Lee's Review: "The Karate Kid"

18.06.10

The root plotline remains intact. Only the names, location and martial-arts style have been altered. In accomplishment, many countries have released the film under a more appropriately titled, "The Kung Fu Kid." However, despite what I would classify as fresh labeling for the almighty American dollar, this was a pretty good remake.

Jaden Smith skillfully plays our maltreated hero, Dre, while Jackie Chan takes a more serious turn as his mentor and closest friend, Mr. Han. Using a stamp new set of impractical lessons, young Dre learns the art of Kung Fu and gets his revenge against a group of bullies through organized combat. Yes, I skilled in it sounds mighty familiar - but this time it takes place in China - thus, adding to the fish-out-of-water mentality and defeating others on their own sod. It even throws in some cultural diversity and a little romance.

I won't say I enjoyed it as much as the 1984 flick, but the resolution of perseverence and self-respect makes this underdog narrative one worth watching (again!)

Source: WLTX.com