A decent re-imagining of the classic "Karate Kid" (1984), that follows the basic storyline closely but changes the characters and locations. As a big fan of the original, it was fun to see so many plot elements intact (the big bully, the romance between two mismatched individuals, the calm and good-natured mentor, etc.) In fact, the closeness of the story allows for the funniest moment in the film - having to do with the chopsticks & catching a fly!
I really enjoyed seeing China on film: from the Forbidden City to the Bird's Nest, the Great Wall to the mountain-top temple... it's gorgeous and still feels fresh. Jackie Chan did a very good job as the "Mr. Miyagi", although it's hard not to wish for Pat Morita's warm smile and unique voice. "Aii, Danielson"
What really spoils this movie from being great is that it tries to make everything bigger and better than the original. The fighting is rougher, the "bad" instructor is over-the-top (way out of character), the romance is an even bigger stretch, etc. Even the running time is expanded at well over 2 hours! Another problem is that instead of a teenage boy finding his way in a new location, you have what appears to be an 11-year old boy in a role that is 6 years too early!
Original: Sweep the leg New: Break the leg... Original: Wins with "Crane Technique" New: Wins with some one-legged back-flip impossibility Original: Learns special moves by doing hard labor New: Learns special moves by repeating jacket on, jacket off
Are we really supposed to believe that picking up a jacket teaches you how to duck a kick to the head? It's a fine line to make something a little fantastical without exceeding the audience's ability to suspend belief... and this Karate Kid snaps the line early on.
Enough nit-picking though. It was an enjoyable film - especially for fans of the original. While not destined for the category of classic like the original - at least they made a respectable, spirited film.
I really enjoyed seeing China on film: from the Forbidden City to the Bird's Nest, the Great Wall to the mountain-top temple... it's gorgeous and still feels fresh. Jackie Chan did a very good job as the "Mr. Miyagi", although it's hard not to wish for Pat Morita's warm smile and unique voice. "Aii, Danielson"
What really spoils this movie from being great is that it tries to make everything bigger and better than the original. The fighting is rougher, the "bad" instructor is over-the-top (way out of character), the romance is an even bigger stretch, etc. Even the running time is expanded at well over 2 hours! Another problem is that instead of a teenage boy finding his way in a new location, you have what appears to be an 11-year old boy in a role that is 6 years too early!
Original: Sweep the leg New: Break the leg... Original: Wins with "Crane Technique" New: Wins with some one-legged back-flip impossibility Original: Learns special moves by doing hard labor New: Learns special moves by repeating jacket on, jacket off
Are we really supposed to believe that picking up a jacket teaches you how to duck a kick to the head? It's a fine line to make something a little fantastical without exceeding the audience's ability to suspend belief... and this Karate Kid snaps the line early on.
Enough nit-picking though. It was an enjoyable film - especially for fans of the original. While not destined for the category of classic like the original - at least they made a respectable, spirited film.