Movie Review: "The Karate Kid"

I'm reviewing the new version of "The Karate Kid" starring Jaden Smith (Wil Smith's kid) and Jackie Chan. But, when reviewing the new version, one can't help but compare to the original, 1980's classic, "The Karate Kid" starring a very young Ralph Macchio, Pat Morita and Elisabeth Shue. Frankly, the new version doesn't stack up to the original. Now, maybe that's because I'm a child of the 80's, or maybe it's because I absolutely loved the original when I was a kid, or maybe it's because this new version just wasn't that good. I put it at 2-2.5 stars at best.

There are many reasons why.

1. Jaden Smith - While he has many of his father's facial expressions down, he's just not that great in this movie. He's no Ralph Macchio (a.k.a Daniel-san).
2. Jackie Chan - Normally, I love Jackie Chan. The guy is hilarious, but he just doesn't stack up when compared to Mr. Miyagi. And come on...no "Wax On, Wax Off?" Unbelievable!!! This new film parallels the original in so many ways, yet drops one of the best lines. I mean, some of the lines are 99.9% the same...it just makes no sense.
3. A romance between 12 year olds? Ok, it was fine when it was Daniel and Ali (Elisabeth Shue) because they were at least playing high schoolers. These kids are supposed to be 12...boys barely notice girls at age 12.
4. The new version is set in Beijing and they are doing Kung Fu. It's the "Karate" kid, not the "Kung Fu Kid". And, the use of subtitles for the Chinese was inconsistent at best.
5. The villains in this one weren't as good as the Cobra Kai. There's something endearing about cheesy, 1980's high school stereotype villains and their Sensei that you just can't capture with 12 year old Chinese kids and a middle aged dude with weird hair.
6. The music wasn't as good. Who will ever forget, "You're the Best Around" by Joe Esposito.
7. Daniel's mom was slightly annoying in the original. Dre's (Jaden Smith) mom is slightly more annoying.
8. If you remember the very end of the original movie, with Mr. Miyagi and Sensei Kreese of the Cobra Kai...well let's just say that you may be disappointed that they deviated from the original.

My recommendation is skip this version of "The Karate Kid" and instead watch the original. You'll be much happier, and it'll bring back positive memories of a simpler time, when the big debate was VHS or Beta.