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2010-06-17 / Columns

Should I See It

Film Criticism with You In Mind. www.shouldiseeit.net

In Theaters Karate Kid Starring: Jaden Smith, Jackie Chan Director:Harald Zwalt Rating: PG Running Time: 140 Mins Release Date: June 11, 2010 Good. This should entertain you. Another remake that no one seemingly asked for, the 2010 “Karate Kid” is a film that sheds the preconceived notions it arrives with, and just simply works. While it does, in many ways, pale in comparison to the 1984 original film, Jaden Smith is a natural for the big screen and he holds his own throughout. Jackie Chan, muted as he is as a dramatic actor, succeeds in making his mentor stand apart from the iconic Mr. Miyagi from the original. Those who wish to mock the film will have plenty of ammunition. Yet…in allowing yourself to hang through a turtle-slow first 30-40 minutes, this “Karate Kid” reminds one of the best moments from the 1984 original, while making a few special moments of its own. In many ways, it is an underdog of its own accord, one which overcomes the preconceived notions levied against it by those most skeptical of its existence. In Theaters Karate Kid Starring: Jaden Smith, Jackie Chan Director:Harald Zwalt Rating: PG Running Time: 140 Mins Release Date: June 11, 2010 Good. This should entertain you. Another remake that no one seemingly asked for, the 2010 “Karate Kid” is a film that sheds the preconceived notions it arrives with, and just simply works. While it does, in many ways, pale in comparison to the 1984 original film, Jaden Smith is a natural for the big screen and he holds his own throughout. Jackie Chan, muted as he is as a dramatic actor, succeeds in making his mentor stand apart from the iconic Mr. Miyagi from the original. Those who wish to mock the film will have plenty of ammunition. Yet…in allowing yourself to hang through a turtle-slow first 30-40 minutes, this “Karate Kid” reminds one of the best moments from the 1984 original, while making a few special moments of its own. In many ways, it is an underdog of its own accord, one which overcomes the preconceived notions levied against it by those most skeptical of its existence.
on dvd Get him to the Greek Starring:Russell Brand, Jonah Hill, Sean Combs Director:Nicholas Stoller Rating: R Running Time: 109 Mins. DVD Release Date: June 4, 2010 Very Good. Worth Seeing and Well Done. As a money making idea for his record label, intern Aaron (Jonah Hill) is given 72 hours to bring down-on-his-luck rock star Aldous Snow (Russell Brand) from England, to New York for a televised performance, then to Los Angeles for a concert designed to revitalize Snow’s failed music career. Surprisingly, “Get Him To The Greek” packs many laughs and unpredictable situational humor with surprising moments of poignancy. With inspired cameos and a hilarious supporting turn from Sean “P. Diddy” Combs, “...Greek” may seem like a slapstick, audacious, dirty-minded comedy. And it is. But it is also a thoughtful, well-acted and well-written comedic fable that one would be mistaken to dismiss without a proper viewing. on dvd Get him to the Greek Starring:Russell Brand, Jonah Hill, Sean Combs Director:Nicholas Stoller Rating: R Running Time: 109 Mins. DVD Release Date: June 4, 2010 Very Good. Worth Seeing and Well Done. As a money making idea for his record label, intern Aaron (Jonah Hill) is given 72 hours to bring down-on-his-luck rock star Aldous Snow (Russell Brand) from England, to New York for a televised performance, then to Los Angeles for a concert designed to revitalize Snow’s failed music career. Surprisingly, “Get Him To The Greek” packs many laughs and unpredictable situational humor with surprising moments of poignancy. With inspired cameos and a hilarious supporting turn from Sean “P. Diddy” Combs, “...Greek” may seem like a slapstick, audacious, dirty-minded comedy. And it is. But it is also a thoughtful, well-acted and well-written comedic fable that one would be mistaken to dismiss without a proper viewing.

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