M. Night Shyamalan to direct film with Jaden Smith

Filmmaker M. Night Shyamalan is teaming up with the Smith family for his next directorial effort. The project is currently titled "One Thousand A. E.," and it looks like Jaden Smith may star in the lead role.

Not much is known about the project at this stage, but Reuters refers to "One Thousand" as an "ultra clandestine sci-fi project." Will Smith would be producing the thing, but he will not star in the film.

Gary Whitta ("The Book of Eli") wrote the script. By the way, this has nothing to do with the Shyamalan secret project we started hearing about back in June. I hear that one died after failing to find a studio.

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'Karate Kid' sequel coming soon?

I know this post almost seems unnecessary, but what the heck. Yes, "The Karate Kid" brought in tons of moola this weekend, and that's the reason Sony is already developing a sequel to the remake.

So, that means we will most likely get to see Jaden Smith battling more bad boys while caring for his mentor and trying to hook up with a chick at the same time. I mean, what else would they shoot for?

Needless to say, Deadline New York says Sony's folks are in talks with writers to come up with the story. I'm sure they couldn't care less about quality, so I guess they're focusing on a delivery dates first.

I admit I didn't hate the "Karate Kid" remake, but I see no reason whatsoever to revisit the punching kung fu dude. Okay, maybe the kids do, but who cares? Read my review of the film right here.

Movie Review: "The Karate Kid"

Seen on: June 13, 2010

The players: Director: Harald Zwart, Writer: Christopher Murphey, Cast: Jaden Smith, Jackie Chan, Taraji P. Henson

Facts of interest: Zwart also helmed "One Night at McCool's."

The plot: Dre and his mom move to China, where is beaten to the ground and ends up learning kung fu to fight back once and for all.

Our thoughts: In the mood to watch some kids beating the hell out of each other? Then Harald Zwart’s remake of “The Karate Kid” is just the right movie for you. There is indeed a solid dose of hardcore punching and kicking in this family film, and yet viewers young and old keep clapping until the last kid on the big screen is knocked to the ground hard. Makes sense, doesn’t it?

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New 'Karate Kid' trailer is nothing special

Let me tell you this right away: I've pretty much hated the idea of a new "The Karate Kid" ever since I first heard about it. After a couple of trailers, I still haven't changed my mind, and, oh surprise, this brand-new feature preview hasn't won me over either.

The film, a remake of John G. Avildsen’s 1984 version, follows a boy (Jaden Smith) who gets his ass kicked by some mean Chinese kids and eventually learns all there is to know about karate with the help of a tough but enthusiastic mentor (Jackie Chan).

I agree this trailer boasts some decent visuals in terms of landscapes, but that's pretty much it. Tons of fighting won't do the trick anymore, and at this stage, the new "Karate Kid" looks like it lacks punch and fun. The film is set to open everywhere June 11, 2010.

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'The Karate Kid' remake gets lame trailer

Columbia Pictures decided to develop an unnecessary remake of "The Karate Kid," and a first trailer for the upcoming flick has hit the Web. See it below if you dare, because in my book, this looks lame!

The film, a remake of John G. Avildsen’s 1984 version, follows a bullied boy (Jaden Smith) who learns all there is to know about karate with the help of an enthusiastic mentor (Jackie Chan).

As you can see in this trailer, Smith fancies a chick but gets beat up by a bunch of kids, which leads to a tough training with karate master Chan, who puts on his regular show. None of this looks compelling at all.

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First 'The Karate Kid' remake images roll in

Columbia Pictures is currently making an unnecessary remake of "The Karate Kid," and the first pictures from the upcoming adventure have surface on the Web. Check out some of them above and below.

The film, a remake of John G. Avildsen’s 1984 version, follows a bullied boy (Jaden Smith) who learns all there is to know about karate with the help of an enthusiastic mentor (Jackie Chan).

The original “Karate Kid” was followed by three sequels. As terrible as this may sound, we'll probably see more remakes if this one ends up scoring big at the box office. I hope that won't happen though.

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Jaden Smith is the new ‘Karate Kid’

Jaden Smith will topline Coumbia’s new version of John G. Avildsen’s 1984 hit movie “The Karate Kid.”

Chris Murphy is writing the remake. Variety says the film will borrow from the original, in which a bullied boy learns all there is to know about karate with the help of an enthusiastic mentor.

Jaden last starred alongside his father Will Smith in “The Pursuit of Happyness.” He can next be seen in “The Day the Earth Stood Still.”

The original “Karate Kid” was followed by three sequels, which I hope we won’t have to experience with the launch of this updated version.

Being already sick and tired of many of these remakes, this is certainly the last thing I need. This and the unnecessary “Beverly Hills Ninja 2.”