'The Karate Kid'

Release Date: June 11
Starring: Jaden Smith, Jackie Chan

“The Karate Kid” was an underdog story for the ages. Kid gets picked on, kid finds wise mentor, kid teaches bullies a lesson. And what an entirely different movie it would have been had it starred anyone but the baby-faced, widely unknown Ralph Macchio.

Twenty-six years later, Hollywood is recapturing that zero-to-hero spirit with none other than ... Will Smith’s kid?

Of all the remakes coming out this year, this one might be the most curious. Remaking a movie like “Karate Kid” is risky because its fans hold dear its authenticity and honest approach to telling a story of ass-kicking without a Stallone or a Schwarzenegger. This story has no need for Hollywood flair. It would be like “Precious” being remade in 20 years starring Apple Paltrow.

As for Jackie Chan — why not? This seems like the only serious role that he could ever be a fit for, and I have no problem with someone of his celebrity honoring the late Pat Morita, who played lovable and iconic mentor Mr. Miyagi in the original.

HYPE: 8
EXPECTED QUALITY: 4