The Karate Kid

The common objection goes, why remake a classic film?  It’s never going to be as  engaging as the original and it’s a lazy way make a buck.  You’ll feel even more jaded when you realize the movie’s producers, über famous Hollywood couple Will and Jada Pinkett Smith, have cast their own son as the titular star.   While it doesn’t hold up to the 80s coming-of-age story, the production’s biggest twist is that it’s surprisingly good.  The cinematography features gorgeous scenery of China which adds some authenticity to the surroundings.  The title is actually a misnomer since the competition is all about Kung Fu not Karate.  But why is everyone so young?   The chief bully looks like he’s around 10.  He’s not threatening and has zero personality.  Granted, Jackie Chan is excellent as a maintenance man who teaches martial arts.  Jaden Smith gives a relaxed performance, but he’s too overly confident for us to ever be worried for him.  As a result, the drama isn’t as powerful as it could have been.  Padding the plot to a ridiculous 140 minutes is unnecessary torture.