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A New Karate Kid Movie?

November 14, 2008 | Author: Matthew | Filed under: Martial Arts, Opinion, Recent Events, children, karate

Welcome to the land of nothing-is-sacred (aka Hollywood).

Word got out that there is a new Karate Kid movie in the works.  This film is projected to be a continuation of the Karate Kid storyline that will “borrow elements” from the originals (as opposed to being a strict remake).  Slated for the lead role is Jaden Smith, 10 year old son of Will Smith.

Some other tidbits about the production-

“‘The Karate Kid’ will be produced by Jerry Weintraub (who launched the original franchise) and Overbrook Entertainment’s James Lassiter, Will Smith and Ken Stovitz. It will be the second movie on which Will Smith and his 10-year-old son Jaden work together.

The shooting will start next year and the remake will be written by Chris Murphy. The movie will reportedly continue the plot of the 1984 hit and will go with the action in more exotic locations such as Beijing and other cities. China Film Group Corp. will co-produce in China.

Just like in any other karate movie, Jaden will play the role of a bullied kid who is eventually trained by a mentor in various and unexpected ways (remember the waxing method?) to finally beat the bullies.” - EfluxMedia

Also -

“The part of Pat Morita’s inimitable Mr. Miyagi has yet to be cast, but given Jaden’s apparent inability to appear onscreen without pops by his side, don’t be surprised when Big Willie’s Dojo takes on Cobra Kai in this updated version.” - Variety

I’m a fair guy, so let’s start off with something I like about all this.  Will Smith is a pretty fantastic actor.  I’ve enjoyed Independence Day, the Omega Man remake (I Am Legend), and of course Fresh Prince of Bel-Air.

Now, this is a story all about how
My life got flipped-turned upside down…

Will Smith is great.  And honestly, there is nothing wrong with his son either.  He is a talented child actor.  The problem is in the principle.

The Karate Kid Movies (1 and 2 especially) were a rare occurrence.  They were films that brought together entertainment, culture, and martial arts in a way that had never been done before.  I can’t think of any other movie that tries harder to express real martial spirit (not just ass kicking).

Furthermore, the original movies were steeped in Goju-Ryu, a legitimate karate style. The training done by Daniel (paint the fence, sand the floor) were all taken within the context of Goju-Ryu kata.  Amongst those kata, Tensho was utilized most predominantly. (Tensho shown below)

It’s extremely rare for a movie writer who cares about moral message and historical relevance to get together with producers and film makers who care about the same thing.

That’s why, when it happens, you appreciate it and leave it alone.

Or…if you’re a Hollywood exec…you try to squeeze a couple more pennies out of it. like so:

The Next Karate Kid was a corny, canned remake of the original plotline, which was an especially bad idea because Karate Kid III was already a pretty corny, canned remake of the original plotline.  The additional problem with Next Karate Kid is that they threw out all of the things that made Karate Kid plausible.  Instead of focusing on Okinawa, now the focus was on mysterious Buddhist monasteries (real original) and proving that Hilary Swank, with a weeks worth of training, could beat up 6 or 7 dudes without breaking a sweat. Blech.

Unfortunately, it seems like Hollywood didn’t learn from its failed resurrection attempts and will have another go at it.

Premature Predictions About The New Karate Kid:

Jaden will be 11-12 yrs old when the filming of this movie starts…what karate are we really going to see here?  When I teach kids, I focus on very simple self defense techniques like foot stomping, shin kicking, and calling for help.  What do you think Jaden is going to do? (Answer: spinning hook kicks while surrounded by 5 bullies).

Replacing thoughtful commentary between Daniel and Mr. Miyagi will be canned “lessons learned” moments.

Replacing a coming of age story will be super adventures to “exotic locations” and pouty “stop picking on me!” scenes.

Will Smith will be funny, entertaining, and maybe even a little moving…but it still won’t excuse the fact that they chose to throw the original Karate Kid movies under the bus in order to get a little extra publicity and buzz.

***

Update – Jackie Chan slated to play Mr. Miyagi.  Read about it here.

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This entry was posted on Friday, November 14th, 2008 and is filed under Martial Arts, Opinion, Recent Events, children, karate. You can follow any responses to this entry through the RSS 2.0 feed. You can leave a response, or trackback from your own site.

xygoxen
  • Matt...I think you're the best around (Nothing's gonna ever keep you down).

    Also, I'm against the remake. I just don't think Hollywood should mess with this classic. However, a silver lining of this whole thing may be that it will bring more people to the original, and maybe then some more people into the martial arts. So some good may come of it yet.
  • I heard this the other day, Matt, and like you, I was really dissapointed. I, too, like Will Smith. But I don't think it can be remade in a respectable way. Nothing will ever top the original. Even serious martial artists (not just 43 year old moms like me and 10 year old boys like my son)almost all agree the original conveys the real meaning of martial arts. So, I will absolutely have to see it when it comes out to DVD (I wouldn't go to the show and pay that much to see it.) And if I'm wrong, I'll say I'm wrong,but I have a suspicion that I, and you, are right, Matt...it will just be a cheap imitation.
  • I'm against remakes in general. Granted, there have been some worthwhile ones done. As a writer, though, I really just want to see some freakin' originality. Please.
  • Actually I'm surprised they're bothering with a karate movie at all in this day and age. I think they should leave The Karate Kid alone, these Hollywood do-overs are really getting out of hand. But who knows, it may turn out pretty decent.
  • You're not being too protective. It's going to be silly and predictable. Your prediction is dead on. That being said, I think we should try to get an advance screening for The BBM Review. Sweet.
  • BBM, you'll probably have quite a wait even for an advanced screening. I think I remember them saying it wasn't even in production yet.
  • Karate Kid Fan
    I've heard about this new Karate Kid movie as well. To be fair, there have been some remakes that I thought were better than the originals, but there have been many more remakes that I thought were much worse than the originals. I think this movie will fall into the second category.

    From the little plot that has been released, it doesn't fit into the overall Karate Kid story, so why make it part of the franchise? I mean China, come on! Wouldn't it be more appropriate to call it The Kung Fu Kid? I agree with Matt that the action scenes will most likely reflect the current martial arts fads such as XMA and Sport MMA. Getting away from the current fad was what made the original movies so good. They moved away from things like flying kicks across a room and the militaristic mentality in dojos. It focused more on things like traditions, history, honor, and the student teacher relationship. I believe it was a true renaissance moment for martial arts.

    Why don't they just make it its own stand alone story while still keeping with the genre as other movies have done in the past like Showdown (Billy Blanks), Sidekicks (Mako / Chuck Norris / Joe Piscopo), and Never Back Down? I think it will get a much better reception that way.

    My final thoughts: This was the first martial arts movie I ever saw. It was the main reason I started martial arts. So even if this new movie sucks (which it probably will), it won't matter to me because I will always have the originals. The only thing I have left to say is if they stay with the Karate Kid name they better bring back Bill Conti to do the music.
  • I have my doubts that Hollywood will do a good job of it. I hope that I am wrong.
  • Terry mays
    I think the remake is a big thing and im black! so please that being said dont any brothers or sister think im just try keep big willy and his kid down. this is almost as bad as what they did with best of the best
  • Riz
    'Tis the season for remakes...In Hollywood-time, seasons last about 2-4 years. A remake of The Karate Kid is a pretty bad idea; having a 12 year old (let's be optimistic!) as the star is a pretty worrying sign - it brings images of 3 Ninjas to mind...(and what's the bet that most of his 'Karate' training will take place with an eccentric ex-Shaolin monk?
  • Riz - I'm thinking you're right! I'm hearing more and more about filming being done in China under the umbrella that "martial arts started in China".
  • mike
    This is my first time visiting this site, I came accross it while looking up the movie. I read your comments and I have to agree with you. Some movies should not be remade,They are good just as they are. Karate Kid is one of those movies. I was about 8 when I saw that movie and I now have a 7 year old daughter who loves that movie. The movie is timeless. Now I wouldnt mind seeing a Karate Kid that would maybe bring Daniel back, maybe this time as the teacher taking the student. After all its been many years the story would fit and it might be cool to see who his character has become over the years.
  • Jamie
    If they want to make a new Karate kid movie, they need to do a story inside of a story. There is another whole story in itself about Mr. Miyagi, he is a war hero, and faced oposition from his own home land. I believe that if Hollywood wanted to make this a success they need to go down this road, and remember I brought up this topic so if it comes to be I want some credit of some sort.
  • tony breid
    i cant wait, but check my son out he is 8 and england
    pewee karate champion look on youtube
    for karate kid brad whitehouse and you will see.

    thanks
  • Kevin Seddon
    Karate Kid is an imortal classic of the 80's! I can still watch it and then watch it again in the same day! Nobody can replace Pat Morita as Miyagi. The film still gves you goose bumps at the end even though you know Daniel wins!! It should be left alone especially as Pat Morita has passed away. It ain't broke, don't fix it, we're happy with it as it is! Perfect 1st time around, I won't watch a remake or 5th attempt!
  • ishinryukevin
    Can we please fire jackie chan and hire ralph to play the sensei it will make for a better movie.
    If it wasn't for the karate kid i would have never took karate and i've been taking karate for 23 years now i'm a fouth degree blackbelt Thank god i was from the older generation cause i think this movie will flop big time
  • PhillySteve
    It was actually a Japanese monastery in Next Karate Kid...Still an awful blight on the Karate Kid name, though.
  • Ahh, good catch Steve. It's been awhile since I've seen that one (which is no accident), so I must have forgot it was Japanese in origin.
  • leeandy
    no way this movie will not work are you kidding leave it alone
  • fondayellowman
    What No way!! I love Jackie Chan I bet he would be a cool sensei He's cool I wish i could do the Drunken Master:D
  • Becky
    Sorry-I am not going to see it. I saw all 3 originals in the theaters. Pat Morita must be spinning in his grave. No offense to Jackie Chan-great actor-nor to WIll Smiths son-but sorry.
  • Sscout
    Actually, I think its not such a bad idea honestly

    In our day that movie inspired many of us...and today, our kids watch what we saw and all most of them see is "one of mom or dads old flicks". Spin out the new one, and no, its not a remake persay, its a spinoff from the original actually, a continuation of the basic storyline in a different direction, and they get a glimpse of what we saw

    Do I think its the same? No, not really, but Im not going to bash anyone or anything before giving them a chance, it really doesnt make sense to flame on a movie or the actors for it until youve seen the movie, or at least, thats how Ive always viewed it, give them a chance before just dumping em in a pop, none yall have seen it yet, so I dont understand why the bashfest:/
  • It's cool that you're willing to give it a go Scout. Most of the bashing is coming from a reaction out of their approach more than of the movie itself. They are taking a movie franchise that, like you said, means a lot to a lot of people and are trying to milk the last few coins out of it. If the new movie were true to the series this might not be so objectionable, but what you've got here is a movie that has nothing to do with karate and is being called 'karate kid'.

    This is another example of hollywood not taking the time to create something original and instead piggybacking on an existing franchise. It's the remake duldrums.
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