Talking Pictures

Tony Toscano reviews “The Karate Kid” (2010)

Although the location has changed from the original Karate Kid (1984) in this new version starring Jaden Smith and Jackie Chan, the theme remains the same.

The underdog learns from an unexpected master and finds his inner strength to defeat his oppressors. Along the way he leans a few valuable life lessons which will guide him on his path to adulthood.

The new Karate Kid is a film full of optimism and hope, and yet what makes the film work is by showing that all the characters have flaws and are dealing with their own pains and insecurities.

Jaden Smith not only does a believable job in the role of “Dre,” a kid uprooted from his home in Detroit and plopped down in China, but adds a depth of innocence behind the wisecracks. Smith, the son of Jada and Will Smith (who produced the movie) seriously has some acting chops of his own.

Jackie Chan’s portrayal of “Mr. Han,” (an apartment handyman who takes Dre under his wing), really shines in this re-imagining. His character has suffered a horrible tragedy. But as he begins to teach Dre, he also learns from his young student to overcome and rise above his self-induced unworthiness.

The Karate Kid is not a perfect film, it’s a bit too long (about 2 ½ hours), and its secondary characters are a bit to one-dimensional. But overall the film is worth your time to see.

It gets a B and is rated PG.

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