The Karate Kid (2010), a review by Dragonfire
I'm back.
The Karate KidI have seen the original movie several times, though it has been years since the last time I saw it. I had the book version too that I read many times. Since it has been so long since the last time that I've seen the original, I don't remember everything.
From what I can remember, the basic plot of a single woman moving to a new city with her son is the same. The big difference is that Sherry and Dre are going to China, so they have a new language to learn and they don't know the culture. A lot of things are different for them in China, but unfortunately for Dre, there are bullies there too. Most of the movie is focused on Dre learning kung fu from Mr. Han, the maintenance man for the apartment building. The movie does end up being predictable, but I still think it is very entertaining. There is a lot that is like the original movie, but there are also differences as well.
At one point, Dre is shown attempting to learn some karate from a show on tv. That is all the karate that is in the movie. Mr. Han knows kung fu, as does Cheng, the vicious bully that targets Dre. It really would have made more sense for the movie to be called The Kung Fu Kid instead. People shouldn't dismiss the movie because of the screwy title though. I think the plot works well overall as an entertaining, and mostly fun movie. There are a few more serious moments every so often, but they don't get overly dramatic either. The pacing works for the most part, though it does slow up a bit during scenes between Dre and Meiying, a girl who is nice to Dre. There is an attempt to add a romance that feels more awkward than anything given how young the characters are.
There is a lot of fighting throughout the movie, which does add violence. The violence isn't that graphic or excessive, but it does get intense at times. A few scenes, usually involving Cheng or one of his flunky friends, are a bit difficult to watch. Cheng is ruthless and vicious in a way that is highly disturbing. It is even worse because of how young he is. Master Li has a twisted way of teaching kung fu that has really warped Cheng into a potential killer. This bully doesn't just push people around and take their lunch money. He can and will beat the shit out of them. The fighting scenes are very well done, though since I don't know anything about kung fu, I have no clue how accurate they are. Dre does develop into a good fighter, though it isn't made clear how long he is actually training. From what I remember, the tournament plays out the same as the original movie, though there is a different move used at a critical moment.
I haven't seen Jaden Smith in anything before this. I think he did a really good job with the part. He has gotten the opportunity because of who his dad is, but he isn't talentless. He displays a wide range of emotions throughout the movie..much more than I expected. There is more to his performance than what has been seen in the trailers and Dre is a bit more complicated than he seems at first. He acts like he has a bit of an attitude when they first get to China, but that is how a lot of kids act around others their age..trying to act tougher than they are...or just bragging and not being able to fully back it up. Dre does go through changes by the end of the movie.
Mr. Han doesn't say much at first and doesn't act that friendly, even once he decides to train Dre. Mr. Han has his own way of dealing with things and he looks at kung fu differently than Master Li. Mr. Han is definitely more complicated than he seems at first. He and Dre play off each other really well. If that relationship hadn't worked, the movie wouldn't have worked. Jackie Chan is wonderful in the part. I've enjoyed his other movies that I've seen, but I haven't seen him play a part like this before. I think this is the best I've ever seen him act. His fighting, which I've always thought was impressive, is still amazing. The scene when he deals with the bullies is amazing.
Cheng is a rather flat character, but he works well as the bully. He has trained with Master Li who teaches by drilling the idea of no mercy - ever - into his students. That makes for a twisted bully. Cheng is almost always surrounded by his group of friends who also train with Master Li. Meiying is nice enough, but she is also a flat character. Sherry is around in enough scenes to show concern for her son.
Overall, I really enjoyed this movie and think it is one of the few remakes that works. A lot of what happens is predictable, but there is enough new things added in here and there to help keep it interesting.
- and I didn't round up for 3 and half. I think it is 4 stars.
I did post a review at Epinions a few days ago if anyone would like to look.
The Karate Kid(From The Karate Kid (2010) on June 28th, 2010)
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May 18, 2024, 10:56:41 PM
