Ale Posted May 30, 2010 Author Report Share Posted May 30, 2010 (edited) And this kid is only 11? Jesus..Jaden Smith and Jackie Chan Interview for THE KARATE KID Edited May 30, 2010 by Ale Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Ale Posted May 30, 2010 Author Report Share Posted May 30, 2010 (edited) AICN Review of the Karate Kid...Pros and Cons Here's Geek Padre... Last night, I attended a preview of "The Karate Kid" Remake, and I thought AICN readers might interested in hearing about it. First, I went in with pretty low expectations. After this latest round of craptacular "remakes" or "reimaginings," I was pretty much expecting the worst. However, I came away both pleased and surprised at the quality of the film; they not only created a worthy successor to the previous incarnation, but also created a proper film in its own right. As to the plot of the movie, it is point for point the same as the Ralph Macchio original, so no surprises there. However changing the locale for the big move truly enhanced both the "menace" and the "fish out of water" dimension of the story. Locating the film in China meant that Dre (Jaden Smith) literally had no foothold in the world around him. As much as I was supposed to care about Daniel in the original, I had a hard time sympathizing with his plight. Being moved halfway around the world clarified the emotional content of this movie. And the film had a very broad emotional spectrum: it was equal parts funny, charming, scary, and triumphant. I found myself tearing up several times in the film because the predicaments felt very real as opposed to the original which seemed contrived. The acting across the board is excellent. Taraji P. Henson shines when she is on screen, but she was underutilized. The Chinese actors are all excellent. The young actor who plays Dre's nemesis is much more convincing as the thug/bully than in the original as is the head of the rival Kung Fu school. He's not just a douchebag; he is a real menance, with a Yakuza vibe to him. When he threatens to bring pain and suffering, you know he is not kidding. But the two clear stars are Chan and Smith. Say what you will about Jackie Chan's acting ability, but in this project he showed real depth. As Mr. Han, we see the years both as a martial artist and as a actor come together. I suspect part of the strength of this acting job was being able to act in his native language - he just seemed more comfortable. As for the young Mr. Smith, he is clearly channeling his dad's early career which is fine for a tween actor. What the future holds is a valid question but for now, this level of charm and self-confidence makes Smith incredibly watchable. Using China as the backdrop was simply a stroke of genius. The film could be seen as a travelogue for China and its culture. The cinematography is beautiful and evocative. While we can't read the signs, the filmmakers make sure to create a "neighborhood" and a recognizable home base for the story. There is a very clear message about how both the US and China need each other but it is never really rammed down people's throat. Many times we are treated to the food, the entertainment centers, the atmosphere of Beijing and the surrounding country as well. The martial arts are beautifully executed. As a student of Kung Fu San Soo, both the description of the mindset behind Kung Fu and the execution of the art are spot on. Chan is still the master of cinema martial arts, but every actor in the film shows great ability. In the final scene of the movie, there is a moment when Dre's attackers salute Mr. Han, and I got this scene of Chan handing the torch on to this next generation. The credits mention a CG director but I would be hard pressed to tell you where it came in. The weaknesses of this film are few. Some might have some qualms about the ages of the characters. In this film, the age group is stepped down to middle school, right around 12 years old. For me, this reduction in age added a charming innocent but also ramped up the impact of the violence. Just as seeing "Hit Girl" in "Kick Ass", you get that weird disturbing experience of seeing a child who could seriously harm the adult. For me, that made the film all the more plausible and emotionally resonant. Others might have qualms about the cross culture aspect of the film, making the same complaint against it that was made against "Avatar". From early in the film, you get this sense that the only change Dre will have to make is going from not knowing Kung Fu to knowing Kung Fu. In other words, the film comes off as though the US is culturally superior. But, while the character arc for Dre could have been more developed on this front, viewers will be pleased with how Dre begins to see the value of Chinese culture, especially in regards to respecting family. Lastly, my only head scratching moment was why did the film makers feel the need to keep the original title? This film I think would have worked well without reference to the original but because it is so dependent on the original for plotting and structure, perhaps the filmmakers felt the tip of the hat necessary. My only complaint is that the fighting style is not Karate which originates in Japan but rather Kung Fu, a Chinese martial art. Final point: This is the first film I have seen that is truly a reimagining of the original. And it is so worth your time. If you use this, refer to me as "Geek Padre."Source: http://www.aintitcool.com/node/45283 Edited May 30, 2010 by Ale Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Guest Jazz&Fresh4eva Posted May 31, 2010 Report Share Posted May 31, 2010 jaden with justin bieber!! Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Typhoon20 Posted May 31, 2010 Report Share Posted May 31, 2010 jaden with justin bieber!! Jaden Smith doing a song with Justin Bieber ? How is that even going to work ? How bad will that song be ? After listening to the song I gotta say that's a PRETTY GOOD song and Jaden did pretty well too. I hope this song does good at the charts because it deserves it both of them did a good job. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Jazzy Julie Posted May 31, 2010 Report Share Posted May 31, 2010 (edited) Will is posting the Justin Beiber song all over his facebook this morning, its a pretty good song if u can stand Justin lol. Jadens rap is cute, im sure at one point he says "raised by the power of Will". The kids and JB fans will love it anyway. Edited May 31, 2010 by Jazzy Julie Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Ale Posted May 31, 2010 Author Report Share Posted May 31, 2010 jaden with justin bieber!! Thank you! Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Sandy Posted May 31, 2010 Report Share Posted May 31, 2010 I have to say I like the song. I'm surprised lol Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
VIsqo Posted May 31, 2010 Report Share Posted May 31, 2010 OMG I love the song! who would have known, its kinda inspiring and it doesnt sound like girlie beaver there.. The rapping part may have been written by K Smith though lol Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
MaxFly Posted May 31, 2010 Report Share Posted May 31, 2010 jaden with justin bieber!! Jaden Smith doing a song with Justin Bieber ? How is that even going to work ? How bad will that song be ? After listening to the song I gotta say that's a PRETTY GOOD song and Jaden did pretty well too. I hope this song does good at the charts because it deserves it both of them did a good job. Yeah, it's a cute song. I like the end of Jaden's rap...Gotta be the best, and yes we're the flyest Like David and Goliath, I conquered the giant... Ty, I know you like this part... Like Luke with the force If push comes to shove I'm like Kobe in the 4th Ice water for blood Gotta like a kid from Cali who references Kobe in his rhymes... This kid is alright... lol Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Typhoon20 Posted May 31, 2010 Report Share Posted May 31, 2010 Ty, I know you like this part... Like Luke with the force If push comes to shove I'm like Kobe in the 4th Ice water for blood Gotta like a kid from Cali who references Kobe in his rhymes... This kid is alright... lol Hah I was kinda expecting that. Touche D, touche. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Big Willie Posted May 31, 2010 Report Share Posted May 31, 2010 (edited) Jaden's one talented kid... no lie, thats a hell of a verse for an 11 year old. Theres nothing this kid cant do... Edited May 31, 2010 by Big Willie Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
gosia Posted May 31, 2010 Report Share Posted May 31, 2010 That's the first Justin Biber song that I acctually like. Jaden is a talented kid. He scares me... :laugh: Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Romano338 Posted May 31, 2010 Report Share Posted May 31, 2010 Jaden got some skills in rap ! Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Ale Posted May 31, 2010 Author Report Share Posted May 31, 2010 So this is why Jaden told his dad to stop rapping, 'cos he wants to start his own rap career? :laugh: Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Da Brakes Posted May 31, 2010 Report Share Posted May 31, 2010 LOL! He certainly knows his way around a mic! I guess it runs in the blood!! Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
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