Movie Review: The Karate Kid by Sony Pictures

The Karate Kid by Sony Pictures, available on Blu-ray and DVD October 5th

Starring Jaden Smith and Jackie Chan

Well, let’s face it. You don’t go to a movie like this to expecting to see Academy Award quality acting, directing, or cinematography. You go to a movie like this for the same reason my father continues to read and re-read books by Louis L’Amour—There’s good guys, there’s bad guys, but in the end the hero always wins and he always gets the girl. And if that’s what you’re looking for in a movie, The Karate Kid most definitely delivers.

For the most part the film follows a similar storyline to the original Karate Kid (FYI The original was filmed 26 years ago!) This time the tale takes place in China and stars Jaden Smith (Will Smith’s son) as the karate kid (Dre) and Jackie Chan in the role of mentor. After moving to a new school with his single-parent mom, trouble begins immediately as a group of thugs begin to bully Dre. As a parent bullying is one thing that makes my blood boil, even if it takes place in China. I am glad to see the issue addressed in a major Hollywood film.

As in the original, the mentor takes the new kid under his wing to teach him karate. He drills the basics into him day after day and insists fighting should not be your first option, but if you must fight to defend yourself, you must do it honorably. This is something we try to teach our sons in our home, and I think the message was effectively delivered. Is there violence? Sure. But it’s a film about fighting so what do you expect. There was nothing gratuitous and I don’t recall even a drop of blood being shown.

As I was watched Karate Kid for this review, my two boys somehow managed to work their way into the room. With what I consider a typical film in this day and age I would have immediately pushed them back out the door. But with this movie I had absolutely no qualms or concerns with what they were seeing. Karate Kid is a fun movie. It is safe, and it delivers a good message. This is a flick the entire family can enjoy.

Also: A discussion from a different perspective at TravelingMom.com

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