Remaking classic movies is always risky business but if done correctly, can prove a phenomenal success.
Judging by the rave reviews and the fact that the Sony Pictures are already in talks about a sequel, it seems that the decision to remake The Karate Kid was a wise move.
STV film critic Grant Lauchlan caught up with stars of the movie, Jackie Chan and Jaden Smith, to get the inside track on the action packed flick.
Jaden, son of Will Smith, said: “You know I always knew that the original Karate kid was great so I knew this one had to be great.”
Movie legend, Jackie Chan revealed that he thinks the beauty of this movie lies in the fact that the action is real. He said: “Around the world right now, there are so many special effects movies, but this is a real movie.”
Perhaps the secret of its success also lies in the fact this film is not a direct copy of the 1984 classic, it merely pays homage to the well-loved original.
At just 12 years old Jaden Smith is fast following in the footsteps of his incredibly successful and much loved father.
The youngster had take martial arts lessons prior to the movie but Jackie Chan couldn’t quite believe just how good he was.
Chan told Grant: “In the beginning I didn’t believe it. I brought over my best guy from the Jackie Chan stunt school to train him for three months and after he called me and I said ‘how is it?’ He said ‘he’s good’ and I thought after three months how can good he can be?
“I fly to LA for rehearsal and he showed me all the movement – I thought he had been training for five years!
“After movie I tell Will Smith don’t waste your sons talent. Continue training so I send my best guy to LA and he’s still training now. I can’t imagine in five years time when he’s seventeen – waow.”
Praise indeed from the king of martial arts.
See Jaden and Jackie in action in the perfect family film, The Karate Kid, in cinemas now.
