Monday
Feb132012
Review: The Karate Kid (2010)
Monday, February 13, 2012 at 2:22AM It had been twenty-eight years since the original Karate Kid was released, and although a very entertaining film, it was about time a more modern version was released to the screens.
Growing up, I watched the original Karate Kid and thought it to be a very enjoyable film, but I never really cared for Ralph Macchio as the karate kid. Although the movie had the very talented Pat Morita, he was not an action star I was very familiar with as a child. My favorite action star growing up was none other than Jackie Chan, and I was excited to see both him and an actual kid star in this new film.
The Karate Kid explores the relationship a boy can have with his karate teacher, and the transformation he can make using these skills. This movie starts off with a kind, but very troubled little boy. Who can blame him really, when his mother moves him across the world, into a foreign place, and a new way of living. From the streets of Detroit, where Dre Parker (played by Jaden Smith) can shoot his mouth off, act like a fool, and not worry about the consequences—finds himself in Beijing, China. Within his first moments of his new home, Dre finds himself the target of a ruthless bully. Unfortunately, this foe and his very own gang of misfits are equipped with kung fu; provided to them by an abusive mentor.
The beatings continue between Dre and this group of fighters, until they go too far. Just before a beating turns deadly, the fight is put to an end, after Mr. Han (the incredible Jackie Chan) steps in. It was from this point on that Mr. Han looks at this young boy differently, and takes him under his wing to teach him real kung fu. In the process, he also teaches Dre inner peace, and the first rule to any style of martial arts; only act in a fight if absolutely necessary. Jackie Chan says it best with, "The best fights, are the ones we avoid."
I was actually quite impressed with this film when I went to see it in theatres. It was remarkable to see parts of China that I really have not seen before watching this film. The shots of the land and the temples were really something else. It was interesting to jump into the lives of some of these people. The performances were quite remarkable. It really was a step up for Jaden Smith, who has never even been in an action film before, and I have never seen a performance portrayed quite like that by Jackie Chan as well. Of course, I thought this was only another movie that Will Smith produced to get his son deeper into the spotlight, as it seems the young star and his father work together quite often these days. But this movie was definitely well thought through and very well done. As a participant in martial arts, it was fantastic to see what other styles are out there. I highly encourage anybody to go see this film, even if you've never even had a martial arts lesson. It will definitely change your outlook on what karate, or kung fu, can do for you as a person.
tagged China, Jackie Chan, Jaden Smith, Movie, The Karate Kid in Reviews
China, Jackie Chan, Jaden Smith, Movie, The Karate Kid in Reviews
Reader Comments (7)
Well done, Nathan. I watched this a while ago, thought you might like it:
http://thatguywiththeglasses.com/videolinks/thatguywiththeglasses/nostalgia-critic/30107-old-vs-new-karate-kid
What's with dissing the originals? Seriously?
I quite frankly enjoyed the original Karate Kid better, it had more of that "original" and "classy" feel to it that most films these days, leave-out. Overall I think that this was a nice wrap up for The Karate Kid (2010).
(*Inspired by the blog....
*Walks over to the TV to watch Karate Kid...*)
Very well done. You have a couple running sentences and a few incomplete sentences but not many. Keep up the good work man.
This was a really enjoyable read! I liked how you made it a little "cranky" at the end, so the review had negatives as well as positives.
Rob- Yeah it needs an edit, I didn't really have time to do so before handing it in, but in this class we each have a role; I am a blog editor, theres also review editors who now have to edit these, which Mary there is very good at btw, and will do a great job. And thanks buddy :).
Chris- That video was pretty funny lol, I never knew there was a cartoon for this thing
Matt- Love you bro :)
Justin- Of course it had a originality to it, it was the original! :P
Mary-I was going to make a Murray comment, but I wont :P, and thank you, means a lot :)
I'm glad to see some back-up editing coming from outside the class! Thanks!