The Karate Kid
When a 12-year-old from Detroit moves to China with his mother and incurs the wrath of the class bully at his new school, he makes an unlikely ally in the form of his aging maintenance man, a kung fu master who teaches him the secrets to self-defense. Upon arriving at his new school, Dre Parker (Jaden Smith) develops a powerful crush on pretty classmate Mei Ying. The feeling is mutual, although the cultural divide between Dre and Mei Ying makes a friendship unlikely, and romance impossible. When cruel classmate and kung fu prodigy Cheng learns of Dre's feelings for Mei Ying, he harasses and humiliates the young outsider in front of the entire school. With no one to turn to for help, Dre confides his fears in kindly maintenance man Mr. Han (Jackie Chan), a kung fu master who knows that serenity and maturity -- not punches and power -- are the true keys to mastering the martial arts. As Dre prepares to face down his intimidating tormentor, he begins to realize that the real fight is just beginning. more..
Director: Harald Zwart
Starring: Jaden Smith,Jackie Chan, Taraji P. Henson, Wenwen Han, Rongguang Yu
Fun, and believable, on the most important level: It convinces us that Jaden Smith has what it takes to fight his way to the top.
A fine, fun remake of a movie that updates, transplants and reimagines the original without sacrificing its heart or goofy charm.
Solidly entertaining.
The one thing that should have been changed but hasn't is the title, which makes no sense at all in a movie about kung fu.
Short review of three little words: Way. Too. Long.
Best Actress
BET Awards (2011)
Best Actor
Black Reel Awards (2011)
Best Newcomer
Empire Awards, UK (2011)
Outstanding Actor in a Motion Picture
Image Awards (2011)
Favorite Butt Kicker
Kids' Choice Awards (2011)
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