I’m not sure I know how to give this movie the praise it is due. 
Let me start by saying that this is one of the very few re-imaginings / remakes of an old movie, that is actually far better than the original.
Let me go on by saying that this movie triumphs where most summer movies fail miserably. Let me explain.
Summer movies are build to shine hard and bright and then fade into nothing. In other words, they are designed to do the following:
You walk into the theater, you sit down, strap your shit on, you laugh, you ooh, you aah, you sit at the edge of your seat, you get eye candy galore, they draw the curtains, you go home, and life goes on as if you never went to the movies at all.
Now that is your average summer movie. Actually that’s your average main stream movie in general.
Summer popcorn flicks, are designed to be highly entertaining, but also absolutely, utterly, forgetful.
This movie, is perpetually memorable. And that to me is a huge plus as far as summer movies go.
So now you may scratch your head and go “hmm, okay… memorable, ho-hum, but does it function like a well oiled summer popcorn flick!?”
The answer is a loud, heart throbbing, fist pumping YES!
It has everything a summer movie should have and then some. Let me list ‘em for you.
- Strong characters
- Humor
- Action
- Story
- Above average cinematography
- Fantastic choreography
- Strong acting for a summer movie
Yes, you get all those and more in this movie. And just when you think “Alright nice little list there Bob, but isn’t this a family flick, if I bring my kid to this, how does he get his jollies off on it!?”
Well he gets off on how this has a very strong message behind it, it’s an extremely uplifting film, in the sense that the story is one many people can easily relate to, myself included (Having moved from one place to another, feeling unwelcome in the new place, being bullied heavily, loneliness), and show how this kid rises above his situation, and finds himself and a true friend in the process.
Moving on, I think this is probably Jackie Chan’s best role to date, and sure that’s not saying much, but the man really shines here. The humor he is known for is here, but very subtle, very well implemented. Think of what he was doing for his entire career as a banshee screaming to be heard, and this, as gentle as a slight gesture in Tai Chi.
Jaden Smith also does an absolutely phenomenal job in this one. I mean as far as child actors go, this one is on par with the best of them, he pulls off a very believable role from start to finish.
The chemistry between student and master that blooms into a rock solid friendship is beautifully captured in this movie. You absolutely love the chemistry between Chan and Smith.
This is a story that gets you to care about the characters, and invest in them completely. You want to know more about Chan’s character, you want to see the bond between mother and son strengthen, you want to see Smith grow into his own and find his niche in this strange new country he’s in. And you are rewarded in full by the end.
From the beginning all the way to the end credits (with beautiful, casual photography from the filming of the movie) this movie is everything you could want from a summer family film, and then some.
I strongly encourage you to watch this movie if you have not just yet.
This is a very strong contender for movie of the summer in my book. It has a very strong lead over its competitors, because it’s so well put together and balanced as a film, and also because it succeeds in being memorable. This one will stick with you for quite a while.
The summer is still young, but what’s yet to come has a hell of a job trying to knock out the Karate Kid.
Fun fact: This movie was produced by both of Jaden’s folks, that’s right Will and Jada are producers on this gem. Bravo guys.
10/10
