‘Karate Kid’ knocks out competition, garners Oscar talks for Jackie Chan
6/14/2010 12:02:00 PM
kenmouse
, Posted in
Despite criticisms behind the remaking of a revered 1980s classic and a misleading title that instead showcases the Chinese martial art of kung fu instead of the original movie’s usage of Japan’s karate, the American premiere of Jaden Smith & Jackie Chan’s vehicle “The Karate Kid” greatly exceeded expectations by topping the box office at an excellent US$56 million opening.
The 2010 remake began receiving much criticism immediately after news from the movie’s studio announcing productions for the flick. One of the more common criticisms of the movie related to the studio changing the remake’s initial title “The Kung Fu Kid” to the 1984’s original title’s “The Karate Kid”, in favor of tying the new version to an existing movie name brand over accuracy. The gamble eventually paid off in America (the initial title was retained outside American shores), as name recognition drew huge audiences and strong positive reviews silenced skeptics’ issues in remaking a classic.
The 2010 remake began receiving much criticism immediately after news from the movie’s studio announcing productions for the flick. One of the more common criticisms of the movie related to the studio changing the remake’s initial title “The Kung Fu Kid” to the 1984’s original title’s “The Karate Kid”, in favor of tying the new version to an existing movie name brand over accuracy. The gamble eventually paid off in America (the initial title was retained outside American shores), as name recognition drew huge audiences and strong positive reviews silenced skeptics’ issues in remaking a classic.
Who would have thought a 12-year-old descended from Hollywood royalty would be the summer box office savior? Such is the case as Jaden Smith and his starring role in The Karate Kid propelled the box office to 11 percent up from last year at this time, when everyone was talking The Hangover and Up. He also dominated over the macho A-Team, more than doubling the opening weekend gross of the ’80s television adaptation. In a summer that’s been primarily dominated by misfires, we’ll take the good news even if it means Mr. Jaden Smith is going to command quite a paycheck the next time he lands a starring role.
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