"Jackie Chan (Mr. Han) brings passion and emotion to the screen and this is a perfect role for his veteran status".
Let me start off by first saying that I went into this film with skepticism. I didn't think that the original film needed to be remade. While I could go on about the usual spiel about how the film industry needs new ideas, and going back to do remakes is not the solution... I will refrain from doing so. The reality is, these remakes are happening, whether we like it or not.
Having said that, I was amazed by how much potential this film really has. The re-imagining of the story turned out very well. China's landscape and rich culture has much to lend to a film like this. The cinematography is like eye candy, and enhances the experience in every way.
Dre (Jaden Smith) finds himself the victim of bullying at his new school in Shanghai, where he reluctantly moves to from Detroit after his mother secures a job there. Falling for a pretty girl draws the irk and no doubt envy of the schoolyard bully and his clique. The rest of the setup is as familiar as it is iconic - Dre is helped by the neighbourhood maintenance man, Mr. Han (Jackie Chan, exercising some decent acting chops) who saves him from being beaten up but also signs him up for a local Kung Fu tournament where Dre will have to take on the bullies in a final confrontation.
The Karate Kid is a cleverly crafted two and a half hour long advert for Jaden Smith. That being said, it's a fairly well polished advert with Jaden putting in a solid performance, the only criticism that can be levelled at Smith is his age; the original Karate Kid was much older, broadening the films appeal to a wider audience, but as I watched pre-teens fighting I couldn't help feeling that this would alienate the teen audience as they will struggle to relate to the main character.
Jackie Chan (Mr. Han) brings passion and emotion to the screen and this is a perfect role for his veteran status. He is getting up there in age and it's harder to believe in him as a martial arts hero in the leading role. This supporting role as a mentor works well for him, as he can act his age and still use his charm and humour to help carry this film. Even though he does a fine job as the new teacher to the new kid, nothing can compare to the impact that Pat Morita had with the Mr. Miyagi character.
The major character dilemma that is lacking in the new version that the original had, were the stereotype, prejudice and racism that Mr. Miyagi had to endure; which is something that Jackie Chan never has to face since he lives in his native country. That dilemma now faces Jaden Smith's character; which in reality, causes a dilemma for the producers of this film if they ever want to make a sequel.
This is definitely a film for the younger generation, those heading into the film with preconceptions formed from viewing the original will find a fairly enjoyable story that is easy to watch.
