience to really be able to relate.

As much as I hate to say it, Jaden Smith proves with this role that he plans to be in the business for a long time. One could almost say that his parents,Will Smith and Jada Pinkett Smith have pretty much created a natural. In addition to the great acting of Smith, Jackie Chan who plays his teacher Mr. Han does a great job if adding a new flair. Both characters have a great chemistry that mold into a wonderful film.With Chan in this role we still get the authenticity of a master teaching his pupil, but there is a bit of youth exhibited with the newer version. It even begs the question who knew that Jackie Chan could really act?

There is a slight weakness in that some of the storylines are a little underdeveloped and one is left to assume. For example, it is never really explained why the bullies gang up on him, we are left to assume that because he is the new kid and he talks to "the star girl". Another is that of role of Dre's mother (played by Tariji P. Henson) you know that she has to move to China for her job, but we really don't know why? And then a final one, I will not spoil the scene, but just mention that an alternate twist of this scene may have been better (towards the end). Even amidst the small weaknesses, the movie warrants a great and enjoyable film, with a true protagnonist and a strong charater arc.

I will be honest this movie was a little more authentic than the original, which helped it to outshine other similar themed movies. The extended scenes of life in China really help to ground this film in the philosophical realm, even more so than the original. There is a richness and texture to everything that takes place against the backdrop of China. It has an even more "fish out of water" feel that lends to the believability and desperation of Smith's character. As far as a remake is concerned, it does a fantastic job of standing on it's own two feet. You can tell that the goal of this movie was to make a modern day karate kid.All in all, if Mr. Miyagi was still living he would definitely be proud on so many levels!


Take your kids, your friends, young or old, its perfect for everyone! Trust me this is a movie with a clear and direct message!

Grade: 3 and 1/2 out of 4 stars