Karate Kid (2010)

   Delightfully familiar, yet refreshingly new.

   When his mother is promoted to a new position, Dre Parker is relocated from his comfortable home in Detroit to an uncomfortable apartment in China.

   Language, customs, and culture unknown to him, Dre is soon in turmoil. Targeted by bullies who torment him daily, he is soon overwhelmed. But, his salvation is found in the form of a simple handyman with a promise to teach him “true kung-fu.”

   In learning the discipline of martial art, Dre will learn the beauty of a new culture and put his turmoil to rest.

   Still, his tormentors are relentless and without mercy... a battle is inevitable.

   Well written and decently performed this film is brilliantly directed and wonderfully set. Like the title, many scenes are an homage to the 1980's films starring Ralph Macchio and Noriyuki ‘Pat’ Morita – shame a cameo or faux cameo could not be included in this film.

Starring: Jaden Smith and Jackie Chan
Featuring: Taraji Henson; Wenwen Han; and, Zhenwei Wang
With: Zhensu Wu; Rongguang Yu; and, Wang Ji
Writers: Christopher Murphey and Robert Mark Kamen
Director: Harald Zwart

B / PG
12 June 2010
Reel Reviews by Josef