Smith has a lot riding on Sony Pictures' Karate Kid. An action legend's appreciation, global acceptance, an '80s revival and his dad's pride
Smith has a lot riding on Sony Pictures' Karate Kid. An action legend's appreciation, global acceptance, an '80s revival and his dad's prideGrowing up through the '80s, there were many films that achieved cult status. At that time, the Karate Kid trilogy was on every boy's to-watch list.
Jackie Chan puts Jaden Smith through the pacesWe all love a little screen violence off and on (and some non-violent advice thrown in as well for good measure), something that was evident in the spawning of three hits that made Mr Miyagi a household name. Ralph Macchio who played the hero in the first two films had his seasons in the sun, but has since, faded into oblivion.
Hopefully, with a superstar for a dad, Jaden Smith should face no such ignominy.
In this Sony Pictures summer release, he plays 12-year-old Dre Parker, an underdog mentored by maintenance man Mr Han, to be able to face up to classroom bullies.
Uprooted from his 'turf' in Detroit, Dre's mother's (played by Taraji P Henson) latest career move sees him in China. He immediately falls for his classmate Mei Yingu00a0-- and the feeling is mutualu00a0-- but cultural differences make such a friendship impossible.
Even worse, Dre makes an enemy of the class bully (and resident kung fu prodigy) Cheng. With no friends in a strange land, Dre has no-one to turn to but Mr Han (Jackie Chan), who is secretly a master of kung fu. He teaches Dre that kung fu isn't about punches and parries but about maturity and calm.
As last outings go, Jaden was likeable (and not halfway as annoying as his sister, Willow who also featured with their dad, actor-producer Will Smith). Definitely something to look forward to, then. Releases June 11.
Ja-done all that!>> Jaden Smith is Will Smith's son and has acted alongside him in The Pursuit of Happyness. The Karate Kid is also being produced by Will Smith.
>> Jaden Smith is only 11 years old. The original karate kid was the boyish Ralph Macchio, who was 23 years old when he first played a high school kid.
CHANGE OF SCENE Although the original series of films was based in the US and featured karate which is Japanese, the 2010 film is based in China and features Chinese kung fu and not karate.
