The Karate Kid (2010)

No one beats up Will Smith’s kid and gets away with it as evidenced by The Karate Kid, where Jaden Smith kung fu’s a bully’s ass down a couple of notches. This film is a reboot of the 1984 movie of the same name; however, this film would be more appropriately titled if it was called The Kung Fu Kid (as it is called in China) because as Dre (Jaden Smith) put it himself in the film, “It’s not karate, Mom!”

Even though The Karate Kid isn’t an action movie per se, it is quite a good little family flick. Major props go out to Jaden Smith, he did an awesome job throughout the film. Usually when I watch a movie with a kid in it I have to go, “Ok, this kid is all right, I guess. An adult would be a better actor, though.” I freakin’ believed that Jaden was embarrassed to be seen with his mother at his school. I believed that he really got kicked in the chest. I guess I shouldn’t be surprised that he was rockin’ some might acting chops, though, knowing who his parents are.

The action wasn’t really there, but that wasn’t the point of the film. There were some cool training montages and fight scenes, my favorite being the one where Jackie Chan tricks the bullies into beating up themselves. A 56 year old man schooling a group of 12 year old punks…priceless! So, if you are looking for a good family flick to watch, pick up The Karate Kid. If you’re looking for action, there are plenty of better choices.

Time Until First Fight: ~ 17 minutes

Best Line: “It’s China, Mom! Everyone knows kung fu!”

Action Rating: 1 Jacket On/Jacket Off, out of 5

This is the Action Flick Chick, and you’ve just been kicked in the ass!