Review of The Karate Kid (2010) by Mark F — 24 Sep 2016

The original is such a classic that it really shouldn't have been remade. The characters (Miyagi), catchphrases (wax on, wax off) are so iconic and beloved that you can't help but feel nothing could compare.

In the end, this doesn't really compare, but it's not the abject failure I expected either. Jackie Chan makes a great sensai, Jaden Smith isn't nearly as annoying as I expected and actually makes a good leading man, the fighting is more complex and spectacular than the original and the story itself, since it's essentially unchanged, is still great no matter who's playing the roles. (Oh, and the girl he likes is very engaging and has a nice smile and hair.).

But it's just not iconic. That's the thing. Han is no Myagi, the age of the kids is a little young to feel any real sense of peril (12 as opposed to the late teens of the original) and the gang from the rival dojo are just not as malevolent as Johnny and co. It really falls flattest at the end where the tournament fighting is badly shot so you can never really tell what's going on. You don't know the characters well enough to care or know who is knocking out who anyway. The montage as he progresses through the rounds doesn't grip, the song pales compared to 'You're The Best', and there's no iconic finishing move like the crane. In the end, it's just lacking in emotion.

It could have been better but it could have been worse. Daniel Russo is still the real karate kid.