From M. Night Shyamalan, After Earth tells the story of a father and son who crash land on a planet where everything has evolved to kill humans. As the older Smith’s General Cypher Raige sits dying in the ship’s cockpit, his son Kitai must venture into the strange world to recover the ship’s rescue beacon, with only his swag to protect him. At least the marketing team stepped in and revealed the Shyamalan’s obvious twist that the pair have crash-landed on Earth in the trailer. Now we’re just left to wonder which Smith will awkwardly rap about the film’s plot on the movie’s soundtrack.

To summarize, Jaden Smith is number two.

There was also this promo video, which lays out the alternate history that will be explored in the movie. There’s not any actual footage from the movie or any looks at the cast, but it’s pretty cool. I’ll go on the record and say this is the best Facebook-themed movie teaser since The Social Network. (The Playlist)

Are Will and Jaden Smith the most successful father-son acting duo of all time? Not, yet, but sadly, it won’t be that hard for them to claim the title. If their latest collaboration with M. Night Shyamalan does well, they’ll already have two successful films under their belt, which is more than most father-son acting teams can say. And considering that Jaden is only four years old (estimated), odds are we will be forced to endure this family for years to come.

But with all the famous Hollywood families that are out there, surely someone must be giving the Smith’s a run for their money. Not really. Take a look for yourself.

Peter and Henry Fonda

Jane and Henry Fonda starred in On Golden Pond, a film that has gone down as a classic. But what about Peter and Henry? Well, they both starred in Wanda Nevada (and by starred, I mean Henry had a bit part). Ever heard of it? I thought not.

Jake and Gary Busey

Gary Busey is the greatest actor of his, or any, generation. And Jake Busey is the greatest actor who also happens to be Gary Busey’s son. Together, they’d make at unstoppable on-screen pair. Unfortunately, they haven’t done much, other than Straight Time, co-starring Dustin Hoffman and Kathy Bates. Jesus, look at Jake’s head in that picture. Are motorcycle-accident injuries hereditary?

Scott and James Caan

James Caan was in The Godfather. What else do I have to say? His son Scott was in Ocean’s 11, which is what it is. Together, they were in Mercy. I’m not saying it’s a bad film, mainly because I’ll never know. At any rate, I think Will and Jaden are safe from this father-son pairing.

Adam and Alan Arkin

Alan Arkin won an Oscar for his role in Little Miss Sunshine. Somehow, he wasn’t even nominated for his role in Full Moon High, which co-starred his son Adam as a teenager who turns into a werewolf. No, this isn’t Teen Wolf, but it did come out first, which leads me to beleive that Michael J. Fox probably isn’t too popular at the Arkin household.

Cameron, Michael and Kirk Douglas

Michael, Kirk, and Cameron Douglas all starred together in the film, It Runs in the Family. It was so awful that Cameron was sent to prison for his involvement. It’s true. Look it up.

Jeff, Beau, and Llyod Bridges

Jeff and Llyod Bridges actually co-starred in some respectable films, including Tucker. Beau and Lloyd were both in the film Daddy, which, based on the title alone, I’m going to say is horrible. Unfortunately, now that Lloyd is dead, they don’t have a chance against the Smiths.

Ben and Jerry Stiller

It might not have made as much money as a Will Smith film, but at least the Stillers can hold their heads up high for the comedy, Zoolander. Not too high, though. It’s still a pretty stupid movie.

Keifer and Donald Sutherland

Does the name Max Dugan mean anything to you? I’m guessing not, which doesn’t bode well for Keifer and Donald Sutherland. It was Keifer’s first film, and Donald’s 347th (estimated). The two later co-starred in A Time to Kill, which isn’t horrible. Maybe if they throw Donald a bone and cast him in the rumored 24 film we can get something going.

Emilio Estevez, Charlie and Martin Sheen

Last but not least, we have Martin Sheen to save the day. Yes, he was in Emilo’s film, Bobby, and the two also co-starred in The Way. But luckily, both Charlie and Martin were in Wall Street, an Oscar winning classic. Something tells me M. Night’s next film isn’t going to take home any statues. Suck on it, Smiths!

The film focuses on Jaden landing a spaceship on an abandoned planet. And the spaceship contains his estranged father. Expect to see lots of that one Will Smith technique where he’s yelling at his son cause he’s angry, but he’s crying because he just loves him so damn much.

Not much else has been disclosed about the project, but everyone should feel comfortable forming an unwavering opinion on this project just based on the participation of Shyamalan and Will Smith & Son. The collaboration promises that ham-fisted moments shared by the Smiths will be given further heavy-handed treatment courtesy of M. Night’s deft touch.

Some possible twists:

• Jaden Smith is Mark Wahlberg
• The abandoned planet is a metaphor for the outskirts of Philly (Try to flex on M. Night? Dont be silly!)
• Jaden Smith is made out of people! PEOPLE!
• The rotted corpse of Alfonso Ribiero floats slowly by the space craft. (No explanation given)
• They end up on a planet where parents DO understand. A heartfelt moment is shared between father and son.
• The spaceship is actually flown by John Travolta. Coincidentally, young Jaden goes missing somewhere on the ship, only to be found later having been subjected to an unspeakable trauma.
• The movie turns out to be good.

(Deadline)

Rumor has it that Will Smith is working on the screenplay for Men In Black 3. Frankly, we’re just giddy at the thought of the man who wrote “Gettin’ Jiggy Wit It” transferring his writing prowess to the big screen. Who knows what wondrous surprises are in store for film goers? Actually, we do. Here are 10 possible surprises in Will Smith’s upcoming Men In Black 3 screenplay.

10. Zach Galifianakis and Betty White are shoehorned into the story as the “fat bearded alien” and the “old lady alien,” respectively.

9. The script is peppered with no-less than 14 references to I, Robot that will be understood by less than 1% of the audience.

8. The script contains an extended sequence in which a drunken Rip Torn tries to break into a bank.

7. Instead of aliens, the MIB now protect us from sexy, homoerotic vampires.

6. Agent J is now accompanied at all times by a dorky, sweater-wearing robot named Carltron Banksbot and a jive-talking green sidekick named Martian Lawrence.

5. Smith’s children, Jaden and Willow will play the aliens Egotron and Vanity, Twin Emperors of the planet Narcissist.

4. Agent J travels back in time to warn his mom and dad about the threat of an alien assassin. Unfortunately, his parents just don’t understand.

3. It is revealed that aliens have been visiting earth since the first “Willenium.”

2. Tommy Lee Jones has been completely written out of the script because Smith found his character to be “too old.”

1. It’s discovered that the only way to bring the invading aliens down is by whipping one’s hair back and forth.

Special thanks to Penn Collins and Wookiee Johnson!

If the recent Ted Williams fiasco taught us anything, it’s that people are fascinated by hobos. And it’s easy to see why. After all, they’re a perplexing bunch. What drove these vagabonds to a life on the street? How do they manage to survive? Do they know they smell like urine? Could it happen to me?

Perhaps this fascination explains the buzz around the new film, Hobo with a Shotgun. Based on the Grindhouse trailer of the same name, the film tells the story of a homeless man who becomes a gun wielding vigilante hellbent on saving the very society that abandoned him. People love an underdog story, and there’s no bigger underdog than a hob fighting his way to the top one shell at a time.

But the film’s titular hobo is far from the first. From Hollywood’s earliest days, down and out characters found their way to the silver screen. Here are 9 other hobos you might recognize (sans shotguns).

George and Lennie – Of Mice and Men (1992)

The term hobo has become synonymous with words like “homeless” and “bum.” But that wasn’t always the case. Back in the early 20th century, a hobo was a poor migrant worker who went from place to place seeking work. This stood in sharp contrast to a bum or a beggar, who would rather take a hand out than make an honest living. So as a shout out to all the real hobos out there, I’ve included George and Lennie, the two famous hobos from Of Mice and Men. I’m keeping it real.

The Little Tramp – City Lights (1931)

One of the earliest and most beloved cinematic characters is Charlie Chaplin’s Little Tramp. Widely considered the most iconic character of the silent film era, the Tramp appeared in numerous shorts and features. Audiences could easily relate to a man on the fringe of society who managed to maintain his dignity and good humor despite overwhelming odds. He was also sympathetic because unlike most tramps, Chaplin’s character didn’t tend to get high on crack cocaine and urinate in apartment lobbies.

Goddard Bolt – Life Stinks (1991)

Chaplin wasn’t the only comedic genius to take interest in a homeless character. Mel Brooks also took up the theme with his 1991 film, Life Stinks. However, unlike The Tramp, Brooks played Goddard Bolt, a wealthy CEO who agrees to go homeless for 30 days in order to win a bet. As you’d expect, Bolt gets more than he bargained for, and realizes that life on the streets is far worse than he had imagined. But as you wouldn’t expect, he somehow avoids getting beaten to death by his fellow vagrants.

Bum – UHF (1989)

As long as we’re dealing with comedic geniuses like Brooks and Chaplin, I think I should throw Weird Al Yankovic into the mix. While the homeless character from his 1989 film UHF might not have much going for him in the name department (he’s credited as “Bum”), he’s certainly a key element to the plot. Plus, unlike most hobos, when this bum asks for change, he’s only trying to break a dollar.

Billy Ray Valentine – Trading Places (1983)

Can a down and out homeless man be successfully integrated into high society? Clearly not. Just ask Ted Williams. But Hollywood disagrees. For example, in Trading Places, two millionaires (Duke and Duke) decide to put the nature vs. nurture debate to the test by framing another millionaire, reducing him to vagrancy, and then replacing him with a hobo named Billy Ray Valentine. As it turns out, life as a street hustler is not that different from a life in high finance.

Jerry Baskin – Down and Out in Beverly Hills (1986)

When hobo Jerry Baskin decides to end his life, he heads for the closest swimming pool he can find and tries to drown himself. However, the home’s wealthy owner saves the vagrant, and decides to let Jerry stay at the house until he can get back on his feet. I forget how it ends, but I assume Jerry rapes and murders the wealthy man’s family, and then wears their skin as a suit.

Ratso Rizzo/Joe Buck – Midnight Cowboy (1969)

Contrary to what the previous films on this list may have led you to believe, being a hobo isn’t all shits and giggles. In fact, if Midnight Cowboy is to be believed, it’s got a lot more to do with having gay sex for money and dying a slow, painful death. Who knew?

Parry – The Fisher King (1991)

What I took away from The Fisher King is that if you’re going to be homeless, you might as well have some fun with it. That’s what Parry does. Instead of facing the real world, he pretends to be a gallant knight fighting dragons and storming castles. Some people would call him a paranoid schizophrenic, but those people simply lack imagination!

Chris and Christopher Gardner – The Pursuit of Happyness (2006)

In The Pursuit of Happyness, Will and Jaden Smith play a real-life father and son who survive by living in a subway while trying to make ends meet. While I was happy that the characters found a happy ending, from time to time, I still find myself wishing that both Will and Jaden Smith were actually homeless.

Honorable Mention -”The Simpsons” (Various Hobos)
Through the years, “The Simpsons” has featured many a hobo. But we think this clip does a nice job representing them all.

An excited Doug Belgrad, president of Columbia Pictures, seems eager to begin work on the new Annie:

“The time is right to bring back ANNIE to the big screen. Of course, we’re true believers in Willow‘s talent and believe she will be perfect in this role.”Combining Willow with the Overbrook team that reimagined Karate Kid and the spectacular JAY-Z makes this a dream project.  A decade ago, JAY-Z proved that the power of the underlying Broadway property remains, by showing how these songs could be reinterpreted for a new generation with Hard-Knock Life. We couldn’t be more thrilled to be working with our friends at Overbrook as they launch this new venture.”

This new partnership could be gigantic for all parties involved, especially Smith’s children, Willow and Jaden. Until they reach adolescence, they’ll be able to act in remakes of beloved family classics for years to come. I know I’m looking forward to new versions of Goonies, Rookie of the Year, Babes In Toyland, Home Alone, and of course, Sharkboy and Lavagirl in 3D. (Deadline)

Everyone knows that Jaden Smith has the power to resurrect classic 80′s movie franchises. But the young actor also has an amazing psychic ability to communicate with the dead. And it seems the young star is putting his talent to good use by reaching out to the directing career of M. Night Shyamalan, which passed away earlier this year after the premiere of The Last Airbender.

According to The Hollywood Reporter’s Heat Vision Blog M. Night Shyamalan‘s next project will be the super secretive sci-fi flick that goes by the name of One Thousand A.E.. While details are scarce at the moment we do know that the flick is being developed as a vehicle for Jaden Smith.

I’m sure Shyamalan is hard at work developing a twist for the film’s ending. And I hate to break it to him, but whatever he comes up with will pale in comparison to the shocking revelation I’m about to unleash. Jaden Smith’s real father is DJ Jazzy Jeff! (Dread Central)

_{Too easy.}

Did you like the Karate Kid remake? Did you like Kung Fu Panda? Then you’re going to love the Karate Kid sequel. Why? Because you’re obviously ten-years old and you’ll like anything they put in front of you. I’ll tell you who "they" are when you’re older.

But you’ll also like the Karate Kid sequel because the screenwriters for Kung Fu Panda, Cyrus Voris and Ethan Reiff, have been hired to write the script. Of course, by the time the film comes out in 2013, you’ll have already hit puberty, which means maybe you’ll have grown out of children’s movies. But if you’re anything like me, you’ll retreat back to your childhood once Cindy Johnson rejects you in front of the entire biology class and makes you the laughing stock of the whole school. (Empire)

The Karate Kid raked in 56 million dollars at the domestic box office this weekend, pretty much guaranteeing that Hollywood is about to go apesh*t with family-friendly 80s remakes. No one’s certain if it’s Jaden Smith‘s charisma, Jackie Chan’s broken English, or the subject matter that attracted audiences, but one thing’s for certain: Jackie Chan seriously hates karate kids. You’d assume he’d have more patience with them considering he’s a master of the art form they’re learning, but no, he just wants to jam his foot in their faces. Don’t take my word for it though.

Watch the manipulative/cleverly edited video below.

(/Film)

The Karate Kid
PG, 140min., 2010
Cast: Jaden Smith, Taraji P. Henson, Rongguang Yu, and Jackie Chan
Directed by Harald Zwart
Screenplay by Christopher Murphy based upon the 1980s movie of the same name.
 
The Karate Kid is as epic as a kid’s movie can come, yet falls into the same pitfalls of most prequels/sequels/remakes.
 
As the overlong prologue begins, we meet 12-year-old Dre Parker of Detroit (Jaden Smith, a rail thin swagger type like his parents, Will Smith and Jada Pinkett Smith) who with his Mom (the great and underused actress Taraji P. Henson) move to Beijing, China. Once they arrive, Dre makes new enemies with a bullying martial arts gang, gets beaten to a pulp on the school’s  playground, meets his first girlfriend, and learns the art of Kung-Fu by way of the local hermit Mr. Han (Jackie Chan in surprisingly great dramatic role).

More after the jump…

Ironically nobody got the memo about changing the title of the movie, since Smith is learning kung-fu, an ancient Chinese martial art and karate is a Japanese one.
 
The story is the same as the 1984 classic, only brighter, more expensive, and more exotic with the Great Walls of mainland China replacing the beaches of Southern California, where the kids are younger and more innocent, but five times deadlier than before, and some of the action scenes are quite tense and believable.
 
While most of the movie is pure bubble gum and gears towards kids 13 and under (the movies theme song is sung by Jaden Smith and the ever annoying Justin Bieber), the now grown adults who remember the original might get a sly kick out of seeing a series of nods to it. The best is the new Cobra Kai leader being played by Rongguang Yu of Iron Monkey fame.
 
Chan’s performance as Mr. Han holds the movie together. Through all of its sweeping shots of China and kid training montages, he gives a quiet and powerful performance that in one moment really tugs at your heart – it’s always tough to see a favorite action hero cry.  This may come as a surprise to many stateside audiences as we’ve seen him do more of his comedic action stick, but in the Hong Kong cinema he has played all types of characters. Chan is an actor who shows that he can be as dramatic as he is glowingly funny.
 
If this movie was a little more serious and adult-themed like the original, Chan would be looking at a possible nomination like Pat Morita before him.
 
The Karate Kid works for those kids who couldn’t get into Kick-Ass because of it’s R-rating, but for the rest of audience – unless you have a soft spot for Chan – you’ll be knocked into another seen-it-before remake.
 
Grade: C
 

_{Jaden Smith is better than you at life.}

Sony has released the final trailer for The Karate Kid reboot starring Jackie Chan and Jaden Smith. The film, which premieres this weekend, looks pretty good, provided you can overlook two annoying flaws.

I’m sure I’m not the first to point out that the film lacks any actual karate, which is from Japan, and instead focuses on kung-fu, which is from China. It’s like remaking Eight Men Out, but having them play Cricket, or remaking Squirt Woman 2 and having it focus on "water sports." There’s a big difference.

The second barrier to enjoying the film is Jaden Smith. Based on the trailer, he seems like he might be a decent actor. But the fact that a 12-year-old kid will probably nail more women this weekend than I will in my entire life makes it hard for me to concentrate. Instead of focusing on the kung-fu, I just keep tracing the veins in my wrist with the corner of my debit card over and over again.  Weird, huh? (First Showing)

Enjoy the last Karate Kid trailer after the jump.

^{"I just go where they tell me to."}

The biggest problem I have with The Karate Kid remake isn’t the casting or the performances but the premise. In the second trailer, we see Jaden Smith uprooted 11,000 miles away from home and forced to adjust to life on the rough and tumble streets of Beijing. I’m sorry but I refuse to believe that China is worse than Detroit. If you’ve ever been to Michigan, you know it looks like the aftermath of a zombie war. In China, the only real menace is subway overcrowding.

All that withstanding, I can see this movie doing well. Jaden Smith’s smugness is played down and Jackie Chan works as the grizzled mentor. Also, a monk threatens to bitchslap a cobra. The only thing that doesn’t work for me are the "humorous" moments. I mean, c’mon. Is this a remake of The Karate Kid or Rush Hour 2?

WATCH JACKIE CHAN BEAT CHILDREN AFTER THE JUMP…

The Karate Kid Theatrical Trailer – Watch more Movie Trailers

Now, this is a trailer all about how I learned to karate kick and flip upside down. If you’d like to take a minute and hear about this thing, I’ll tell you how I became the only black kid in Beijing. My moms moved to China and that really sucked. In the playground, getting my ass beat up. I talked to one Asian girl and then I’m like, "Damn! Did Jackie Chan just break off that kid’s hand?" (via Yahoo)

Somehow Dre-son doesn’t have the same ring to it as Daniel-son. And as you can tell from the above photo of The Karate Kid remake/re"imagining," it doesn’t have the same look either. They must have photoshopped out the Hollywood producers giving each other congratulatory spanks on the ass.

Apparently, Jaden Smith trained every day for four months with the film’s fight coordinator Master Wu, and they filmed a scene atop the Great Wall of China. Most likely his dad Will Smith, the guy from the Bad Boys movies, was with him every step of the way shouting, "Wax on, wax off, Jaden-son!" then giggling uncontrolably into the palm of his hand.

Check out more pics of what’s sure to be another slaughter of my fond childhood memories after the jump.

(via /Film)

Cast: Jaden Smith, Jackie Chan

Synopsis: Dre, a skateboarding video game buff who is forced to move to China after his single mother is forced to transfer to the China for work. Of course, unable to speak Chinese, Dre finds it hard to settle in, and gets beat up by the local bully. Mr. Han (the Mr. Miyagi character), a maintenance man who spots Dre’s black-eye and offers to teach him both martial arts and Chinese, so he can defend against the students of Li Quan Ha’ Fighting dragon school of Kung-Fu.