The new Karate Kid has appeared on Netflix for instant download. I had been curious since hearing about the remake and we finally all sat down to watch it. I was pleasantly surprised.
Aside from the annoying aspects that child actors generally bring to movies, the Smith kid did a really good job. Jackie Chan was more subdued than normal but it really worked in his role as Mr. Han. Even though he did not beat up anyone with a ladder, it was still a good performance.
The plot was unchanged. The script, for the most part was unchanged. It was the 80's version of the movie moved to China. Even much of the dialogue was word for word. I'm fairly certain one child told the new Johnny to sweep the leg, but I do not speak Chinese so I can't be certain.
It seems as though people in China don't have fences or a fleet of classic cars to wax so the exercises were updated as well. These were quite fun and gave me an idea for a new game to play with the kids where you stand on opposite sides of a hanging sheet and punch the child with a boxing glove on a stick.
Oh, and the crane kicked has been replaced with a move that would whoop Danielsan's ass.
I did miss the Cobra Kai but they were there in spirit. I'm fairly certain that the instructor was channeling John Kreese.
The kids loved the movie and have asked to watch it again.
It was a nice update to the classic and would make a fun family night flick.
Fair warning - the kids are going to be kicking a lot afterward.
It was much better than I thought it would be. I love Chan but I missed Pat Morito
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