It’s hard to improve on this endearing story of underdog victory and cheesy catchphrases (“Wax on, wax off!”). New kid in town Daniel LaRusso asks Mr. Miyagi to teach him karate in order to defend himself against school bullies after a particularly gruesome beating. After months of performing banal chores around Mr. Miyagi’s apartment, Daniel eventually masters the art of karate and goes on to defeat his high school foe in a tournament. Parts II (1986) and III (1989) were forgettable at best, with the former taking the duo to Okinawa, and the latter centered around the protection of a bonsai plant. Producers sought to mix up the formula in 1994′s The Next Karate Kid with a female lead. Future Oscar winner Hilary Swank stars as Julie Pierce, an angsty, rebellious teen who prefers nursing a pigeon to fitting in with classmates. This year’s remake introduces Jaden Smith (the 11-year-old son of Will Smith and Jada Pinkett, who served as producers on the film) as Dre Parker, a Detroit transplant who, this time around, battles bullies in Beijing with Mr. Han (Jackie Chan) as his mentor.
Raiders of the Lost Ark is a certifiable classic. Temple of Doom and Last Crusade are among the best action films of the ’80s. That’s one solid trilogy right there — why bring it back? Whether out of nostalgia for the character, a desire to connect with younger audiences or just plain naked greed, Steven Spielberg and George Lucas brought Indiana out of retirement for 2008′s Indiana Jones and the Kingdom of the Crystal Skull. Unfortunately, 20 years after Last Crusade the magic was gone. Don’t blame then 65-year-old star Harrison Ford (he was fine) — instead blame a convoluted plot, miscast supporting actors and an overreliance on CGI effects that removed much of the series’ homemade charm. Spielberg and Lucas probably should have realized their mistake and ended the series right there, but Crystal Skull managed to make a lot of money. The Hollywood machine demands to be fed, so the Indy team is currently researching a script for Indiana Jones 5.
