The Karate Kid

Name: The Karate Kid
Genre: Action, Drama, Sport, Family
Released: June 11, 2010
Duration: 140 min
Rating: 61
Cast: Jackie Chan, Jaden Smith, Taraji P. Henson

2010

METASCORE

Generally favorable reviews based on 37 Critic Reviews

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USER SCORE

Generally favorable reviews based on 314 Ratings

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6.5	User Score Generally favorable reviews based on 314 Ratings

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The Karate Kid

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Movie Details & Credits

Columbia Pictures | Release Date: June 11, 2010 | PG

Starring: Jackie Chan, Jaden Smith, Taraji P. Henson

Summary: 12-year-old Dre Parker could've been the most popular kid in Detroit, but his mother's latest career move has landed him in China. Dre immediately falls for his classmate Mei Ying—and the feeling is mutual—but cultural differences make such a friendship impossible. Even worse, Dre's feelings make an enemy of the class bully, Cheng. In the12-year-old Dre Parker could've been the most popular kid in Detroit, but his mother's latest career move has landed him in China. Dre immediately falls for his classmate Mei Ying—and the feeling is mutual—but cultural differences make such a friendship impossible. Even worse, Dre's feelings make an enemy of the class bully, Cheng. In the land of kung fu, Dre knows only a little karate, and Cheng puts “the karate kid” on the floor with ease. With no friends in a strange land, Dre has no one to turn except maintenance man Mr. Han, who is secretly a master of kung fu. As Han teaches Dre that kung fu is not about punches and parries, but maturity and calm, Dre realizes that facing down the bullies will be the fight of his life. (Sony Pictures)… Expand

Director: Harald Zwart

Genre(s): Action, Drama, Sport, Family

Rating: PG

Runtime: 140 min

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Critic Reviews

Steve Persall

What's fun is how the new Karate Kid embraces and vastly improves the cliches, keeping the plot cleverly updated for a generation that never heard of Ralph Macchio. Read full review

Richard Corliss

Jaden may have to carry the burden of family celebrity, even as he carries his new film. Expertly. Read full review

Ty Burr

The one thing that should have been changed but hasn’t is the title, which makes no sense at all in a movie about kung fu. Read full review

Marc Savlov

A winning update of a classic piece of Eighties' filmmaking, and that in itself is something of a coup. Read full review

Betsy Sharkey

A kung fu kick of a film that hits more than it misses. Read full review

Frank Scheck

It's a measure of the times that the new version of The Karate Kid manages to be longer and bigger-budgeted than the original while having lesser impact. Read full review

Kyle Smith

A popcorn picture that thinks it’s “The Last Emperor,” The Karate Kid is about as likely to grab your youngster’s attention as any other propaganda film made by the Chinese government. Read full review

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User Reviews

Huey_Freeman

Jun 26, 2012

Jaden Smith's first star vehicle The Karate Kid (the movie was sold out since the 11:15am show when I saw it) and....wow. I was truly impressed as I only went in with modest expectations. Not only was it a very good remake, it's the best movie so far this summer, and it stands on it's ownJaden Smith's first star vehicle The Karate Kid (the movie was sold out since the 11:15am show when I saw it) and....wow. I was truly impressed as I only went in with modest expectations. Not only was it a very good remake, it's the best movie so far this summer, and it stands on it's own two feet and surpasses the original in a lot of ways (which one is better will probably be generational. From the standing ovation these kids at the theater I attended gave this film I'm pretty sure from 15 or so on down, it will be this one.) But first off, let me start by saying this: To anyone who doubts that Jaden Smith can act (which he ironically already proved in The Pursuit of Happyness), is a star, or deserved this movie: See The Karate Kid. I don't care how you see it. Pirated. Bootleg. Or the old fashion way (like I saw it cause I'm cool like that) by buying a frickin' ticket and sitting in an auditorium with a bunch of cheering 10 year olds (I swear I've never seen kids give a movie a damn near standing ovation like they did during this film's finale). Jaden Smith has just silenced his haters. From here on out, if you don't like Jaden Smith: fine. Whatever petty reason you've given yourself to make you not like an innocent 10 year old. Fine. But you can't say he's not talented. Cause he is. If nothing has proven it to you before, THIS will. He carries the film on his little shoulders, shows leading man qualities (has a 10 year old ever done that?!?!? And Im being serious here). Has a ten year old ever acted in a film and not only carried it but possessed the charm, charisma, quick wit, comedic timing, dramatic presence and physicality of a hero all in the same movie?!?!? I shutter to think, I couldn't think of any leaving the theater. If they have, please point them out to me so I can say bravo to them to. His performance was truly great and the fact that he did all of his own stunts and clearly learned kung fu and looks not only believable but in command of the craft is some sort of a mini-miracle. This little dude is miniature Will Smith of the highest caliber. He WILL be a star (pun, intended). Only thing can stop that is, well, him. Barring any personal issues, the kid will go far. Very far. He has it all. And as cliche as it may sound the biggest development to come out of the Karate Kid is that "A Star is Born". Don't believe me: watch it for yourself. But I digress, I only spent so much time on the Jaden issue because all the unwarranted hatred thrown his way is beyond disturbing. I have never seen such vitriolic speech directed towards a kid in my life. Not even the kid from Problem Child and he was a certified a-hole! But anyway, the movie is good. Jackie Chan was surprisingly really good (and I mean really really good like Oscar-nominee good) in a dramatic turn as Dre Parker's mentor. The action was better than the original's and the heart and soul was just as engaging and entertaining. Though lacking the iconic "wax on, wax off"-moment what they do with "jacket on, jacket off" was truly surprising and pretty good stuff when you realize what Mr. Han was really teaching him. Instead of the "Crane Kick" we do have another pose and it's pretty damn good too. To me, the original will always be special. I remember Daniel-son, and Mr. Miyagi is a fuggin' legend in every sense of the word. I'm actually utterly surprised this remake was so well made and engaging. Even though every one in the theater knew the outcome, everyone was still cheering and/or elated and moved by the movies "big moments". That in itself is pretty impressive. It's like if people were still surprised even though they knew who the killer(s) were in Scream 4 before seeing it. Could you imagine that? Yea, I couldn't either. Which is why I'm surprised at how good this remake was.… Expand

2 of 5 users found this helpful23

JamesM.

Jun 18, 2010

It was really really good the action was great and i got to say they were all really good actors and my favorite part is when he saw the snake and he was staring at mr han.

0 of 1 users found this helpful

Jboy2468

Nov 28, 2011

This movie is a great remake of an awesome movie. It paves a decent story and has a pretty good set of characters. The film changes the background of the original, and does it well. The choice of using kids instead of teenagers wasn't good, and makes the movie slightly takes a downside turn.This movie is a great remake of an awesome movie. It paves a decent story and has a pretty good set of characters. The film changes the background of the original, and does it well. The choice of using kids instead of teenagers wasn't good, and makes the movie slightly takes a downside turn. This movie is great otherwise and is very underrated.… Expand

2 of 2 users found this helpful20

shadowguy654

Oct 12, 2016

This movie is good but I have 2 problems that I can't get over it.The problems are that this movie got some scenes that are stupid and just boring.But this movie is funny,awesome and got good action.So I am giving this film a 7.3/10

0 of 1 users found this helpful01

CineAutoctono

Dec 9, 2015

The Karate Kid was an amazing movie of 1984 , in 2010 , was slightly exciting, but surprisingly, also certainly entertaining, good job of Jackie Chan and Jaden Smith.

0 of 0 users found this helpful00

homer4president

Mar 13, 2015

I have to say it followed the typical kid becoming something story plot. Boy moves to new place, meets girl, then bully. That being said, maybe I'm just too picky about remakes or maybe its too high of a shoe to fill.

0 of 0 users found this helpful00

BrandonB.

Jun 16, 2010

I just want to ask Chad S. what the f*ck a "celluloidal time capsule" is.

0 of 0 users found this helpful

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43	#43 Most Discussed Movie of 2010
12	#12 Most Shared Movie of 2010