THE KARATE KID (2010) Movie Reaction | First Time Watch | Jaden Smith, Jackie Chan, Taraji P. Henson

The hosts immediately point out the misnomer in the film's title, arguing it should be 'The Kung Fu Kid' given the movie's setting in China and its explicit focus on kung fu, not karate. They understand the commercial reasoning but highlight the fundamental inaccuracy.

Michael states, 'Karate in China. Technically I this is the thing I've been saying. It's the kung fu kid. It should be, but the title is what gets butts and seats.'

Throughout the film, the hosts repeatedly observe Jaden Smith's striking resemblance to his father, Will Smith, in his mannerisms, facial expressions, and comedic timing. This connection provides a familiar and engaging quality to his portrayal of Dre.

Michael notes, 'God, it's wild watching him cuz you I can just see so many of Will's... Especially from Fresh Prince. Like he just feels like tiny Fresh Prince.' Ashley agrees, 'Yes. That like look.'

The hosts are particularly impressed by Jackie Chan's dramatic acting, especially during Mr. Han's emotional scene in the car. They note his ability to convey deep sorrow and pain with subtle expressions, a departure from his more widely known goofy, action-comedy roles.

Michael states, 'I was actually really blown away by his emotional scene in the car... The sorrow in his eyes as he's like looking at Dre through this windshield. You just felt it and like the intensity was there and it wasn't in big facial expressions... It was subtle. It was still, it was just like all in here, but you read everything you needed to from that moment.'

The 2010 film's fight scenes are praised for their realism, complexity, and the impressive skill demonstrated by the young actors. The hosts appreciate the longer shots and wider angles used in Jackie Chan's fight, which highlight genuine martial arts prowess, a step up from the original's quicker cuts.

Michael remarks, 'I loved the fight scenes. I think this I mean, you know, The Karate Kid is original Karate Kid is a product of its time and so there was sort of this we just want to have the cool moves... but it was really really quick and you don't see a lot of what's going on and so this one really did its best to focus on the actual fight and the moves and showing the structure and how it's done.'

The hosts highlight how the reboot, while paying homage to the original, successfully creates its own identity through distinct emotional arcs and a more authentic portrayal of Chinese culture. The setting in China allows for a deeper exploration of kung fu's philosophy and a less romanticized view of the country.

Michael notes, 'They found ways to make thematically and emotionally different... it becomes its own story.' Ashley adds, 'It was really nice to see their take on China and just kind of showing perhaps showing China in a way that people might not have really seen it before. Like it was just this is the China that you just live in. It's not like romanticized or like overly romanticized.'