THE KARATE KID REMAKE REVIEW

When I first heard mini Will Smith, Jaden smith was going to be the new face for this generation’s version of ‘The Karate Kid’ …. I well … died a little.

Well maybe it was f the media’s Photoshop skills ... :P 

Young Jaden Smith from ‘The Pursuit of Happyness’ was the lead star of Harald Zwart’s 2010 version of ‘The Karate Kid’. I may be a 90’s kid but I definitely watched John G. Avildsen 1984 version of ‘The Karate Kid’ in primary school and I loved the movie. I even went on to watch the sequels of part 2 and 3.

Rewatching Avidsen’s movie reminded me of VCR players and those massive boxes we used to call T.Vs. however watching it on my laptop served the movie no justice but hey im just a 90’s girl how loved those videos tapes.

John. G. Avildsen and Ralph Macchio   

However after watching Harald Zwart’s 2010 version of ‘The Karate Kid’ at the Hotys cinemas with my sisters I was glad Zwart created a modern spin to Avildsen’s 1984 version. Because  my parents always complain that today’s generation are deprived  from the old classics they grew up watching and I agree and feel that all old classic films should be interpreted to a modern context and remade so the younger generations can enjoy the classics the oldies grew up with.

Harald Zwart and Jaden Smith 

The 2010 remake toped the box office on its releasing date and rounded many awards and nominations at the Children, Teens and MTV award shows. The film was even dubbed in Mandarin Chinese. 

Jackie Chan and Jaden Smith at the 2011
Nickelodeon Kids Choice Awards

Zwart’s 2010 version was nothing short of Avildsen’s martial arts action and drama. With action choreographer and martial artist, Jackie Chan as the main star who teaches Jaden Smith’s character, Kung Fu. To have a mentor like Jackie Chan, who is known for his action stunts as Detective Lee in the ‘Rush Hour ‘films, is a dream come true for any martial arts student.

Mr. Han training Dre, 2010

There are obvious differences and changes between the films, as the context influences a film’s production. Avildsen’s version was shot in Los Angeles, California however Zwart chose to shoot in Beijing. I believe Zwart chose China as his main setting to educate the newer generation of the origins and history of Kung Fu and what importance the skill of martial arts is given in China.

Mr. Miyagi training Daniel, 1984

One main theme Zwart did not include in his 2010 was Ralph Macchio’s signature CRANE POSE

 Although Zwart created a new signature pose for Jaden Smith known as the Karate Kick !

I still miss the awkward crane pose :)  

If you have watched the 1984 version i definitely recommend you watch the 2010 version and verse versa. I guarantee you will enjoy both these artistic films.

Overall 

'The Karate Kid (1984)'

8/10

'The Karate Kid (2010)'

7/10

- C <3