I suppose the original Karate kid proved to audiences that Pat Morita could do something other than comedy. In this new Karate Kid, Jackie Chan proves he can be a serious actor. The smiling jovial marshal arts master type that made Jackie Chan a star is not in this movie at all. Yes, he does fight, and yes, he does not disappoint. What you never have seen before is Jackie Chan playing a tortured down and out character. And surprisingly he pulls it off brilliantly. Jaden Smith shows once again that he can act, but he has actually played more dramatic rolls in his short career then Jackie Chan. This movie first shows that Jackie Chan can act, and second that Jaden Smith has star potential.
While, I love the original movie, this new movie is better. The original was a great b-movie that reached cult status. This new one is much broader in scope. It shows the cult clash between east and west that was never in the first movie. Of course that movie was set in LA, and this new on in China. The film takes full advantage of being shot in China. The new movie also shows the clash within China between more modern and old fashion.
While, I love the original movie, this new movie is better. The original was a great b-movie that reached cult status. This new one is much broader in scope. It shows the cult clash between east and west that was never in the first movie. Of course that movie was set in LA, and this new on in China. The film takes full advantage of being shot in China. The new movie also shows the clash within China between more modern and old fashion.