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The remake of THE KARATE KID was a big hit for the 2010 summer movie season, showing a serious side of Jackie Chan, and making Jaden Smith (son of Will) a bankable star. One of the more successful updates of a classic 1980’s property that we’ve seen in recent year, the film combines exotic locales, and strong performances from its leads. Director Harald Zwart does a nice job introducing a familiar movie idea to a new generation. The film hits DVD and Blu-ray this week, and is loaded with cool bonus features. There’s links to order your copy below.
12-year-old Dre Parker (Jaden Smith) could’ve been the most popular kid in Detroit, but his mother’s (Taraji P. Henson) latest career move has landed him in China. Dre immediately falls for his classmate Mei Ying – and the feeling is mutual – but cultural differences make such a friendship impossible. Even worse, Dre’s feelings make an enemy of the class bully, Cheng. In the land of kung fu, Dre knows only a little karate, and Cheng puts “the karate kid” on the floor with ease. With no friends in a strange land, Dre has nowhere to turn but maintenance man Mr. Han (Jackie Chan), who is secretly a master of kung fu. 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.
Blu-ray Features:
Chinese Lesson
Justin Bieber Music Video
The Making Of
Alternate Ending
Go On Set With Jackie Chan
Train With Jaden Smith
Explore China With Interactive Map
And More!
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Shortly before the film hit theaters, Jaden Smith and Jackie Chan came to Dallas for a special red carpet premiere, co-hosted by the Dallas Film Society, which is led by our buddy Michael Cain (who also puts on the Dallas International Film Festival). Will Smith came with Jaden, and did a nice job of getting the crowd pumped up for the event. I had a chance to talk to the film’s two stars briefly, doing coverage for Bigfanboy.com and The Daily Buzz. If you never got to see the footage before, take a look at it now. Outside of Jaden and Jackie, I also spoke with Dallas’ own Mark Cuban, Marty Turco, and Michael Cain, which you can also watch below.
First up, Jaden Smith and Jackie Chan, arrival and award presentation, and red carpet interviews…
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Here’s interviews with local Dallas celebrities Mark Cuban (owner of the Dallas Mavericks), Marty Turco (goalie for the Dallas Stars), and Dallas Film Society chairman of the board Michael Cain.
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And here’s some footage of Will Smith getting the crowd hyped up for Jaden and Jackie’s appearance…
Born and raised in Dallas, Mark has been a movie critic since 1994, with reviews featured in print, radio and National TV. In 2001 he started the Entertainment section of the Herorealm website, where he contributed film reviews and celebrity interviews until 2004. After three years of service there, he started Bigfanboy.com, which has become one of the Dallas film community's leading information websites. Bigfanboy hosts several movie screenings in the Texas area, and works closely with film and TV studios and promotional partners to host exciting events and contests. The site also features a variety of rare celebrity and filmmaker interviews, and Bigfanboy.com regularly covers the film festival circuit as well. In addition to Hollywood reporting, Mark has worked for many years as an advertising and sci-fi/comic book artist. Clients have included Lucasfilm Ltd., Topps Trading Cards, The Dallas Mavericks and The Dallas Stars. From 2002 until 2015 he managed the Dallas Comic Con, Sci-Fi Expo and Fan Days events in the DFW area. He currently catalogs rare comic books and movie memorabilia for Heritage Auctions, and runs the Dallas Comic Show conventions, but remains an avid moviegoer and cinema buff. 
