The Karate Kid . . . Again

The Karate Kid has a place on the “greatest of all times” list. It is a film that is still prominent to this day due in part to a strong 80s era soundtrack and triumphant story of the local underdog. When this kind of magic is created, it is often dangerous to risk improving on a classic.

However, Columbia Pictures will embark on the task and try to catch lightning in a bottle twice with a remake. Starring Jaden Smith (The Pursuit of Happyness), Jackie Chan (Rush Hour) and Taraji P. Henson, the film ventured away from the original, while still staying true to the core story-line.

Dre Parker (Smith) is forced to move to China following his mother’s latest career move. Once there, he immediately falls for his classmate Mei Ying, but cultural differences make such a friendship impossible.

As a result, Dre’s feelings earn him an enemy in the class bully. In the land of Kung fu, Dre knows very little karate and his nemesis can quickly defeat him. With no friends in a strange land, Dre has nowhere to turn but maintenance man Mr. Han (Chan). Han is Kung fu master and takes Dre under his wing. 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.

The trailer features martial arts stunts often seen in Chan’s roles, minus the cheesy humor. Smith showed off his impressive acting chops alongside his father, Will, in The Pursuit of Happyness in 2006, but overall consensus wonders if he can fill such big shoes.

The Karate Kid hits theaters on June 11.