DeniReview: The Karate Kid (2010) - Hooray!
June 21st 2010 03:07
Category: Action
Rating: **** out of 5 stars. (4/5)
Finally! Finally! Finally! Hollywood pat yourselves on the back - a job well done and it's not in 3D...go figure!
The remake of The Karate Kid works because it pretty much follows the original and only tweaks what needs to be modified for an audience that has clearly outgrown the 80's.
In this story Dre Parker (Jayden Smith) and his mother, Sherry Parker (Taranji P. Henson) move from Detroit to Beijing, because of a job transfer and to start a new life.
While Dre initially deals awkwardly with a bit of culture shock he does manage to make a few friends and one too many enemies, when he catches the eye of a local beauty, Meiying (Wen Wen Han). Unfortunately his friendship and budding romance with Meiying comes with baggage in the form of a classmate named Cheng (Zhenwei Wang), whose family has close ties with Meiying's family. Cheng is a bully and kung fu prodigy and does everything in his power to keep Dre and Meiying apart, namely thrashing him to a pulp every now and then.
When Dre musters enough courage to fight back, he endures a brutal beating by Cheng and his gang and only
moments before suffering from a serious case of fist-in-face, Mr. Han (Jackie Chan), the kindly yet reclusive maintenance man helps save the day. After Mr. Han helps Dre with his injuries, they both approach Master Li (Yu Rongguang), Cheng's sadistic kung fu master who teaches his students to show no mercy and no restraint in combat. Instead, a deal is struck where Dre and Cheng are to fight an upcoming tournament.
What follows next is the start a bond between Dre and the reserved Mr. Han and also a bond between Dre and China, his new home. With Mr. Han, of course it starts off tentatively
as teacher/student but not with the "wax-on wax-off" of the original film. This time it has advanced to an equally boring method that's more like "jacket-on, jacket-off" or picking up your jacking and hanging it up repeatedly - but as we all know there are life lessons in kung-fu, it's not all about kicks and lunges. Apparently this exercise has dual purposes that works in kung-fu and also at home as it helps you avoid being ear-boxed by mom for throwing your jacket on the floor one too many times.
I was surprised at how sweet it was to see the growing relationship between Dre and Mr. Han. It happened so naturally, unforced, gradual - and before you knew it there's something there that's strong and solid. Little by little Mr. Han is softened by his young charge who's the same age as the son he lost along with his wife years before in a tragic car accident. Mr. Han opens Dre's eyes to the wondrous world of China. There are some stunning shots of the landscape and historic sites, like the Forbidden City, and the Great Wall. Dre discovers and
appreciate a magical world with customs that might not be as strange as they first appeared to be.
When Dre and his mother first land in China their world is naturally only confined to the area around them as a safety-net. His mind is closed off to the possibilities of what the land and culture has to offer - there are some heart breaking scenes where he breaks down to his mother his frustration of being an outsider and not fitting in - but through Han's tutelage a whole new world is opened to him and now with his new found friend and father figure and sense of purpose he finds his comfort zone.
I was skeptical viewing this movie for two reasons, 1) It's a remake, 2) It's a remake of an 80's film that I never really liked and 3.) It has Jaden Smith in it. Ralph Macchio has never appealed to me - was never someone that grasped that 80's heart-throb vibe but to his credit he did look like the type of kid that inspired a face punch or two. And while I highly respect the Will Smith Family dynasty of actors sometimes, dare I say it? I feel that they are overrated but being fair minded I soldiered on and I can honestly say that Jaden Smith is proving himself a very capable young actor who can stand on his own and out of the shadow of his famous father.
Smith's performance was spot on. He did a wonderful job hiding the frustration and pain of being in a strange land with strange people under a mask of calm, until one day it all comes spilling out. He has a natural screen presence that surpasses his father, I think. I really loved Jackie Chan in this movie. Chan is usually all comical charm and enthusiasm - his presence is always known but here he toned down his role so much that he was almost unrecognizable, everything was buried under the surface hidden and mysterious and sad. And last but not least it all leads to a spectacular climactic ending that's well choreographed and exciting to watch.
Overall this is a faithful remake and a job well done. It was surprisingly engaging and it's beautiful to watch. There were a few moments that were a tad bit over the top, like Dre's relationship with Meiying. Two 12 year olds and a budding romance? It would have worked well as a friendship but it doesn't take anything away from the movie. It's well worth the watch.
Just for fun, I thought I'd also include the trailer to the Original 1984 movie with Ralph Macchio for a fun comparison.
Remake 2010
The remake of The Karate Kid works because it pretty much follows the original and only tweaks what needs to be modified for an audience that has clearly outgrown the 80's.
In this story Dre Parker (Jayden Smith) and his mother, Sherry Parker (Taranji P. Henson) move from Detroit to Beijing, because of a job transfer and to start a new life.
Jaden Smith as Dre
When Dre musters enough courage to fight back, he endures a brutal beating by Cheng and his gang and only
Jackie Chan as Mr. Han
What follows next is the start a bond between Dre and the reserved Mr. Han and also a bond between Dre and China, his new home. With Mr. Han, of course it starts off tentatively
I was surprised at how sweet it was to see the growing relationship between Dre and Mr. Han. It happened so naturally, unforced, gradual - and before you knew it there's something there that's strong and solid. Little by little Mr. Han is softened by his young charge who's the same age as the son he lost along with his wife years before in a tragic car accident. Mr. Han opens Dre's eyes to the wondrous world of China. There are some stunning shots of the landscape and historic sites, like the Forbidden City, and the Great Wall. Dre discovers and
When Dre and his mother first land in China their world is naturally only confined to the area around them as a safety-net. His mind is closed off to the possibilities of what the land and culture has to offer - there are some heart breaking scenes where he breaks down to his mother his frustration of being an outsider and not fitting in - but through Han's tutelage a whole new world is opened to him and now with his new found friend and father figure and sense of purpose he finds his comfort zone.
I was skeptical viewing this movie for two reasons, 1) It's a remake, 2) It's a remake of an 80's film that I never really liked and 3.) It has Jaden Smith in it. Ralph Macchio has never appealed to me - was never someone that grasped that 80's heart-throb vibe but to his credit he did look like the type of kid that inspired a face punch or two. And while I highly respect the Will Smith Family dynasty of actors sometimes, dare I say it? I feel that they are overrated but being fair minded I soldiered on and I can honestly say that Jaden Smith is proving himself a very capable young actor who can stand on his own and out of the shadow of his famous father.
Smith's performance was spot on. He did a wonderful job hiding the frustration and pain of being in a strange land with strange people under a mask of calm, until one day it all comes spilling out. He has a natural screen presence that surpasses his father, I think. I really loved Jackie Chan in this movie. Chan is usually all comical charm and enthusiasm - his presence is always known but here he toned down his role so much that he was almost unrecognizable, everything was buried under the surface hidden and mysterious and sad. And last but not least it all leads to a spectacular climactic ending that's well choreographed and exciting to watch.
Overall this is a faithful remake and a job well done. It was surprisingly engaging and it's beautiful to watch. There were a few moments that were a tad bit over the top, like Dre's relationship with Meiying. Two 12 year olds and a budding romance? It would have worked well as a friendship but it doesn't take anything away from the movie. It's well worth the watch.
Just for fun, I thought I'd also include the trailer to the Original 1984 movie with Ralph Macchio for a fun comparison.
Remake 2010
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Comment by David O'Connell
Screen Fanatic
Comment by Deni
Abstract Magick
Cinema Herald
I only watched it because I was in the mood for something light and not too deep - cute. So I gave it shot not expecting much and it wasn't too shabby. I liked it. I wouldn't see it again though. And then again there is a part of me that can relate to this movie having moved from the U.S to Taipei. I can so relate to the culture shock and road to finding a niche.
Ahh...Crossroads! Yes, I remember that one. I'll have to check that out again. The ONLY Macchio movie that I liked was Teachers.
Poor Ralph, he just never appealed to me. Oh well.
Thanks for stopping by.
Cheers,
Deni
Comment by Matt Shea
20/20 Filmsight
I loved The Karate Kid when I was young and didn't really hold out much hope for the remake. Now I almost wish I had some sort of small nephew that I could use for an excuse to go. Nice write-up, Deni.
Comment by Deni
Abstract Magick
Cinema Herald
I think you'll enjoy this one. Perhaps you can borrow a friend's kid for two hours...so you won't feel silly going to see it alone.
cheers,
Deni
Comment by Jason King
Sydney Table
Salty Popcorn
Total Randomness
Comment by Michaelie
Flick Wit
I don't mind the little Smith boy, though he does come across to me as a little too... trained?
Maybe I shall have to borrow someone's child also.
Comment by Michaelie
Flick Wit
Comment by Deni
Abstract Magick
Cinema Herald
I was just as shocked. I didn't expect to like it at all...but it was good. I don't want to oversell it or anything but I think most people will find it enjoyable.
Comment by ShaunK
Screen Adventure
I cant stand it when he tries to be all lively and funny....God......He comes across as such a goose.
I'll go in expecting a guilty pleasure and brace myself for the heady dose of sentimentality.
Oh and by crossroads I assume your all talking about the britney spears film :-b
Comment by Deni
Abstract Magick
Cinema Herald
I really liked Chan's performance in this movie. Completely understated.
Be sure and let me know what you think.
Cheers,
Deni