The Karate Kid

[phatz]

i will be there too :)

[prettyxcool]

Are you going Beate? Im going Monday.

Me too - Monday - I would rather go tonight as it is nearer! But alas, off to the open air theatre tonight for The Crucible - penultimate night - as a friend is visiting from overseas and wants to watch football tomorrow night, so had to booked tickets for tonight.

[superhero]

I think this screening was about as full as I've seen recently for Empire 1. I really really enjoyed this update, I can't remember the original very much, but I do remember catching a fly with chopsticks and wax on/wax off and cleverly this film makes fun of it. The highlight must be Jaden Smith, I think without a doubt a new star is born in Hollywood. I think he carried the film, whilst Jackie Chan was a better than normal supporting act (He still can't act in Hollywood films). I know it's abit OTT training at the Great Wall, but the scenery was generally very spectacular and I noticed the soundtrack was quite jazzed up, no doubt helped by having Will Smith as a producer. It could have done with some more editing to reduce the 2hrs 20 mins running time, esp. Mr Han's side story, but the film belonged to Jaden Smith. 8/10

[hdaniel82]

Just on the way home from watching this at Empire Leicester Square. I really didn't have fantastic expectations but I thought it was brilliant!! Jayden Smith is a really great little actor, and he clearly really trained hard for that role. He looked ripped for a little guy by the end of his training! A real crowd pleaser, there was cheering and everything! Highly recommended!

Solid 9/10!

[superhero]

Yep, there was loud clapping at the end and for once I agreed!!!! Well deserved applause at the end.

[valda]

I was there too and the cinema was packed, (as packed as it was for black Death). I loved the film, but it could have done with paring down a bit. I was waiting for the training to start which seemed to take ages but good things come to those who wait

Jayden is fantastic, such a natural actor, he was amazing and for such a young kid, was able to carry the film. I wonder if there are anymore little Pinkett-Smiths around? I don't normally like Jackie Chan but he was very noble in this and I loved the growing relationship between the master and pupil. China looked beautiful and I was wondering if the Chinese had put money into the film and they had.

Man I wish I had the willpower to train like that

Roll on Sunday when I see it again 9/10

[Beate]

Cinema was packed, and I noticed a lot of people wandering in with these big cardboard tickets. When I went to the toilet, I was told to take one so they would allow me back in. Of course I kept it!

Lots of lovely moments in the film. Jaden Smith really carries the film, he looks just like Dad and is just as cheeky. The film is really funny in places. Predictable of course, but hey, what did you expect! And I did cry with Jackie Chan for his lost family. The fighting scene between Chan and the bunch of kids was kind of funny, you wanted to shout "Hey, don't you know who this is? Don't mess with Jackie Chan!" Little Dre being taught how to hang up his coat was pretty funny too. Loved the scenery, but wasn't quite sure why the film is called Karate Kid if he is clearly taught Kung Fu! Could have done with it being shorter too. Time flew actually, but it drained me. I am totally shattered now, as if I had done 5 tournament rounds!

And I have a niggle: this film is PG which means Parental Guidance. To me this means as a parent you decide whether your kid is old enough to appreciate the film. It does not mean "Hey, great, free babysitter service!" There were a few babies who cried noisily, clearly not appreciating the film, and me clearly not appreciating them! Parents, think of the other cinemagoers please!

Solid 8/10 for this.

[pcRock]

I'm going to go against the majority and admit that I was slightly disappointed with the film. I thought it was way too long. Especially the beginning was too slow-passed. I prefer the original Karate Kid, but I haven't seen it in a long long time, so it's hard to compare.

I agree with the other comments that Jayden Smith is a great actor and the film is worth watching because of him. 6.5/10

[mandmc10]

And I have a niggle: this film is PG which means Parental Guidance. To me this means as a parent you decide whether your kid is old enough to appreciate the film. It does not mean "Hey, great, free babysitter service!" There were a few babies who cried noisily, clearly not appreciating the film, and me clearly not appreciating them! Parents, think of the other cinemagoers please!

PG also means suitable (and of interest) for ages 8 and over and most (all?) parents know this.... But for free screenings and cheap kids AM on weekends and school holidays they bring babies, toddlers, etc.... even if the film is unsuitable or even scary for their age. A child ticket now cost min.! 5 pounds + and even more for 3D for any new movie on weekdays or weekends. So this is to do with money... and the interests of others and even other older children are not high priority on these people's lists....
For the Toy Story 3 they will be bringing kids 2+ or may be even younger, well rested after their afternoon nap, so be prepared Beate!

[Beate]

I don't understand why the cinemas let them in, especially in free screenings where they don't lose money on it, clearly they would be entitled to enforce the "older than 8" rule! Apart from anything else, this film was so loud in places that it could easily damage a baby's hearing!