The Karate Kid (2010, PG)

More of an update then a remake, this new take on the Karate Kid is a for the most part successful reboot.  I am not a fan of any of the Karate Kid films.  The first movie, that came out in 1984 I believe, was generally original but also overly simplistic.  The series went through three sequels, Part II, Part III, and the New Karate Kid.

            This 2010 version is very entertaining and convincing, but it’s also overlong, overblown and overstuffed.  Condensed down, it’s an exaggerated movie, but the filmmakers made the right choice in putting Jackie Chan as one of the leading roles (he replaces Pat Morita), even if he’s not so enthusiastic.

            The scenery is changed from the United States to China, and the martial art from karate to kung fu, even though the title ironically stays the same.  Dre Parker (Jaden Smith) moves from Detroit to Beijing, China, so his mom, Sherri (Taraji P. Henson) can get work.  He makes a couple of new friends instantly as well as a gang of enemies, led by Cheng, who is also learning Kung Fu, and proves to be pretty good at it when he easily beats up Dre in a fight.  However, with the help of the janitor Mr. Han (Jackie Chan), Dre learns kung fu and prepares for the upcoming tournament championship match with Cheng.

            The Karate Kid is an entertaining, warm family pic.  Jaden Smith, the son of Will Smith, I think has clarified himself in the acting business with this picture and 2006’s the Pursuit of Happyness, which did have superior quality over this. 

            Smith and Chan share equal screen importance.  Chan is a suitable replacement for the late Morita.  However, Chan’s reputation as a martial arts actor is huge and he is also immensely popular, more so then Morita.  Therefore, a few of the people that pay to go see this will do so because of Chan’s major co-starring role.

            However, the Karate Kid feels all too much like an unnecessary, updated, longer version of the 1984 edition.  The star power is great, the entertainment is great, but the sheer quality of the film itself is too underwhelming.  It’s predictable, and like I said, overlong and overzealous.  The film comes in with plenty of energy, though maybe not so much from Chan, and Smith is very convincing, proving he is worth able as an actor.  In total, the story basics play out the same as in the 1984 edition, though not in the same fashion or style.

            I was for the most part entertained but also worn-out when it came around for the credits to roll.  A sequel is already in the works due to the film’s financial and generally critical success, so I think the Karate Kid is franchise is being completely done over.  So, we will just have to see how that turns out.

                                      ***/5