The Karate Kid successfully entertains and reflects

By Anthony James, Staff Writer
 
As a child of the 80’s it was difficult to anticipate a remake of a boyhood classic, and perhaps one of the greatest sports films of all time, with much enthusiasm. Re-watching the training montage, Pat Morita, rocking Joe Esposito and the tournament finale bring back a deep sense of nostalgia.  I have to admit that after watching the new Karate Kid trailer I was skeptical that the film, which pits a Detroit 12 year-old in the exotic realm of China’s kung-fu, would live up to the original. I am glad to report that I was quite wrong. The Karate Kid, though retaining much of the plot and even dialogue from the original, was able to take its own spin on the classic coming-of-age film where a bullied youth is able overcome his adversaries after being trained by a wise old teacher. While the fast kicks will sure entertain the whole family, the story’s undertones reflect on a trend of Americans who have moved to the PROC in its economic peak. By Anthony James, Staff Writer
 
As a child of the 80’s it was difficult to anticipate a remake of a boyhood classic, and perhaps one of the greatest sports films of all time, with much enthusiasm. Re-watching the training montage, Pat Morita, rocking Joe Esposito and the tournament finale bring back a deep sense of nostalgia.  I have to admit that after watching the new Karate Kid trailer I was skeptical that the film, which pits a Detroit 12 year-old in the exotic realm of China’s kung-fu, would live up to the original. I am glad to report that I was quite wrong. The Karate Kid, though retaining much of the plot and even dialogue from the original, was able to take its own spin on the classic coming-of-age film where a bullied youth is able overcome his adversaries after being trained by a wise old teacher. While the fast kicks will sure entertain the whole family, the story’s undertones reflect on a trend of Americans who have moved to the PROC in its economic peak.

Anthony James waiting for the movie to begin

A few years ago I was acquainted with a young African American family heading out to Shanghai for a job posting. The two young boys were put into a Chinese school and quickly acclimated to the culture and life of China’s bustling metropolitan areas.  Such is the same story for Jaden Smith’s character and his fictional mother (played by Taraji Hensen) who move to China’s capital seeking new work. Beijing is beautiful in the film, which was no surprise when the opening credits list the China Film Association as one of the main investors of the film. The beautiful city parks, the food, and diversity shine in every take, though the grittiness was not easily swept under the rug. Jackie Chan had a great role as the new Mr. Miyagi, while bringing his own flair and comedic touch to the screen. 
 
It seems quite silly to divulge the film’s simplistic plot, there is little from the film that diverges from its classic roots. It will be quite interesting to see how the younger generations will react to The Karate Kid; even as loyal as many of us are to the older version, one might find another fan base beginning to grow.