Jackie as Miyagi???

[Monk Sante]

Now I belive Jackie's hit rock bottom! :o
http://www.kungfucinema.com/?p=4548

[niro]

O dear dear lol
I have no idea why anyone would even think of making a remake of the karate kid, and have no idea why Jackie Chan wants to even be involved in this "project". It would have been better off just creating a brand new film.

Not looking forward to seeing this one released

[thelastweaponmaster]

I had this belief that in recent years that Jackie has been taking the opportunity and cashing out on his western films. I suspect he is paid considerably more for his films financed by a North American studio, than from his films wholly financed by Hong Kong studios, and as a result, Jackie hasn't been entirely selective in his choice of western films (ie. The Tuxedo, Around the World in 80 Days). I certainly don't blame Jackie as he has certainly worked his way up, deserves his success and has definitely earn the choice of where and what films he wants to make.

I have enjoyed the 'Shanghai noon' and 'Rush Hour' series. I just think his 'Eastern' martial arts films are so much better.

[Chinatown Kid]

I think Sammo would make a better Miyagi than Jackie but I don't think this film needs to be remade, the first one was good enough.....

[blue_skies]

I had this belief that in recent years that Jackie has been taking the opportunity and cashing out on his western films. I suspect he is paid considerably more for his films financed by a North American studio, than from his films wholly financed by Hong Kong studios, and as a result, Jackie hasn't been entirely selective in his choice of western films (ie. The Tuxedo, Around the World in 80 Days). I certainly don't blame Jackie as he has certainly worked his way up, deserves his success and has definitely earn the choice of where and what films he wants to make.

I have enjoyed the 'Shanghai noon' and 'Rush Hour' series. I just think his 'Eastern' martial arts films are so much better.

I couldn't agree more but it is really sad seeing Jackie Chan film after Jackie Chan film being at best so disappointing. Well I suppose the good thing is it introduces more people to his older work and that has to be positive.

[Charuto]

Jackie's admitted that he only makes US films to finance his Chinese projects.

If this is anything like the original, he hardly has to do anything physical. A nice easy payday for Jackie and we all get Robin B. Hood II: Son of a Bitch! a couple months later.

[KUNG FU BOB]

I'm going to try to be positive about this. I agree that the original doesn't really need a remake, but since they're doing it anyway let's hope for the best.

First of all, they should call it THE KUNG FU KID since it's being shot in China and they're looking at people like Jackie to play the teacher. And if memory serves, I think Mark said as much in his original article reporting on this film. But if people like Will Smith are behind it, it may be better than we expect. Will is a hard working, decent guy with a big heart (raised in a cool cityXD) that usually makes entertaining films. If they do a film about a young boy learning the true meaning, beauty, and power of kung fu, it would be great. A nice film that today's youth could relate to, could introduce a new generation to something we all love.

[niro]

If this is anything like the original, he hardly has to do anything physical. A nice easy payday for Jackie and we all get Robin B. Hood II: Son of a Bitch! a couple months later.

wahahaha this made me laugh XD

[Monk Sante]

Jackie needs to get back in the director's chair and make a cool traditional chinese kung fu flick. Im sure Jackie can still snake his ass off. Hey Jackie! how about a sequel to 'Snake in the eagle's shadow'? :l

[Gaijin84]

I could have sworn "The Forbidden Kingdom" was close enough to the "Karate Kid" plot to have counted as a Jackie remake

[kungfusamurai]

I could have sworn "The Forbidden Kingdom" was close enough to the "Karate Kid" plot to have counted as a Jackie remake

Exactly. FK was KK remade! Even the old man Jackie played looked like Pat Morita's Miyagi, except he was harder to understand.

KFS

[Drunken Monk]

The good thing about this movie (what little good there is) is that Jackie Chan has the charisma to pull off the teacher. When he wants to be he is funny, engaging and comical. Granted, it may be a family movie us die hard kung fu fans might not enjoy as much as, say, a new "Drunken Master" movie but it may be a fun role for Jackie.

I must say, however, that the remake should be aimed at family audiences only. I don't want any nods toward the martial arts genre. If Will Smith's son ends up eating too many sugary drinks and busting out a kiddie form of drunken boxing I'll probably punch a baby.

[Chinatown Kid]

This movie will suck, the first one will always be the best. This is just gonna be a G rated sesame street version of the first I'm afraid. If I was gonna recast the role of Miyagi though I would get Shoji Kurata, a real life Karate Master and well known star of the MA genre. I don't know how good his English is but I'm sure he could learn his lines.

[KUNG FU BOB]

If I was gonna recast the role of Miyagi though I would get Shoji Kurata, a real life Karate Master and well known star of the MA genre. I don't know how good his English is but I'm sure he could learn his lines.

Good call! His English is definitely good enough to play this role.

[Monk Sante]

This movie will suck, the first one will always be the best. This is just gonna be a G rated sesame street version of the first I'm afraid. If I was gonna recast the role of Miyagi though I would get Shoji Kurata, a real life Karate Master and well known star of the MA genre. I don't know how good his English is but I'm sure he could learn his lines.

I think Sonny Chiba will be a better pick (he speak good english). :D

[KUNG FU BOB]

I think Sonny Chiba will be a better pick (he speak good english). :D


You guys probably didn't notice I'm a Chiba-san fan...XD, but I still think Kurata-san would make a better choice. He has kinder eyes, and seems more "teacherly". Even at peace, Sonny has that wild look in his eyes. Just my opinion.

[Chinatown Kid]

Sonny could play the Cobra Kai Teacher, NO MERCY! ;)

[Tosh]

How in the fuck do you remake the Karate Kid in China? Has hollywood become so dense that they don't remember the difference? I can't for the life of me understand how Japan, after all the influence it's had over hollywood since the 50's, has become so shunned, first they cast 3 Chinese leads in Memoirs of a Geisha now this, why not just remake the 47 Ronin with an all Chinese cast and film it in China, ridiculous.

[Bravery]

Exactly. FK was KK remade! Even the old man Jackie played looked like Pat Morita's Miyagi, except he was harder to understand.

KFS


I thought that Forbidden Kingdom was more of a Neverending Story remake?

But as for this updated Karate Kid remake, it has all the signs of disaster. I try to be optimistic about films that haven't even started shooting, and I think Will Smith makes enjoyable movies, but his son is too young for this. His son is also missing the likability factor that Ralph Maccio had. You can't create charisma.

[HyperDrive]

Just maybe they do rebadge it Kung Fu Kid and have Jackie do Tai Chi in a park or something. The negatives would still outweigh the positives.

[Jiu-Jitsu-Dragon]

hey you got to figure in an american market there arent too many roles for an aging martial arts master you gotta take what you can get and get paid even if its terrible (the tuxedo anyone?)

[AlbertV]

I will tell you, I think the bullies' master in KUNG FU KID from the pics I just saw may be played by Yu Rong Guang.

These are set pics from Jackie's Official Site:

http://www.jackiechan.com/attachments/2009/11/22/10/48180_2009112210383815.jpg
http://www.jackiechan.com/attachments/2009/11/22/10/48180_2009112210383814.jpg

Ouch!!!
http://www.jackiechan.com/attachments/2009/11/22/10/48180_200911221038386.jpg

I think that's Wu Gang holding Jaden's foot. Wu Gang is the film's stunt coordinator. He's the new go-to guy for now while JC Stunt Team leader Nicky Li is working on other projects. Aside from Kung Fu Kid, Wu Gang is stunt coordinator of Chan's upcoming Spy Next Door.

Ooooohhh...Will Smith caught playing games on his mobile on set...Film at 11 LOL
http://www.jackiechan.com/attachments/2009/11/22/10/48180_2009112210383811.jpg

[lillippa328]

Jackie and Yu Rong Guang? Bench fighting? This might be good afterall!

[AlbertV]

I saw a pic of Jaden Smith in the new issue of People Magazine and he's got quite a high side kick. Wu Gang definitely taught him well. The pic shows Jaden doing a Ken Lo standing split kick. If he continues down the road with this style of training, I can see him transition well into an adult action star. Wish I had a scan of the photo.

[KUNG FU BOB]

I saw a pic of Jaden Smith in the new issue of People Magazine and he's got quite a high side kick. Wu Gang definitely taught him well. The pic shows Jaden doing a Ken Lo standing split kick. If he continues down the road with this style of training, I can see him transition well into an adult action star. Wish I had a scan of the photo.

Ah, I wish I had started training when I was younger. You reach these extreme levels of flexibility so much quicker and more easily when your young.

I'm certainly much more interested in seeing this than THE SPY NEXT DOOR. At the risk of people getting all nappy, I think this KUNG FU KID might be fun.

[daisho2004]

I'm going to honestly go into watching this movie with a clear head, I think having a real Kung-Fu Superstar in the movie and the training Jaden Smith is getting should really make this a totally different type of remake. And lets not forget Ralph Macchio was like in his 20's when he made that movie and his skills were horrible! lol

[lillippa328]

I'm going to honestly go into watching this movie with a clear head, I think having a real Kung-Fu Superstar in the movie and the training Jaden Smith is getting should really make this a totally different type of remake. And lets not forget Ralph Macchio was like in his 20's when he made that movie and his skills were horrible! lol



and that Mr. Miyagi wasnt trained in Martail arts lol...tho he was cool as a bitch!!!!!!!!!

[Markgway]

Miyagi could scare the shit out of Jackie just by clapping his hands. Even the music cue when he does that says "don't fuck with me, bitch!"

[lillippa328]

http://www.blogcdn.com/www.cinematical.com/media/2009/09/karatekidposter-(2).jpg


look at this! I thought they had changed it to KUng Fu Kid!

[HyperDrive]

They did. That's a very old poster from when the movie was first announced.

[Drunken Monk]

I saw a pic of Jaden Smith in the new issue of People Magazine and he's got quite a high side kick. Wu Gang definitely taught him well. The pic shows Jaden doing a Ken Lo standing split kick. If he continues down the road with this style of training, I can see him transition well into an adult action star. Wish I had a scan of the photo.

http://i49.tinypic.com/mifi90.jpg

[AlbertV]

According to Jackie Chan's Official Website, the title as of now is still KUNG FU KID.

[Markgway]

Lol... the world famous Jaden Smith(?) gets top billing over Jackie Chan!!

[Violent Newtype]

Lol... the world famous Jaden Smith(?) gets top billing over Jackie Chan!!


I guess its will smith's kid > legondary action star

[Drunken Monk]

Trailer...

http://www.firstshowing.net/2009/12/22/watch-this-first-official-trailer-for-the-karate-kid-remake/

[Markgway]

Chances of Markgway going to see this: 0%

Do they have to have hip hop stuck on the soundtrack of every martial arts movie? I mean, is it fucking mandatory?

And if Jackie does take second billing to an unknown kid he should hand his balls in at the studio door.

[Bus]

^hip hop and martial arts kind of go hand and hand

[Drunken Monk]

One thing I noticed from the trailer is that Jaden Smith just has a very unlikable face. I mean I literally saddened the more I saw his head. Maybe it's just me.

Either way, I must admit that I'm not looking forward to this one.

Also, they're still billing it as "The Karate Kid?" Really? Do we have to connect to the original that badly? Would "The Kung Fu" kid really be that far of a stretch?

[ToothbrushFu]

Maybe they should call it The Geography Kid. You know, he starts off knowing no geography so he thinks he's in Japan learning karate, but eventually he discovers that he's actually in China learning kung fu. :wink:

[Chinatown Kid]

If I ever see this I'm sure it's gonna remind me how much better the original was.:nerd:

They must really think the public's genral knowledge of Martial Arts is nill, I would think even a ten year old would know there is a difference between Karate and Kung Fu. :cry:

[Markgway]

^hip hop and martial arts kind of go hand and hand

Yes, I believe that Shaolin Monks rapped quite a bit between creating the animal styles... :crossedlips:

[Bus]

well around here and in a good bit of the states it's just culture.... most people that watch kung fu movies are into hip hop..

[OldPangYau]

They must really think the public's genral knowledge of Martial Arts is nill, I would think even a ten year old would know there is a difference between Karate and Kung Fu. :cry:

Well, here with the American public, at least. After all, it's "the land of the free, and the home of the whopper" :sad:

[Markgway]

well around here and in a good bit of the states it's just culture.... most people that watch kung fu movies are into hip hop..

That's a very presumptuous statement.

[remo]

I loathe Will Smith as much as the next guy, but wow -- so much vitriol aimed at a film that isn't remotely targeting our demographic. You all understand that not every film to feature martial arts is going to please the ultra hardcore fans of the genre, right? You know, like the original which we probably haven't watched in years because it's not our thing... just like this one?

I'm not overly hyped to see it myself, but I like Jackie in the role so far and it could end up being a decent flick; more to the point, I'm sure kids my nephew's age will eat it up.

But by all means, continue to nitpick a movie that hasn't even been released yet and was never intended to cater to your esoteric whims.

[AbeRudder]

I loathe Will Smith as much as the next guy, but wow -- so much vitriol aimed at a film that isn't remotely targeting our demographic. You understand that not every film to feature martial arts is going to please the ultra hardcore fans of the genre, right? You know, like the original which you probably haven't watched in years because it's not your thing... just like this one?

I'm not overly hyped to see it myself, but I like Jackie in the role so far and it could end up being a decent flick; more to the point, I'm sure kids my nephew's age will eat it up.

But by all means, continue to nitpick a movie that hasn't even been released yet and was never intended to cater to your esoteric whims.

So because a movie isnt targeted towards my demographic that disallows me from giving my opinions on it? Thats pretty stupid if you ask me. Britney Spear's music isnt exactly aimed at my demographic yet that isnt going to stop me from calling it terrible music. A bad piece of art is a bad piece of art.

Anyway i thought the trailer looked alright, i might end up seeing this. The training scenes look pretty good and jackie seems like he can play the role of miyagi well enough. If Jackie's fight with Yu Rongguang is longer than 10 seconds ill be happy.

[pierspilk]

Kind of like Chow Yun-Fat.
Leaves the set of Red Cliff to do a Kung fu flick about Confucius.
My how the mighty have fallen

[Bus]

That's a very presumptuous statement.

well honestly bro a lot of the younger generation that's into fu films is into hip hop.. we'll just have to not agree on this subject. i respect the fact that you're not into it. that's cool it's just not your thing

[Markgway]

well honestly bro a lot of the younger generation that's into fu films is into hip hop.. we'll just have to not agree on this subject. i respect the fact that you're not into it. that's cool it's just not your thing

Don't get me wrong... I don't think there's anything wrong with liking hip hop AND kung fu. I'm not criticizing that as such... just the near-constant association of the two. Seems that if you like Kung Fu you're forced to take hip-hop with it. From the Wu Tang Clan branding of those Ground Zero discs to stuff like Romeo Must Die and Rush Hour. By all means like both... but they're not one and the same. That's all.

[Bus]

^i understand that i really just think that the music fits the style of movie. in your face action the drums etc i actually think if they just used some hip hop beats sometimes it'd go over better

[lillippa328]

this looks good

[HyperDrive]

A hip-hop soundtrack is a given for a Will Smith project. He created the hip-hop soundtrack for his movies Men In Black and Wild Wild West. So why not his son's movies too?

Although they could've used the Carl Douglas classic instead. Oh wait, they can't because they're still calling it The Karate Kid...

[Markgway]

Not all black people like hip-hop... lol

Maybe if it was just the music without the rapping I could take it.

But when I went to see Romeo Must Die and heard foul-mouthed hip hop over the opening credits my heart sank.

[Yi-Long]

I was VERY skeptical about the premise of this movie, but I just watched the trailer and it actually looked pretty promising and GOOD. Cinematography and acting seem to be excellent, and instead of looking like just another poorly acted, poorly shot Hollywood kiddy-flick, it actually looks very 'mature' in the way it's executed.

Can't believe that a 1-2 minute trailer actually made me excited about this movie, so kudos!

[Tosh]

Don't get me wrong... I don't think there's anything wrong with liking hip hop AND kung fu. I'm not criticizing that as such... just the near-constant association of the two. Seems that if you like Kung Fu you're forced to take hip-hop with it. From the Wu Tang Clan branding of those Ground Zero discs to stuff like Romeo Must Die and Rush Hour. By all means like both... but they're not one and the same. That's all.

I agree, some of the newer generation got introduced to KF movies by Wu Tang but hip hop and kung fu are no more alike than rock and fu, it's not a new thing, I can't get past the jazz they were trying to put in the movies in the 70's, especially the period pieces, then again I like traditional ethnic music. There's always the exception, the funky theme to Man of Iron comes to mind.

[Tosh]

But by all means, continue to nitpick a movie that hasn't even been released yet and was never intended to cater to your esoteric whims.

Kind of the point of the forum isn't? I'll admit to really not being interested in this movie, then again it's been many years since I was excited about a Chan movie, it's great to see Yu Rongguang getting work though.

Oh and the original was vastly OVERrated, when I saw it as a kid I thought it sucked balls, I was already watching the Shaw and Golden Harvest movies so I was more than disappointed.

Are they still calling this the Karate Kid?:angel:

[lillippa328]

lmao @ the end when jackie is going after the fly with chop sticks lol



jackie = comedy genius!

[Markgway]

The 1984 original doesn't work as a martial arts movie... but works as a kid gets bullied stands up for himself movie. It's a drama, really, not action. If you expect action you'll be sorely disappointed.

[TibetanWhiteCrane]

I would rather watch The New Karate Kid, with Hillary Swank, or whoever it was, a 100 times in a row, than watch this!

And if they actually call it The KARATE Kid, then Im gonna have to punch somebody in the liver!

And , Jackie.... for the love of....... stop being hollywoods bitchboy, do Armour Of God III, as best you can, and retire with a miniscule thread of dignity!

[Bronx Rican]

That title will probably stay. For decades, people have been referring to kung fu flicks as "karate movies". Perpetuating the confusion wouldn't bother these producers one bit. Has anyone found archaeological evidence of "Miami Vice" in that "Miami Vice" film yet?

[blue_skies]

That title will probably stay. For decades, people have been referring to kung fu flicks as "karate movies". Perpetuating the confusion wouldn't bother these producers one bit. Has anyone found archaeological evidence of "Miami Vice" in that "Miami Vice" film yet?

at least it wasn't set in Los Angeles.

[TibetanWhiteCrane]

If I was a chinese actor, and hollywood approached me with the script for the KARATE kid, set in China. The first thing I would point out to these culturally ignorant douchebags was the difference between China, Japan and their different forms of martial arts. I mean, isn't Jackie all about chinese pride these days. I guess it doesn't apply if the money is good!

Well, allow me to be offended on his behalf, as a kung fu practicioner. I hope this movie fails epicly! I know their reasoning is name recognition. Which I don't get either.... people who enjoyed the original, are most likely not gonna watch this, and the young demographic that they are obviously shooting for, by casting Will Smith's demon spawn, wasn't even alive in 1984!

I detest hollywood, I detest Will Smith, and what respect and admiration I use to have for Jackie, is dwindling by the second! Fine Jackie, if your only doing pointless movies to finance all your charities, I can't be mad at that. But don't expect any noteworthy legacy.

[Milodan]

Why does everyone hate Will Smith?

[TibetanWhiteCrane]

Because he's a selfindulgent douche, and a scientologist!

[lillippa328]

Will Smith is awsome....



anyone who can dominate music, tv and movies,....and do comedy, drama, and action...as good as he does....is rare

[Markgway]

Liking or disliking Will Smith doesn't necessarily translate into liking or disliking Will Smith's son.

I'm sure there are a whole bunch of new reasons to dislike him... lol

[HyperDrive]

If I was a chinese actor, and hollywood approached me with the script for the KARATE kid, set in China. The first thing I would point out to these culturally ignorant douchebags was the difference between China, Japan and their different forms of martial arts. I mean, isn't Jackie all about chinese pride these days. I guess it doesn't apply if the money is good!

Yeah, I dare anyone that isn't a little kid to go up to a wushu champion or an elderly kung fu master and say "nice karate." Interesting to see if they change the title for the Chinese release.

[fiol]

they could have called this flick: wushu kid ahahah
no really, i won't watch this abomination

[Monk Sante]

Im not a big fan of Will Smith or Jackie as of late (last 10yrs of garbage). I did like the original Karate Kid, and I hate remakes! But like everything else today, money talks and BS walks, which is destroying the entertainment industy and sports today. :ooh:

[Bronx Rican]

Liking or disliking Will Smith doesn't necessarily translate into liking or disliking Will Smith's son.
I'm sure there are a whole bunch of new reasons to dislike him... lol

Such as Will Smith being the only reason Jaden's got an acting career. :tongue:
That's one more talented kid left undiscovered that REALLY needs an actor's income.
The least the kid can do is acquit himself in this film; so far it looks possible.

[Psyche]

Just out of curiosity, does anybody here have a good idea of whether Ralph or Pat did any extensive training on Martial arts in the original film?

Because I have read once that Ralph was actually trained in Tae Kwon Do, but the book never really got into that much detail

As for this trailer, well, I also thought that it was strange that they kept the name since I thought they changed it, but having read the synopsis on the site

"Even worse, Dre’s feelings make an enemy of the class bully, Cheng. In the land of kung fu, Dre knows only a little karate, and Cheng puts “the karate kid” on the floor with ease. With no friends in a strange land, Dre has nowhere to turn but maintenance man Mr. Han, who is secretly a master of kung fu."

I suppose they are keeping the name for that reason. At the very least, it seems as though the writers do know that Karate and Kung fu are different styles.

[Markgway]

Pat Morita's probably a better actor.

[Bronx Rican]

...In the land of kung fu, Dre knows only a little karate...

AHA! So that's their excuse. Suddenly I have the urge to watch The Brave Archer again. (He shot one arrow, that's good enough, right?)

This is getting sad, though. No matter how good the film may eventually turn out, I'd feel like a total Hollywood sucker if I paid to see this in a theater. Every single thing was done in the interest of maximum box office. It can't be any kid, it's gotta be Will's kid; it can't be any martial star, it has to be Jackie; "But he's not karate..." "We'll say the kid knows a little karate..." "BRILLIANT!" I wish I could call this cynicism. The Netflix queue awaits.

[HyperDrive]

http://movies.yahoo.com/news/usmovies.accesshollywood.com/ralph-macchio-reveals-mixed-feelings-about-karate-kid-remake

Ralph Macchio Reveals 'Mixed Feelings' About 'Karate Kid' Remake

"Wax on, wax off" is now "Jacket on, jacket off," and the original star of " The Karate Kid ," Ralph Macchio , wasn't so sure the reboot -- starring Jaden Smith and Jackie Chan -- was a good idea.

"It's like mixed feelings. At first, I felt old. Number one, you feel old when they start remaking your stuff," Ralph, 48, told Access Hollywood at " The Karate Kid " premiere on Monday night in LA.

" Once I got past the fact that there's a whole new generation, it was more about, 'OK, you can retell this story because it's a beautiful story,'" the actor, who played Daniel Larusso in the original three films, continued. "It's a testament to the legacy that we created that we didn't even know we were creating. I don't look at it as the end of an era and the beginning of a new one. It's not the passing of the torch as much as it is the celebration of a great story."

Ralph, who brought 14-year-son Daniel (named after his character) to the movie last night, recalled that the first "Karate Kid," didn't have a star-studded Hollywood premiere like Monday's lavish event.

"We didn't have a big premiere for that movie, it was a little sleeper. I spoke to the writer [Robert Mark Kamen] earlier and he said, 'Tell me how the after party is. Ours lasted 26 years.'" Ralph told Access. "We didn't know what we were doing. We didn't know the magic that was happening and the Pat Morita performance [as Mr. Miyagi] and all the Cobra Kai and 'wax on, wax off' and catching flies with your chopsticks and the crane just became part of everyone's childhood and that's what I'm here celebrating."

Access also caught up with Jackie, who plays Jaden's mentor Mr. Han, in the reboot.

"When we make ' The Karate Kid ,' we just want a new 'Karate Kid.' It's not the old one," he explained. "So, I'm not Miyagi. I'm just Jackie Chan ."

The movie's star, Jaden, said he enjoyed shooting overseas despite a few language barriers.

"I just loved it in China... I just had a great time," Jaden told Access. "The people were nice. Nobody spoke English, but I still just had a great time. I got by."

[WuxiaFan]

I'll be going to see it! I like what I saw in the trailer. :smile:

[mtausig]

O.K....I took my 6 year old to see this today. I must say, it is entertaining. I did not go in to this with the mindset that it was even remotely related to the original - you can't remake a great movie, no matter how hard you try. I DID go in to it knowing that it would be geared toward an American (western) audience, garnering some marketing (i.e. familiarity of brand) toward the original watchers of the first movie (i.e. people like me in their late 30's).

My little boy is a brown belt in TKD, and although he is young, he is aware of style differences based on the movies he sees, and his own studies. His favorite movies range from Forbidden Kingdom (fun, family) to 36th Chamber and Legend of Drunken Master. He likes Jackie, Jet, Ti, and Gordon.

All that said, the movie worth a watch if you're not looking for a KF flick. KF is somewhat of a bi-product of the premise in that the plot is very generic and overdone, but takes place under the guise of Kung Fu. Honestly, it follows the original Karate Kid nearly scene by scene: characters translate, scenes translate, they even present homage to the original with specific scenes and music. The primary differences are that Dre is much younger, the movie takes place in China, and the beatings he takes are much more severe. Daniel-san got beat on, but Dre is pummeled.

A few things I was pleased to see:
~ The cinematography is good. Not comparable to large-scale films (e.g. Red Cliff, 14 Blades, etc...) but from a western perspective, there are some beautiful shots of China: Great Wall, Forbidden City et al.
~ JC definitely had some influence on the script. While I would not consider the movie "Chinese Propaganda", it does show the wonder of the country, and works to promote the idea of China as country.
~ I appreciated the fact that there is a true and definable moment when the differentiation between Karate and KF takes place. There is an actual scene where someone mentions "karate" as a generic term for martial arts, and that person is corrected, being told the differences that KF has.
~ There are some nice action scenes for both JC and Jaden. I was pleasantly surprised to see the skill that Jaden has. My understanding is that his training time with Wu Gang was quite severe, even to the point of bringing tears to the kid. I also read an interview that has Jackie stating over and over that Jaden is one of the most talented kids he has ever met. I take this with a grain of salt, but overall, I was surprised.
~ I appreciated the multiple "homages" to the original movie - chopsticks and flies, JC drunk (serves a double meaning IMO), music, and a a new "wax on wax off".
~ I appreciated the reality that Mr. Han (JC) is not as "invincible" as Mr. Miyagi.
~ This will undoubtedly spurn a new "Kung Fu" element for young kids. I suspect my son will want to discontinue TKD and start KF.
~ Yu Rong-Guang is a cool addition to the film, especially after his success is many of the most recent films (LBS, Pandora's, Mulan etc.)
~ Zhenwei Wang is pretty ridiculous, and if he continues his studies could be a major action star, a la Jet.
~ If you have kids, you MUST take them.

Cons:
~ The run time. Damn. It was over 2 hours. The beauty of the original (damn...I wasn't going to compare) is the pace. It starts with Daniel as a smart ass wimp, and ends in 100 minutes with Daniel as a smart ass wimp with a fine woman, crane kick and trophy.
~ It is truly a family movie. Do NOT go to this looking for wuxia or the next KK. It is just another flick with KF as its base.
~ Hokie at times.
~ Did I mention it is not for KF afficianados?

If you're in the US, this is certainly a great alternative to Shrek 4. I was glad to take my 6 year old, as it continues to give him an appreciation of martial arts cinema, no matter how simple. Not everything can be Chang Cheh...though I wish it could be.

[kngfu]

O.K....I took my 6 year old to see this today. I must say, it is entertaining. I did not go in to this with the mindset that it was even remotely related to the original - you can't remake a great movie, no matter how hard you try. I DID go in to it knowing that it would be geared toward an American (western) audience, garnering some marketing (i.e. familiarity of brand) toward the original watchers of the first movie (i.e. people like me in their late 30's).

My little boy is a brown belt in TKD, and although he is young, he is aware of style differences based on the movies he sees, and his own studies. His favorite movies range from Forbidden Kingdom (fun, family) to 36th Chamber and Legend of Drunken Master. He likes Jackie, Jet, Ti, and Gordon.

All that said, the movie worth a watch if you're not looking for a KF flick. KF is somewhat of a bi-product of the premise in that the plot is very generic and overdone, but takes place under the guise of Kung Fu. Honestly, it follows the original Karate Kid nearly scene by scene: characters translate, scenes translate, they even present homage to the original with specific scenes and music. The primary differences are that Dre is much younger, the movie takes place in China, and the beatings he takes are much more severe. Daniel-san got beat on, but Dre is pummeled.

A few things I was pleased to see:
~ The cinematography is good. Not comparable to large-scale films (e.g. Red Cliff, 14 Blades, etc...) but from a western perspective, there are some beautiful shots of China: Great Wall, Forbidden City et al.
~ JC definitely had some influence on the script. While I would not consider the movie "Chinese Propaganda", it does show the wonder of the country, and works to promote the idea of China as country.
~ I appreciated the fact that there is a true and definable moment when the differentiation between Karate and KF takes place. There is an actual scene where someone mentions "karate" as a generic term for martial arts, and that person is corrected, being told the differences that KF has.
~ There are some nice action scenes for both JC and Jaden. I was pleasantly surprised to see the skill that Jaden has. My understanding is that his training time with Wu Gang was quite severe, even to the point of bringing tears to the kid. I also read an interview that has Jackie stating over and over that Jaden is one of the most talented kids he has ever met. I take this with a grain of salt, but overall, I was surprised.
~ I appreciated the multiple "homages" to the original movie - chopsticks and flies, JC drunk (serves a double meaning IMO), music, and a a new "wax on wax off".
~ I appreciated the reality that Mr. Han (JC) is not as "invincible" as Mr. Miyagi.
~ This will undoubtedly spurn a new "Kung Fu" element for young kids. I suspect my son will want to discontinue TKD and start KF.
~ Rongguang Yu is a cool addition to the film, especially after his success is many of the most recent films (LBS, Pandora's, Mulan etc.)
~ Zhenwei Wang is pretty ridiculous, and if he continues his studies could be a major action star, a la Jet.
~ If you have kids, you MUST take them.

Cons:
~ The run time. Damn. It was over 2 hours. The beauty of the original (damn...I wasn't going to compare) is the pace. It starts with Daniel as a smart ass wimp, and ends in 100 minutes with Daniel as a smart ass wimp with a fine woman, crane kick and trophy.
~ It is truly a family movie. Do NOT go to this looking for wuxia or the next KK. It is just another flick with KF as its base.
~ Hokie at times.
~ Did I mention it is not for KF afficianados?

If you're in the US, this is certainly a great alternative to Shrek 4. I was glad to take my 6 year old, as it continues to give him an appreciation of martial arts cinema, no matter how simple. Not everything can be Chang Cheh...though I wish it could be.

Great summary and review.