It’s always tough to remake a classic. Just ask Coca-Cola after their New Coke vs. Classic Coke fiasco of the 80’s. The same is true with the big screen and the 2010 edition of Karate Kid. Although it never made a huge splash in my movie pool, the original 1984 hit has achieved classic status. The remake is good. However, ultimately we’ll hear the same cries that Coke heard from consumers when changing their beloved formula: “This one just doesn’t have the same kick!!!”
Jaden Smith replaces Ralph Macchio and Jackie Chan swaps with Pat Morita in the role of mentor. Instead of moving across country, Dre (Smith) and his mom are moving across the world. China to be exact. From there, it’s pretty much the same. Dre gets bullied. Mr. Han (Chan) saves the day and to help remedy the bullying problem concedes to have Dre fight in a big time Kung Fu tournament….yadayadayada Karate Kid, the remake.
It’s on the positive side of okay…3.0 Stars. It’s funnier than the original; I’ll give it that. It was entertaining to watch and Jaden Smith does a very good job. Jackie Chan makes for a great Miyogi-like mentor. There are your inspirational moments. There are plenty of ‘wow’ moments from the cine-scape (it was actually shot in Beijing). And, as already mentioned, there is a lot more humor. If there never would have been an original, I would probably be scoring it a full star ahead of this report card.
My main issue with the remake is really the age of the kids. It just doesn’t translate from the original. They’re 12-ish. I certainly understand that bullying is a huge issue in today’s culture. In the “Miyogi comes to the rescue” scene, Han (Chan) staves off a pint-size crew with his classic mixture of comedic-kung fu, but it just lacks. You’re not really left in awe of what Mr. Han has done. Rather, you’re left thinking, “Why didn’t he just take off his kung-fu belt and spank the little boogers.” In the original, you’re talking about a fit, 18-year old whose picking on a wimpy, 15-year old and you know the latter is in some trouble. I guess it’s just tough to be intimidated by a little 12-year old Chinese kid. Sure, identifying with Dre (and I did), it would be a pretty daunting situation. But, ultimately, it just lacks.
My other issue: it’s TOO long. Two hours and twenty minutes is about 45-minutes too long. Plenty could have been taken to the karate block on this one.
There are plenty of options out there so rent this one unless you’re just clamoring to try that New Coke taste.
True…out
P.S. This wasn’t the weekend for the yard…a weekend reprieve!!!
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