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Movie: The Karate Kid (2010)

The Karate Kid (2010) is a semi martial arts movie - the remake of the 1984 movie of the same name but with a slightly different plot and different actors. For this 2010 version, Jaden Smith (Will Smith's son) and Jackie Chan are the main stars.

Here's the synopsis: Due to work, Mrs. Parker (Taraji P. Henson) has to move from their home in Detroit, America to Beijing, China with her son, Dre Parker (Jaden Smith). In Beijing, Dre quickly develops a crush for one of his new classmates, Mei Ying, a blossoming violinist. Because of this, he's bullied by Cheng, a martial arts student.

Devastated and in fear, Dre befriends the maintenance man, Mr. Han (Jackie Chan) who turns out to be a kung fu master. Han is hesitant to teach Dre kung fu in the beginning. However, he gives in and spends his time to train Dre so that Dre could face those who bully him and gain respect in this foreign land. Thus begins a unique friendship between Han and Dre.

Most people whom I know give this movie good ratings. To me, there are a few reasons why I don't quite enjoy watching it.

1) For a movie as long as 2 hours and 30 minutes, The Karate Kid is a tad too long and draggy, especially during the first 1.5 hours. Dre's daily training sequences are rather monotonous, repetitive, and not exciting. I'm rather disappointed. The most watchable part of the movie happens during the last 30 minutes or so - the final fighting scene.

2) Jaden Smith is quite a disrespectful young fella for his age (12 years old). He's good in martial arts, no doubt about that. However, in other scenes that involve lengthy conversation with his mom and Mr. Han, he can be rather rude and loud.

3) There's basically no chemistry between Dre and Mei Ying, his crush. This young onscreen pair looks so awkward and unnatural. Not that I'm racist, but they just don't match.

4) Jackie Chan. Honestly speaking, I'm not quite sure what's wrong with him in this movie but he's no match to 1984's Mr. Miyagi. Period.

I've warned you beforehand, this is another disappointing remake. However, if you must watch, go ahead. :)

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