The Karate Kid

Released June 11, 2010
Directed by Harald Zwart
Starring: Jaden Smith, Jackie Chan, Taraji P. Henson

First viewing June 12, 2010
Jolly: 3.5/5 stars

I will start by venting my frustration – this movie should not be called the “Karate” Kid! Why? Hmm, let me see, how to put this, what is the best way to phrase that this movie is NOT ABOUT KARATE!!!!! It should be called the “Kung Fu” Kid, because this movie IS ABOUT KUNG FU!!!! Kung fu is great, Kung fu is cool, so why not call the movie what it is? Well, it has been brought to my attention that Kung Fu Kid is the international title of the movie, which is a start, but why hang onto Karate for domestic audiences?

But I digress….

This was a great movie! 12-year old Dre Parker (Jaden Smith) moves to Beijing with his mother (Taraji P. Henson) and gets off on the wrong foot with some Kung Fu students and their teacher. Enter Jackie Chan as Mr. Han, the maintenance man of the Parkers’ new residence, who takes Dre under his wing and teaches him real Kung Fu to defeat the students in a grand tournament. The training of Dre is extremely enjoyable to watch. Jackie Chan is more than convincing in this role as a flawed but powerful man, and Jaden Smith gives an impressive physical performance as he develops into a King Fu champion.

It is evident, especially with the production credits, that this movie is a vehicle for the Smiths to launch Jaden’s career into overdrive. But regardless of the puppet masters, this movie is exciting, funny, powerful, and epic. The locations are unbelievable, and the spirit of life in Beijing is captured in a beautiful way that shows the struggle and strength of its people.

In conclusion, even if the title is a little bit off, this movie is worth watching because of its winning characters, timeless story, and kick-butt Kung Fu.