The Karate Kid

Martial Media, Culture and Other Arts Martial Media and Popular Culture
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[QUOTE=doug maverick;802252]american idol and all that crap appeals to young girl but not to young boys my man, whats popular with young boys today is still martial arts all the popular japanese anime and even american anime have proved it, and if this movie gets made(which i kinda hope it does) there’s gonna be another surge of kids running to take martial arts lessons. you sound out of touch man, is all the hollywood bullsh!t getting to you???;)[/QUOTE]

Generalizations abound…makes me wonder how they get so many votes on AI. The target demographic seems to be more than just young girls…(I know quite a few who aren’t interested in such things).

Isn’t the term “American Anime” an oxymoron? Certain terms should just not be lumped together…

I’ve got no problems with Will Smith or Jaden but this doesn’t seem to be a good idea. I myself don’t see a surge of new martial arts practicioners. He can make whatever movie he wants. But will it be accepted by all the self proclaimed movie critics? It will definitely have a different “attitude” than the original. Not only are you changing the actor but he is only nine. Someone at the high school age would be more appropriate, especially if they are going to have a girlfriend on set (to make things believable).

He replaced a ‘white guy’ in I Am Legend novel but the movie still seemed to do well.

**Elizabeth Shue, was so cute in her role. Probably going to get some attractive newcomer actress to fill the role of the gf…

62

well considering anime is a style of cartoon, if its drawn by americans it becomes american anime. lol, as for the film who knows we’ll see

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[QUOTE=doug maverick;861433]well considering anime is a style of cartoon, if its drawn by americans it becomes american anime.

    Anime is actually a term used to describe animation from a certain place. You should probably already know this; obviously 'anime' is a french word that is used by Japanese to describe animation in general. When other people (non-Japanese) say anime, they usually are just talking about cartoons that were conceived of and/or created in Japan. IOW, their unique way of animation. When Japanese use their term, they mean it to encompass all animation styles.
    A bunch of contempo cartoons exhibit the "style" of anime or try to emulate its uniqueness but that is all that they are, imitations of the original style.
    Like i said, probably something you were already aware of but might have just forgot due to the frenzy of posting on topics that you feel passionate about.

Take care.

lol, as for the film who knows we’ll see

Funny to hear that. There are those here who have already passed judgment on this movie…[/QUOTE]

…

64

Return of Daniel-san

I couldn’t resist posting this one. Ralph has been in the where-are-they-now file for some time…

The Karate Kid to star in Ugly Betty
Ralph Macchio to play city official in hit show
Wednesday, 24 September 2008

The Karate Kid is to make a comeback – in the new series of Ugly Betty.

Ralph Macchio, who has been out of the limelight since starring in the hit martial arts films, is lined up to do a guest appearance as city official Archie Rodriguez.

The actor won an army of fans playing Daniel LaRusso when the movie was released in 1984.

Ralph, 46, will be seen on screen in the US at the end of October.

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All right!

I don’t watch Ugly Betty…I tried but couldn’t stand it…but good for Ralph on getting on a rather popular show.

No one who watched Karate Kid for good action (even as a kid I was making fun of the action) but I loved the actors, 80’s music, and the story was done well enough.

I definitely identified as the outcast kid…the only thing I can’t relate to is winning the tournament and getting the girl…I think I’ve said too much now.

66

46 years old?
****…I loved the Miyagi character other than that, not much was any good.
Sure the Sato one was a walking stereotype, Reese was hilarious and the Pony-Tail TKD guy in the 3rd was a walking cliche.
It was all good people !

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46 got me too!

He’s probably still baby-faced tho.

Ugly Betty isn’t nearly as good as Yo Soy Betty La Fea. Telenovelas are hot. Even with Vanessa Williams, Ugly Betty can’t match the original.

68

hey was on an ep of entourage. while he’s not baby faced anymore he doesn’t look a man who is four years away from being 50.

69

Not new…

…but fresh.

Will Smith’s son Jaden Smith to be new “Karate Kid”

Jadensmith Will Smith’s showbiz dynasty is taking over Hollywood.

Jaden Smith starred with his doting dad in “The Pursuit of Happyness” and he’s also in the new sci-fi remake of “The Day the Earth Stood Still.”

Now he’s putting on his brown belt for another remake. This time, it’s an updated version of the 1984 film, “The Karate Kid.”

And it turns out the role is tailor- made for him: He’s already into martial arts!

Variety says the new KK will shoot in Beijing and other international cities.

But don’t worry.

The plot will probably still be “Only the ‘Old One’ could teach him the secrets of the masters.” And “He taught him the secret to karate lies in the mind and heart. Not in the hands.”

Thankfully.

It would be horrible if they tried a new plot.

Wonder who will play the late Pat Morita’s mentor role? Any suggestions?

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What does everyone think about casting Gordon Liu as the new version of Miyagi?

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I dont know about the new Karate Kid movie, but my personal childhood favorite is supposedly getting re-made: The Last Dragon. The only details I know is that Samuel L. Jackson is playing Sho’nuf and that Taimak will not be in the movie (neither will Vanity, I’m assuming).

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The source

I chased down the Variety article that was posted on Mon., Nov. 10, 2008, 9:00pm PT, which was spawned the Envelope blog above. The Variety is more informative.

Jaden Smith set for ‘Karate Kid’ redo
Columbia taps Chris Murphy to write script
By MICHAEL FLEMING

Columbia Pictures is back in the dojo with a new version of the 1984 hit “The Karate Kid,” which has been refashioned as a star vehicle for Jaden Smith.

The film will be produced by Jerry Weintraub (who launched the original franchise) and Overbrook Entertainment’s James Lassiter, Will Smith and Ken Stovitz. Will Smith, who is the 10-year-old actor’s father, co-starred alongside Jaden in his feature debut, “The Pursuit of Happyness,” which Overbrook and Escape Artists produced for Columbia.

The script is being written by Chris Murphy, and the film will shoot next year in Beijing and other cities. While the new film will be set in that exotic locale, it will borrow elements of the original plot, wherein a bullied youth learns to stand up for himself with the help of an eccentric mentor.

China Film Group Corp. will co-produce in China.

The younger Smith, who next stars in “The Day the Earth Stood Still,” is a martial arts practitioner.

Columbia presidents Doug Belgrad and Matt Tolmach said they had been trying to find a way to bring back the series, which began with three films that featured Ralph Macchio and Pat Morita. A subsequent film launched the career of Hilary Swank.

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more scuttlebutt

Jackie sort of works for me for Miyagi, even though he’s Chinese. If they plan on reworking it significantly, I could see it. But if they are relocating the story to China, shouldn’t it be the Kung Fu Kid? :rolleyes:

Jackie Chan circles ‘Karate Kid’ remake
Harald Zwart brought in to direct Columbia pic
By Steven Zeitchik and Borys Kit
Jan 13, 2009, 07:06 PM ET

Jackie Chan soon could be mentoring a karate kid.

The martial arts star is in negotiations to star in Columbia’s remake of “The Karate Kid.” He would take on the role of mentor Mr. Miyagi, made famous by Pat Morita in the original franchise.

The studio also has signed Harald Zwart to helm the picture, which possibly will begin shooting this year in Beijing.

Jaden Smith is set to star as the boy to be mentored by Chan’s character. Like the original, which starred Morita and Ralph Macchio, the movie will examine the relationship between a martial arts expert and a boy who is picked on by bullies.

Will Smith, James Lassiter and Ken Stovitz’s Overbrook Entertainment is producing along with the original film’s producer Jerry Weintraub. The setting will be relocated from the U.S. to China. Chris Murphy has been attached to pen the screenplay.

The WMA-repped Chan, who next appears in Relativity’s action-comedy “The Spy Next Door,” has broad appeal overseas, which undoubtedly appealed to Columbia. His “Rush Hour” franchise has earned about $750 million worldwide.

The ICM-repped Zwart directed the tween hit “Agent Cody Banks” and Columbia’s upcoming “The Pink Panther 2.”

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That’s what I thought!

I heard that rumour about Jackie being Mr Miyagi and I thought how could it be the karate kid if Mr. Miyagi is from China. He probably wouldn’t be named Miyagi, either. I’m sure the producers are saying just don’t worry about it.

Some of our pundits on the radio didn’t think Jackie would have the gravitas to play him, either. Maybe they need to see more JC movies. Or maybe they should reflect on the fact that Mr Miyagi started off as Arnold on Happy Days.

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I wish they would leave this movie alone. I Know the martial arts schools probabley need the boost in enrollments but they should think of another martial arts movie. If they do make it Jackie would be good Mr. Miyagi but the focus should be on kung fu.

76

ralph machio was excellent in my cousin vinny. how could they forget those yuthe’s.

77

You know, I think of Ralph Macchio as Johnny from the Outsiders way more than I remember him for Daniel-san. I’ve seen The Outsiders more, and I like it better.

“Let’s do it for Johnny!”

78

not really relevant

But a cute pic…

Hi-ya! Suri Cruise plays karate kid on a chilly New York day out with mother Katie Holmes
By Daily Mail Reporter
Last updated at 12:08 PM on 19th January 2009

She may be only a few months away from her third birthday, but Suri Cruise is already proving quite the skilled youngster.

The toddler was spotted showing off her karate skills as she took a walk with her mum Katie Holmes on the streets of New York yesterday.

As the former Dawson’s Creek actress kept a watchful eye on her daughter, the little girl stretched out her growing limbs as she performed a high karate kick on the streets of Manhattan’s trendy East Village.

Karate kid: Suri Cruise does a karate kick as she walks with mother Katie Holmes down the streets of New York’s East Village

Despite the chilly winter weather, which hovered around zero degrees yesterday, determined Suri looked happy without a coat as she larked around in her brown velvet dress and leggings.

The toddler was also wearing her trademark style staple - buckled ballet pumps.

As Suri practised her martial arts along the street, her 30-year-old mother had her hands full carrying her designer handbag, a Paddington Bear teddy and a £140 My Little Travelwrap cashmere blanket.

Under Mummy’s watch: Katie looks in delight as her daughter keeps herself entertained

Even though Katie’s Broadway run ended over a week ago, the actress is yet to move back to Beverly Hills, where she has a mansion with husband Tom Cruise.

She flew back to Los Angeles briefly a week ago to join her spouse at the Golden Globe after-parties, before returning to the Big Apple.

Suri has been living in New York City since September after temporarily relocating with her mother while Katie starred in the Broadway production of All My Sons.

The toddler’s daily appearances on the streets of Manhattan made her a tabloid favourite and she was recently voted most influential celebrity offspring in a poll.

2009 is set to be a low-key year for Katie, who has no film roles lined up after her role in crime caper Mad Money last year.

No doubt, Katie will be planning a special celebration for Suri’s third birthday on April 18 - which also marks the fourth anniversary of Katie and Tom’s first date.

Meanwhile, husband Tom is set to start filming new comedy drama called Men in the next few months after he is finished promoting his latest release Valkyrie.

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Macchio returns from the ‘where are they now?’ zone

Macchio’s comments won’t trump Will Smith.

Macchio: ‘Karate Kid’ shouldn’t be remade
Wednesday, January 21 2009, 06:48 EST
By Simon Reynolds, Entertainment Reporter

Karate Kid star Ralph Macchio has objected to the proposed remake of his '80s martial arts movie.

Speaking to MTV, Macchio confessed that he was happy to see the new version being met with a cool reception by fans of the original.

“It feels pretty good that some people are pretty angry that they’re trying to remake The Karate Kid,” he said. “It feels good that the public feels you don’t touch certain things. Some times you go back to that, and probably shouldn’t.”

Macchio starred in 1984’s The Karate Kid and two sequels before handing over the franchise’s title role to Hilary Swank.

The 47-year-old claimed that replacing the late Pat Morita as karate mentor Mr Miyagi will be the biggest challenge the remake faces.

“From my personal view, the filling the void of what Mr. Miyagi was - and the magic of that character - is going to be the toughest task,” he commented.

Jaden Smith will lead the cast of the new Karate Kid with Jackie Chan in the Miyagi role. The Pink Panther 2’s Harald Zwart is directing, with Will Smith on board in a producer capacity.

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Great Directing choice

At least Harold Zwart of Pink Panther 2 fame is directing. It must be quality. I know. I know. Judging before seeing is bad.