MovieChat Forums > The Karate Kid (2010) Discussion > The Karate Kid (2010) was really damn go...

The Karate Kid (2010) was really damn good. Surpasses original.

posted 15 years ago by millennium_critic
372 replies | jump to latest

So, I just got back from seeing Jaden Smith's first star vehicle The Karate Kid (the movie had been sold out since the 11:15am show) and....wow. I was truly impressed as I only went in with modest expectations. Not only was it a very good remake, it's the best movie so far this summer, and it stands on it's own two feet and surpasses the original in a lot of ways (which one is better will probably be generational. From the standing ovation these kids at the theater I attended gave this film I'm pretty sure from 15 or so on down, it will be this one.) But first off, let me start by saying this:

To anyone who doubts that Jaden Smith can act (which he ironically already proved in The Pursuit of Happyness), is a star, or deserved this movie: See The Karate Kid. I don't care how you see it. Pirated. Bootleg. Or the old fashion way (like I saw it cause I'm cool like that) by buying a frickin' ticket and sitting in an auditorium with a bunch of cheering 10 year olds (I swear I've never seen kids give a movie a damn near standing ovation like they did during this film's finale).

Jaden Smith has just silenced his haters. From here on out, if you don't like Jaden Smith: fine. Whatever petty reason you've given yourself to make you not like an innocent 10 year old. Fine. But you can't say he's not talented. Cause he is. If nothing has proven it to you before, THIS will. He carries the film on his little shoulders, shows leading man qualities (has a 10 year old ever done that?!?!? And Im being serious here). Has a ten year old ever acted in a film and not only carried it but possessed the charm, charisma, quick wit, comedic timing, dramatic presence and physicality of a hero all in the same movie?!?!? I shutter to think, I couldn't think of any leaving the theater. If they have, please point them out to me so I can say bravo to them to.

His performance was truly great and the fact that he did all of his own stunts and clearly learned kung fu and looks not only believable but in command of the craft is some sort of a mini-miracle. This little dude is miniature Will Smith of the highest caliber. He WILL be a star (pun, intended). Only thing can stop that is, well, him. Barring any personal issues, the kid will go far. Very far. He has it all. And as cliche as it may sound the biggest development to come out of the Karate Kid is that "A Star is Born". Don't believe me: watch it for yourself.

But I digress, I only spent so much time on the Jaden issue because all the unwarranted hatred thrown his way is beyond disturbing. I have never seen such vitriolic speech directed towards a kid in my life. Not even the kid from Problem Child and he was a certified a-hole! But anyway, the movie is good. Jackie Chan was surprisingly really good (and I mean really really good like Oscar-nominee good) in a dramatic turn as Dre Parker's mentor. The action was better than the original's and the heart and soul was just as engaging and entertaining. Though lacking the iconic "wax on, wax off"-moment what they do with "jacket on, jacket off" was truly surprising and pretty good stuff when you realize what Mr. Han was really teaching him. Instead of the "Crane Kick" we do have another pose and it's pretty damn good too.

To me, the original will always be special. I remember Daniel-son, and Mr. Miyagi is a fuggin' legend in every sense of the word. I'm actually utterly surprised this remake was so well made and engaging. Even though every one in the theater knew the outcome, everyone was still cheering and/or elated and moved by the movies "big moments". That in itself is pretty impressive. It's like if people were still surprised even though they knew who the killer(s) were in Scream 4 before seeing it. Could you imagine that? Yea, I couldn't either. Which is why I'm surprised at how good this remake was.

Go see it.

[–] moviewizguy 15 years ago

That's a good review.

[–] moviemaniac12 15 years ago

Plant alert.

[–] millennium_critic 15 years ago

Plant alrert?!?!?

Get a life. I wish a studio paid me money to voice my honest opinion. That would be the life!

[–] moviemaniac12 15 years ago

Best movie of the summer? And surpasses the original in many ways? Really? Come on dude - if you said it was a really good movie, that may surprise people but may believe you but to say it surpasses the original, that shows you're writing with an agenda.

[–] millennium_critic 15 years ago

Wow. Have you seen the movie? If not. Shut the hell up.

This movie has WAAAAAY better martial arts scenes than the original. Better performances by the leads (Smith and Chan), better cinematography, better visuals, I mean it was made 25 years later on a bigger budget and you're doubting alot of aspects are superior?!?!? You're an idiot.

[–] adamt-13 15 years ago

So Chan gave a better performance than Morita? Sorry, but I can't trust one thing you say now.

[–] moviemaniac12 15 years ago

Oh so now the movie isn't better - just the martial arts, cinematography is better. So McGruber has better Sound Quality than "the godfather" - does that make it a better film? McGruber is made 20 years after The Godfather - does THAT make it a better film?

[–] millennium_critic 15 years ago

Look, where the original was weak this movie improves (the action/martial arts, the acting, the cinematography, the visuals, the setting, all better) and where the original was special/magical this film has those same moments.

It took the best moments from the original and improved on the originals flaws. Whether its better is completely objective tho. I said it will probably be generational. You'd never convince anyone 15 or younger, the 80s version is better than this one. Just won't happen. Every kid in the theater was cheering and applauding.

[–] simonbennett-1 14 years ago

My three kids, incidentally all below the age of 15 without exception preferred the original. They felt this one was drab and dark, focussing always on the lows and missing the highs, occasional comedy and inspiring soundtrack of the original.

This film may be a mirror image, albeit through dirty glass but it absolutely lacks heart.

[–] spalomares 14 years ago

I agree with the OP & his/her review, and I am from the 1st movie's generation. My kids 11 & 7 did not give the original movie the time of day (they found it boring), they identified more with Jayden because he is their age. This movie in my opinion and my kids opinion is far better for all of the stated reasons in the review & comments after it.

" That boy (Jason Stackhouse) is sex on a stick!"

[–] Forsaken-El 15 years ago

The concept of the original was that Daniel had to learn step by step, it takes months if not years to become a true karate expert. While if you look at Dre it looks as if his character was morphed into a unreal martial artists, I mean lets be honest nobody gets that good that fast. That is why people appreciate the original more is that it felt more real.

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[–] millennium_critic 15 years ago

Sorry, no.

[–] millennium_critic 15 years ago

I gotta say, i disagree.

[–] pcgiddings 14 years ago

WOW you actually called someone an idiot after not only calling this movie great, but saying it was better than the original. That is the funniest and most original thing to come out of the creation of this garbage.

[–] 14 years ago

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[–] 14 years ago

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[–] user-423-128016 12 years ago

better performance by the lead come on the cast in the real movie was amazing chan did good. smith is lucky his daddy is will or he wouldnt have landed this part cause thats y he got he didnt carry this movie it was dropped from the openning scence and yeah i am judging a 10 year old cause hes an actor so thats what happen and by the way ever watch halloween 4 and 5 lil jamie now thats what u would call a 10 year old who can carry a movie

[–] lylesanford 15 years ago

Best movie of the summer? And surpasses the original in many ways? Really? Come on dude - if you said it was a really good movie, that may surprise people but may believe you but to say it surpasses the original, that shows you're writing with an agenda.

Should he consult with you before offering his opinion next time?

Good god.

[–] millennium_critic 15 years ago

LOL @lylesanford,

You're hilarious. Post more, please!

[–] tarakumari 12 years ago

@ Moviemaniac

I hate to say this but i agree with each and everything the OP said... He basically said it all....

[–] batman18 15 years ago

im gonan watch it, i

[–] gonepostal72 15 years ago

Well said!

[–] millennium_critic 15 years ago

Thank you, man.

[–] Repairmanmanmanmanmanman 15 years ago

i dont have the patience to read all of that, at least not now, but i have to say that it was very entertaining. out of 10 stars, id give it 7.25. the movie theater i went in was half full/empty around 4:00 in the afternoon. i will admit to being somewhat biased towards action/fighting flicks, so... make what you will of that. the tournament at the end was great though.

[http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=s53fZdlXw38]

[–] millennium_critic 15 years ago

Get some.

[–] millennium_critic 14 years ago

Wow..

[–] 14 years ago

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[–] millennium_critic 14 years ago

Duly noted.

[–] SunNumberOne 15 years ago

Not only was it a very good remake, it's the best movie so far this summer, and it stands on it's own two feet and surpasses the original in a lot of ways

Please explain how this piece of sh!t remake surpasses the original "in a lot of ways." I'll be waiting to hear this gem.

This movie straight up blows. They tried to make it seem like it was an "original" remake by changing up the location and race of the main character, but this is the exact same movie as the original. I'm talking scene for scene, shot for shot. So many of the shots in this movie were such mirror images of the original that I'm assuming they just used the same story board from the original and just switched the drawings up to match the new movie...

The ONLY part where this movie surpasses the original IMO is the scene where Jackie Chan comes and saves Dre's a$$ and fights like 6 of those kids. This scene is better than the original for 2 reasons: Jackie Chan and the overall style/choreography of the fight was mind blowing.

That's it, one scene that was better in this movie then the original. I'm still really curious to see how that equates to this POS being better than the cult classic original...

"My nose was chiseled by the gods themselves..."
-Dennis, It's Always Sunny in Philadelphia

[–] millennium_critic 15 years ago

The martial arts was better. I mean from the technique to actual fight scenes was ten times better than the original. The performances were better than the original. Jackie Chan was really, really good in a dramatic turn as Mr. Han. Clearly the locales, the visuals, the cinematography, the...wait "piece of sh!t"?

Have you even seen the film? I highly doubt it. This film is hardly bad. The only scene you like is one from the trailer....lol That's convenient. Could you talk about specifics from the movie you didn't like? Please do that for me right now? Specifics. Since you claim to have seen it.

[–] moviewizguy 15 years ago

Don't do that to him. Now he's going to have to search the entire movie summery on Google or Wikipedia. You'd make him do work for once!

[–] millennium_critic 15 years ago

^^^LOL, moviewizguy.

I know, that was the point...hahha

[–] SunNumberOne 15 years ago

Don't do that to him. Now he's going to have to search the entire movie summery on Google or Wikipedia. You'd make him do work for once!

Yeah, 'cuz it's so out of the realm of possibility that someone can watch a movie and not like it at all. Clearly I didn't watch this film, I'm just talking sh!t about it without even having seen it...

"My nose was chiseled by the gods themselves..."
-Dennis, It's Always Sunny in Philadelphia

[–] cherry560 14 years ago

Its been done before LOL! So I wouldnt put it pass you.

[–] millennium_critic 14 years ago

Hahahhaa

[–] millennium_critic 14 years ago

HAHAHAH @ Cherry!

[–] millennium_critic 14 years ago

You said it..not us! lol

[–] SunNumberOne 14 years ago

I said what? That this movie sucks? Yeah I know that...

"My nose was chiseled by the gods themselves..."
-Dennis, It's Always Sunny in Philadelphia

[–] millennium_critic 14 years ago

That's exactly what I was thinking.

[–] firefx9 14 years ago

Oh no...it's fun watching haters like him get their card pulled. he just gives credit to ANYTHING BUT Jaden. We can guess what his issue is.

[–] Forsaken-El 15 years ago

the martial arts may be better in the new karate kid but lets be real here, nobody gets that good that fast, which is why everyone prefers the original because Daniel's karate felt more real while he was learning from Mr Miyagi while with Dre you have someone who becomes a karate expert within days, not very real if you ask me.

[–] millennium_critic 15 years ago

Everyone prefers the original? Um, no. Not true.

[–] 15 years ago

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[–] firefx9 14 years ago

Everyone? I saw the movie with my 14 year old son and MOST of the audience was kids. They were cheering at the end. i dont know what planet you are on. Some of these haters go to extreme lengths to discredit a non white actor. I can't believe they are stil doing t=this weak crap on IMDB.

And for the record...I have seen a few street dancers do quite well in martial arts...AND in a short time. It's about ability and rhythm

[–] SunNumberOne 15 years ago

I know that martial arts was better, kung fu was used instead of karate, of course it's going to be better. That's why I said I liked the scene that I liked 'cuz it looked so much better than the original.

Cinematography was better? Well yeah, it should be, as the film industry has progressed 2+ decades since then and cameras are much better now. It's a given that movie is going to look crisper/cleaner than the original...

Specifics as to why this movie sucked? OK...

-Arcade/dance machine scene - totally lame new "spin" on the arcade scenes from the original.
-Chinese dad telling Dre he is a bad influence on his daughter - lame & cliche.
-Dre becoming legit @ executing kung fu - especially that ridiculous move he used to win the championship - after just a few short months of training is absolutely ridiculous.
-The whole plot line with the girl and her music was dumb & not-needed for this movie. And it was somewhat of a rip-off of the Japanese show "Nodame Cantabile."
-Lame music from Justin Bieber
-To add on to the above, this movie didn't have the greatest inspirational fighting song in the tournament scene like the original did.
-Don't even get me started on all the scenes in this movie that were shot directly from the story boards of the original movie...

But yeah, this movie was soooo good & SOOOO original, LMAO...

"My nose was chiseled by the gods themselves..."
-Dennis, It's Always Sunny in Philadelphia

[–] millennium_critic 14 years ago

What are you talking about?!?!?!?

[–] SunNumberOne 14 years ago

Can't read? No English?

What's the issue here?

"My nose was chiseled by the gods themselves..."
-Dennis, It's Always Sunny in Philadelphia

[–] pcgiddings 14 years ago

The technique was better, this was complete hollywood garbage. Ut would be better if you were watching dancing with the stars. And choreography doesn't make a movie good anyway dude. That is not how a fight looks. Take this from a guy who does MMA.

[–] adamt-13 15 years ago

"The ONLY part where this movie surpasses the original IMO is the scene where Jackie Chan comes and saves Dre's a$$ and fights like 6 of those kids. This scene is better than the original for 2 reasons: Jackie Chan and the overall style/choreography of the fight was mind blowing."

I disagree with you on uour opinion of that scene better. That was the first time you saw Miyagi kick some ass and it was totally unexpected. It was a real stretch to see Chan beat up a bunch of 10 years olds.

[–] 15 years ago

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[–] millennium_critic 15 years ago

It was great.

[–] phyziczteacher 15 years ago

SPOILER ALERT!!!!!!!

Yeah, I know what you mean SunNumberOne...I remember when Morita was killing his car with a sledge hammer, and then shared with Ralph that he killed his wife and kid in a car crash...oh wait...that was different from the original.

And in fact, that was one of my favorite scenes...so powerful! I loved when Dre pulled him out with those polls, and they did the...well I'm not sure what it's called. With the music, and after Chan's performance...it was a tear-jerker for my wife and me!

There are 10 types of people in the world: those who understand Binary, and those who don't

[–] xxz_ju 14 years ago

how was this a piece of *beep* remake?? what didn't you like about this film? seriously i thought it was great..since it's a remake, they definitely made it more interesting than the original.
yes the 1984 one was a classic, and it had its own pros and some cons. however, same with this remake. jayden smith's acting was great. and jackie chan! is still jackie chan and he's 56 btw.

and plus they made this movie in a way that is more hip, and modern.. of course it's not supposed to be exactly like the old one. i liked how they changed wax on wax off to the jacket on and off etc. c'mon it's a brilliant idea.

so for those ppl that haven't seen it yet, go see it!!

[–] SunNumberOne 14 years ago

I'm not going to repeat myself. Feel free to search the rest of the thread and find my other posts on the subject...

"My nose was chiseled by the gods themselves..."
-Dennis, It's Always Sunny in Philadelphia

[–] Flashing-Lights 15 years ago

I agree with you on some points, i won't say it's better than the original, it has it's own flare, very different yet very similar, but get's the job done, jaden definitely held his own, along side chan , the only reasong why the original still tops, the kids were older, pat morita, cobra kai, eizabeth shue, 80's cheese, nostalgia and well it came out first so this is a remake, but judging this movie on it's own merits, without to trying to compare it to the original, it is pretty solid, at times you even forget you are watching a remake, it does kinda stand on it's own. IMO while it might not be better than the original, it is better than all the sequels.

Who Knew ten Men with guns where are at the door? THE DROID CONTROL?

[–] BlownHappyKid 15 years ago

I'll be patient enough before I even think about watching this film. I'm not completely irate that it's a remake of the original, which would be ironic and typical of some people, but I will be expecting some effort.

Let me elaborate: Effort into the directing, writing, MUSIC (Justin Bieber and typical Hong Kong music will not help), and acting. Some films through the 70's and 90's had their ups and downs with the following, but in NO way am I going to expect less to see this film. For the last two months, I've been seeing this advertised all over my television, Internet screen, and billboards; like it's supposed to be critically acclaimed by everyone knowing it's a remake.

When I see it, I'll be sure to voice my opinion. But I sure won't say it's "really, really good" if I liked it; there's no way in hell this film could get that far...But we'll see.

"I call myself future names for a reason; no one in the world is like me." - Nicholas Harmon

[–] millennium_critic 15 years ago

But it's a great movie.

[–] omoxus 15 years ago

A little hyperbole, but iget your piont.

Cinematography: Obvious was superior to KK84. The fight scenes had adults cringing, whooping and clapping.

Acting: Jaden is two out of three. TPOH and KK10 TDTEST wasn't his fault. But since the movie sucked, it's a blot on his resume. The bully was awsome. The girl was ok more cute than anything. Jackie Chan pretty much channeled the his dramatic side.

Music score: Ok. Had an issue with those asian rap thing. Just sounded to wierd.

Im the Alpha and the Omoxus. The Omoxus and the Omega

[–] millennium_critic 15 years ago

Not at all.

[–] dan-1207 15 years ago

I agree 100% with your review. I went to see it expecting a crap remake but good fight scenes. Turned out it was a GREAT movie with FANTASTIC fight scenes. The irony is I would not even call this an action movie. The fighting was few and far between.

The finale is a big one of course, but before then its mostly training. I thought it was the best film I have seen this summer by far and feel it is superior to the original 1984.

I was also blown away by Jackie chan's emotional performance. We are used to seeing him beat up bad guys with like a ladder, not deliver emotional impact via drama.

My review can be found on my blog in my signature.

http://www.carbonatoms.wordpress.com

[–] millennium_critic 15 years ago

Dan, I'm glad you enjoyed it man, and I too agree with you 100%. Jackie Chan was remarkable in this movie. If you read some of the reviews he's actually getting Oscar buzz. Considering how BIG the film is looking to be, it might now be as far fetched at people think.

[–] 15 years ago

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[–] pcgiddings 14 years ago

I hate to break this to all you brilliant people, but cinamatography doesn't refer to the clarity of the picture, but more to the use of camera angles and editing. And they were pretty similar. The new one just didn't make sense. It used scenes and lines from the first when they didn't fit, just because the writer and director have no talent. And about young Mr. Smith they shouldn't use a 12 year old kid to drive a movie. That's like throwing a little leaguer against roger clemens

[–] millennium_critic 14 years ago

Thanks!