If the world was fine with turkey and ham, why did we create SPAM? Such a question could be pondered with the ostentatious remake of The Karate Kid.
Jackie Chan as a comedy prop in the past
I have empathy for Jackie Chan. After basically whoring himself out to the American stereotype of Chinese culture in films such as Rush Hour and Shanghai Knights, Chan has finally gotten a mainstream role that can exist on its own in Chinese culture. He overall succeeds with a stellar acting performance void of those unnecessary one liner’s found in Rush Hour. Still, the atmosphere that exists around him is laden with puns and unconscious racial obscenities.
The film starts in a subtle Detroit atmosphere where Dre (Jaden Smith) and his mother (Tariji P. Henson) are leaving for a new life in Beijing, China. The first thing that is to be noted is the heavy use of English language. Everyone from Dre’s principle to his love interest, Meiying, speaks fluent English.
After making a pass at Meiying, Dre is approached with the vociferous Cheng. Dre tries to fight Cheng but ultimately ends up in the dirt, lacking the kung fu to best Cheng. After getting his ass kicked a few more times, Dre finds rescue at the hands of the maintenance main, Mr. Han (Chan).
Han and Dre go to Cheng’s gym leader to settle the feud, but the Hollywood-esque gym leader challenges Dre to a tournament in return for the bullying to cease. Only here does Han agree to train Dre.
Han notes Dre’s predilection for laziness and punishes him by making him take off and hang up his coat for about 45 minutes of the film. When Dre finally has enough, it is revealed that when he goes through the motion without the coat, he has become a superb blocker, keeping up with all of Han’s punches instantly.
Dre fights in the tournament and is able to beat fighters twice his size. After undoubtedly breaking his leg, he still is able to beat arch-rival Cheng for the title and good has officially defeated evil. The students of the wanton gym leader pledge allegiance to Han and Dre, which is cute, but an ultimately obvious ending.
The film comes up short by only incorporating fifteen minutes of Chinese heritage. We go up to a temple on a mountain to drink spiritual water and do a short routine on top of The Great Wall. In the end, Karate Kid fails to incorporate more scenery than Big Bird Goes To China.
Casting Jaden Smith was an overall ultimate mistake on behalf of director Harald Zwart. The Hollywood pond is too small for the cocky, “I’m better than everything” attitude filled by father Will Smith.
Columbia Pictures had a real opportunity vessel to educate American youth on the misconceived notations of Asian culture. Sadly, they only continued to highlight racial stereotypes on both sides of the Pacific.
You don’t explain why you think Jaden Smith was a bad casting choice besides his “I’m better than everything” attitude. There are no facts that support your statement especially considering the 70% fresh on rottentomatoes and a perfect “A” cinemascore rating. Even an objective person can see that Sony got it right considering the film has already grossed over $125 million in just over 2 weeks. The film cost less that $40 million to make. There is a good chance the film will hit $300 once it is released in the major international markets and China. I don’t understand your rant about not educating American’s about Chinese culture. If you would have done a little research you would have realized this film was a co-production of the Chinese government hence all the photo perfect scenery. And the reason everyone at the school speaks English is because the school is an international school. All of the kids there come from well to do families. Even Cheng the bully. If you don’t like the film thats fine. But to say things that don’t make sense given the reality of the film’s success/production is not being honest.