The Karate Kid

The Karate Kid has built a real following in Australia on Sony Pictures Core Amazon Channel, and in the US on Netflix among viewers who do not usually seek out animation. It says what it needs to say in one sitting, no filler. With 6,618 viewer ratings on TMDB, this is not a title flying under the radar. Watch it in order — the character development is cumulative. Put it on tonight on Sony Pictures Core Amazon Channel and see for yourself.

Whatever else is competing for your attention this week, The Karate Kid is worth clearing space for. Visually distinctive and narratively ambitious, The Karate Kid operates well above the genre average. 12-year-old Dre Parker could've been the most popular kid in Detroit, but his mother's latest career move has landed him in China. Dre immediately falls for his classmate Mei Ying but the cultural differences make such a friendship impossible. Even worse, Dre's feelings make him an enemy of the class bully, Cheng. Jaden Smith and Jackie Chan bring more to it than the format typically demands. It was released in 2010. The visual gags in The Karate Kid reward close attention without ever depending on it. It knows exactly what it is, and does not try to be anything else.

If you have been sleeping on The Karate Kid because of the format, the format is not the issue here. If you have run out of similar titles to watch, this is a strong next pick. The complete film is available and best experienced without too much prior knowledge of where it goes. Jaden Smith brings more to the role than the format usually demands. A harder one to justify skipping than to start.