The Karate Kid - 3 smiles

Given: “The Karate Kid” follows an over-used plot – the downtrodden underdog faces off against the bully in a major tournament after finding a wise mentor and undergoing a long training process. Even when the original film came out in 1984, this formula was trite. Nonetheless, there are a few modifications that make this remake entertaining. Foremost is Jaden Smith’s natural charisma. He carries this movie, but Jackie Chan also stands out. This is one of his best performances. Second is the change in tone. Whereas the original had a lighter tone, the remake is darker. The bullies are more vicious, Dre (the Karate Kid) rarely smiles and the mentor’s grim demeanor hides a heart-wrenching tragedy. Shot in China, the scenes at the Great Wall and inside the Tiananmen Gate and the Forbidden City (the first time in 20 years) make this movie even more enjoyable.

In 1984, the main character faces a cultural change when his mother moves from New Jersey to California. In the remake, Dre Parker (Jaden Smith) and his mother, Sherry (Taraji P. Henson) move from the United States to China, where Dre is unable to speak the language, which limits his associations to those who know at least a little English. When Dre is befriended by Mei Ying (Wenwen Han), a pretty Chinese girl who plays the violin, Cheng (Zhenwei Wang) is jealous and beats up on Dre every time he sees him. Mr. Han (Jackie Chan), the handyman for the building in which Dre and his mother live, offers to teach Dre kung fu. At first Dre is skeptical until he sees some effective martial arts moves Mr. Han makes. Eventually, Dre understands that he must face Cheng in a tournament. Ultimately, “The Karate Kid” is a story about a father and son and the lessons they learn from each other. See it; you’ll enjoy it. 10/12/10